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English I Honors
Ms. Lenington
2008-2009
WELCOME!
This year we will be exploring the “big questions” as we consider “The Nature of Man,/the Nature of the Universe” through the lens of some important works of western literature. We will examine how a variety of authors consider, among other questions: What makes us human? What constitutes a well-lived life? What drives good people to do bad things? How can love be both sublime and destructive, sometimes simultaneously?
As we read and discuss these works, we will also focus on honing your communication skills, both written and oral.
Syllabus
Literature
The readings are divided into four thematic units:
The Nature of Man/The Nature of the Universe The Nature of Evil
Readings: The Odyssey Readings: A Separate Peace
The Old Man and the Sea The Pearl
The Nature of Good/The Virtuous Life The Nature of love
Readings: To Kill a Mockingbird Readings: The Chosen
Of Mice and Men Romeo and Juliet
A Tale of Two Cities
In addition to the assigned books, we will read related poetry and short stories, and you will have a chance to read books of your own choosing.
Grammar
Using examples from student writing and mini-grammar lessons, we will work on sharpening your grammar and mechanics skills, focusing on identifying and avoiding the most common writing errors.
Writing
The emphasis will be on expository writing, with continued work on developing a thesis and creating a well supported, coherent and unified argument in support of the thesis. You will also respond to literature through journals and creative writing, including poetry and stories.
We will be examining an author’s writing style and literary devices in our literature units, and you will focus on tone, awareness of audience, effective word choices, and sentence variety in your own writing.
Expectations
Ø punctuality: If you arrive late to class, be sure you have a pass.
Ø materials: In addition to the materials we are reading, bring to class every day:
1. 3 ring binder with lined papers and 5 dividers
2. A spiral notebook for journal writing (unless you word-process your journal)
3. A pen and pencil
4. A PLAN BOOK
5. Bottled water if you tend to be thirsty! There are no water breaks!
Ø DRESS: On any day you are making a presentation to the class, your clothing must comply with the dress code discussed in class.
Note: Please turn off all cell phones, electronic equipment (games, iPods, etc.) before the bell rings. If you are
using equipment during class, I will take and keep the equipment for the remainder of the school day.
Ø grading procedures:
Each term there will be a minimum of four major grades, at least two of which will be major papers. The remaining two may take the form of tests, additional writing assignments, projects or presentations. These assignments constitute 65% of your term grade.
Quizzes and graded homework are considered minor grades and constitute 20% of your term grade.
Class participation constitutes 15% of your term grade. (See “Participation” below.)
Term grades and final grades are rounded to the nearest whole number; .5 will be rounded up.
Ø homework and assignments/projects:
You will have a reading and/or writing assignment almost every night. The homework assignments will be posted on a white board in the classroom and on my website on the ABRHS website at: ab.mec.edu/abrhs/
Note: Once on the ABRHS site, click on: Academics; then: Teacher sites; then: my name.
Late assignments:
1. Daily, un-graded homework assignments must be handed in on the due date to receive credit.
2. Late graded assignments are marked down a full grade. *
3. Late graded assignments are not accepted after one week unless you have requested, and I have approved, an
extension.
4. Homework for group assignments is always due on the due date.
*Reprieve—You are allowed one late graded major assignment per term with no grade reduction,
excluding group assignments. However, if you use the reprieve, you will receive a graded rubric without
comments, and you will not have an opportunity for rewriting. The reprieve is subject to rule #3 above.
Note: The reprieve is only for major grade work.
Absences: It is your responsibility to complete and hand in the work you missed the day after your return. Remember to check the web site!
Ø standard format for written assignments:
All work, excluding brainstorms, outlines and journals, must be word processed. If you do not have access to a computer, please see me.
All work must be double spaced in 12 point font with a one inch margin (approximately) on all sides of the page.
N.B.: If you do not comply with these guidelines, your work will be returned to you to redo, and you will receive the late assignment penalty
Ø participation:
Your participation grade is based upon how well you meet the following expectations:
a. Come to class on time, be prepared (with all necessary materials, including books) and be ready to work. (Be seated
promptly!)
b. Carefully and thoughtfully complete homework assignments, and hand them in -on time.
c. Listen attentively to other members of the class, including the teacher and fellow students, respecting the rights of
others to speak without interruption.
d. Participate in group work with enthusiasm and focus, carrying through on responsibilities without need for teacher
intervention.
e. Volunteer regularly in class and demonstrate a willingness to take risks.
Ø extra help:
I am available during and after school by appointment. You can email me at:
jlenington@mail.ab.mec.edu
If you are struggling with an assignment, please come to see me or email me before the day the assignment is due. If you are confused, always raise your questions in class. Be assured, if you are confused, other students are too!
Looking forward to a great year!
Ms. Lenington
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