Course+Syllabus

The purpose of English 10 is to provide students with many opportunities to improve their reading, writing, speaking, listening, and critical thinking skills through the study of language and literature. We will read novels, plays, short stories, autobiographies, letters, poems, essays and speeches by writers from all over the world. Through these works of literature we will explore such themes as coming of age, transition and change, race and culture, and the individual versus society. We will discuss, analyze, and extend these themes through group assignments, debates, essays, presentations, speeches, and projects. I am confident that if we work together, we will motivate, inspire, and learn from one another.
 * Course Overview:**

☞ A notebook and/or folder ☞ Writing utensils ☞ Your Macbook Pro ☞ An open mind and positive attitude
 * Required Materials: (Bring these to class EVERYDAY)**

In this class, we will not just be reading the words on the paper- we will be making meaning out of them. As a class and individually, we will THINK, RESPOND, DISCUSS, QUESTION, EXPLORE, AND SYNTHESIZE. We will often be using our laptops or journals to record our thoughts in and out of class on our reading. These writings will give us the chance to reflect, question, and freely express our thoughts on the following works:
 * Active Reading:**

• //A Raisin in the Sun// by Lorraine Hansberry • //Othello// by William Shakespeare • //The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime// by Mark Haddon • Selected Reading Olympics novel • Selected “Coming of Age” novel (//The Catcher in the Rye, The Secret Life of Bees, Looking for Alaska, The Color of Water//) • Selected Short Stories • Selected Poetry

Writing helps us develop and explore ideas. This year, we will write in a variety of genres and forms, including journal entries, stories, essays, poems, letters, and more. Writing is a process that requires effectively communicating our thoughts to others. It requires both practice and revision. Although it would be easier if we could all communicate with grace in our first drafts, we cannot always do that. You will often write at least two drafts of a formal writing assignment before handing it in. Additionally, we will hold peer-editing conferences throughout the year as a part of the editing process. Papers will vary in point value depending on the difficulty and length of the assignment. However, ALL final drafts must be typed, double-spaced, and in 12 point font unless told otherwise.
 * Writing:**

Every year of your high school career, you will complete a major research assignment. As a sophomore, you will complete the Reading Olympics Project. This research assignment lends itself to choice and freedom. Over the course of 4-6 weeks, you will read a novel from the 2010 Reading Olympics list, facilitate short class discussions about it, research background information on the story and the author, and search for current events sharing the same critical issues as your novel. Ultimately, you will use your novel as the basis of an informative speech. This project will teach you research and basic public speaking skills that you will continue to utilize throughout your high school career.
 * Research:**

Managing your workload can be a challenge to anyone. Keep yourself organized by: ★ Using your iCal to record all homework assignments and due dates. ★ Starting early - Don’t wait until the last minute to complete major assignments. ★ Setting aside a time and a place to complete homework each night. ★ Studying for tests by discussing the material with a parent, sibling, or friend. ★ Approaching your teachers for help when you need it. That is why we are here!
 * A Word about Study Skills:**

• Just Be Nice: The Golden Rule. • Be prepared. • Ask questions- early and often.
 * Class Expectations:**

• Assignments will be posted on the iCal. It is your responsibility to check the calendar and add daily assignments to keep current with class work. • If you are absent, check iCal, call a friend from class, and see me when you return. You will have one day to complete homework for each day that you are absent.
 * Assignments:**
 * You can subscribe to iCal by going to the following link:

• Always given at my discretion and is not to be taken for granted. • You must have given sincere effort throughout the lesson. • You must submit a plan of study that will enable you to improve your performance the second time around. • You must submit the original with the redone version to keep track of your development.
 * Guidelines for Allowing Students to Redo Assignments, Projects, and Tests for Full Credit:**

• The Apple MacBook laptop and sleeve are the property of the Upper Merion Area School District. • You are responsible for respecting your machine and using it to the full advantage to enhance your educational experience. • The Apple MacBook computers are educational tools and are to be used only in that capacity. Students using the laptops are bound by the Upper Merion Area School District’s Acceptable Use Policy regardless of location of usage. The use of the laptop is a privilege that can be revoked upon violation of the Acceptable Use Policy. Inappropriate use or neglect of a MacBook, its sleeve, the Internet, or any other installed software will result in the loss of use of the MacBook. Loss of the student laptop will not change classroom expectations and assignment completion.
 * Technology:**


 * Grading:**
 * **Exceeds Expectations (A)**: Assignment is above and beyond teacher expectations and clearly meets objectives. There is unquestionable evidence of hard work and understanding of concept.
 * **Meets Expectations (B):** Successful completion of all components of your assignment. You show understanding of the concept and complete all objectives.
 * **Needs Improvement (C):** Assignment shows signs of understanding and effort but is not sufficient. The objective was vaguely met and more work, time, and teacher conferencing is necessary.
 * **Unsatisfactory (F):** Very little evidence of hard work and/or understanding of concept. Assignment fails to meet objectives.
 * **Completed (COMP):** Completed. Full credit; not formally evaluated.
 * **Late (Late):** Completed satisfactorily but submitted late.

Ask me for help when you need it. I am here to help all of you succeed! Feel free to talk to me at anytime: in class, during the day, or by email.
 * Most Importantly:**