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English IV A/E—Ms. Lenington
2008-2009
WELCOME!
A capsulation of this year in English:
Syllabus
THE ROOTS OF THE SELF
Truth is, much of our character is under no one's control but is shaped haphazardly by our families,
our communities and our culture--not to mention the genetic roll of the dice by which we're made to
begin with. But increasingly, as we reach adulthood, we come to see character as a matter of choice.
We choose practices and principles that shape our character, building either a sound vessel or a
weak one (137).
Learning to Fall: The Blessings of an Imperfect Life by Philip Simmons
Literature
Our readings this year will explore the various influences on the development of an individual’s identity and his or her character. The readings are divided into four thematic units, each of which explores a different influence on the development of individual identity:
Community The Self
Readings: Essays and Readings: Siddhartha
short stories Hamlet
Film: The Milagro Beanfield War The Great Gatsby
Heritage Family
Readings: Short stories, essays and poetry by a variety of authors Readings: Ordinary People
representing different cultural backgrounds and Death of a Salesman
experiences
Film: Monsoon Wedding
You will also read a book of your own choosing and work with
others on a project related to the book.
Writing
You will continue to work on expository writing, with an emphasis 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.
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.
In the fall you will spend significant writing time on your college essay; in the spring you will focus on your senior speech.
Grammar
Using examples from student writing, you will continue to hone your grammar/mechanics skills, focusing on identifying and avoiding the most common writing errors.
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. A notebook and/or paper
2. A pen or pencil
3. Bottled water if you tend to be thirsty! There will be no water breaks.
Ø DRESS: If you are making a presentation to the class, you must comply with the dress code discussed in class.
Ø Note: Please turn off all cell phones, electronic equipment (games, iPods, etc.) before the bell rings. If you use 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 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.
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.
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, you will not have an opportunity to rewrite a late paper, and your paper will not receive comments.
The reprieve is subject to rule #3 above. The reprieve does not apply to graded homework.
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.
Multiple page essays must be stapled!
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 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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