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English Language Arts - Seniors

Greater New York Academy
English 7 & 8 Course Syllabus

 
 
Instructor: S. Whitter-Walker
E-mail: [email protected]
 

REQUIRED MATERIALAND SUPPLIES:
Textbooks: Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes: The British Tradition
Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2012.
Prentice Hall, Writing and Grammar: Communication in Action. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2001(E-edition)
  1. Collegiate Dictionary and Thesaurus.
  2. Loose Leaf Binder and College Rule Paper.
  3. Notebook.
  4. Folder.
  5. Blue and/or Black Ink Pens.
 
 
 
  1. Course Description
    This course covers selected works in British Literature from the Old English and Medieval Periods to the present. Emphasis will be placed on the historical background, cultural context, and literary analysis of major genres of literature: short story, poetry, novel, drama, and analytical prose. This course considers the elements of literature including plot, structure, characterization, symbolism, conflict, tone, point of view, imagery, and so on. Writing well about literature is a key component of the class. Students will keep a writing journal over the course of the year to document their improvement and to engage themselves in thinking about their writing. A research paper incorporating both primary and secondary sources is required. Vocabulary study is important. Emphasis is placed on developing a fundamental understanding and enjoyment of literature. The primary goal of the 9-12 language arts curriculum in the Seventh-day Adventist school system is to help students incorporate a Christ-centered perspective in all aspects of communication. (NAD Language Arts Curriculum Guide)

    Objectives
    This course is designed to provide a basis for instruction in usage of the English Language and facilitate the teaching of writing and research through literature. Upon completion of this course students will have:
    1. Discussed the works of major British writers;
    2. Traced the development of themes and genres within their historical contexts;
    3. Identified the relationships of various genres to the contemporary medium of film;
    4. Analyzed literary works for their aesthetic features and thematic patterns;
    5. Identified styles, themes, and works of major writers;
    6. Acquired knowledge and skills necessary to score a 65 or higher on the comprehensive Examination in English;
    7. Studied vocabulary in the context of the literature and with college level word lists;
    8. Examined a variety of critical approaches to literature;
    9. Developed critical thinking and reasoning;
    10. Identified a variety of writing forms, including personal, literary, and persuasive texts, for various audiences.
    The Comprehensive Examination in English:
    The Common Core Examination in English is a test given in June, by the New York State Board of Regents. It is composed of multiple-choice and essay questions. A student’s score may range from 1-6, indicating how qualified he/she is in reading comprehension, literary analysis, and essay composition based on college-level literature. All students must acquire a passing score to meet graduation requirements.
    Requirements:
    1) Research Paper: You will submit a research paper on a date stated in the syllabus. Your research topic will be chosen from a list provided by your instructor. Your paper must be five full pages, double spaced, and consist of footnotes (Five pages not counting the title page and work cited page). All research papers must meet the following criteria: typed on black paper with black ink, double spaced with one inch margins and meet the MLA format. All papers must have a title page with your title centered and your name, class name, and research due date in the lower right-hand corner of the title page. The font should be 12 point, Times New Roman. Always make a hard copy of your paper for your file. Always save/backup your paper as you type.
    2) Presentation: Each student must give a presentation on his/her research topic. In your presentation you will demonstrate that you are familiar with the material being presented.
    3) Reflective Notebook: Weekly entries must be made in your notebooks. Notebooks will be collected periodically for grading.
    4) Tests, Class work, Quizzes: Tests will consist of objective questions, short answers, true/false, quotes and essays. If you are unable to make it to the class on the day of a test, contact me as soon as possible. I will accommodate any legitimate needs. Make up exams are given for excused absences. Upon returning to school it is the student’s responsibility to request a make-up exam and/or class work. All make up exams are given after school. A note from your parent, guardian, or doctor is needed to legitimize your absence. This note is to accompany the student on the first day of his/her return to class. Class work: all class work must be completed in class on the day that it is assigned. Quiz: The purpose of a quiz is to examine the student’s understanding of the class material and reading assignments. Material on the quiz will reflect current reading material and/or content from the previous day’s lecture. Pop quizzes may not be made up.
    5) Tardiness to the first class of the day will result in a “Tardy/Absent” mark.
    6) Class atmosphere: You are expected to be present in class, actively joining in discussions and raising questions. Should your grade be on the cusp at the close of the semester, the fact that you appropriately and consistently participated in class discussions will push your grade toward the higher mark. Do not join in discussions for the points. True discussion involves personal exposure. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
    7) All students should the telephone number and e-mail address of two or three fellow classmates, as contact persons, to inform you of the class activities on the day(s) you were absent.
    8) All homework assignments are to be handed in at the beginning of the class period, after worship, on the day they are due. Failure to do so will result in a 5% deduction for every day it is late up to 5 days. Uncompleted assignments will receive a zero grade.
    9) Read all assignments prior to coming to class. Class participation counts toward your class work grade.
    10) All assignments must be typed unless instructions to the contrary are given. At the top of each assignment, students must include: first and last name, due date of the assignment, class name, section of the class, and the page and number of the assignment. Any student submitting an assignment without the proper format will lose five points on that assignment.
    11) Plagiarism: This is deliberately passing off someone else’s work- whether in the exact words or in paraphrase- as your own. It is stealing!!!! Any student caught plagiarizing and/or sharing work will receive a failing grade for the assignment and an additional penalty. The following is a list of ways that one plagiarizes:
    1. Looking at, or copying from another student’s work or allowing another student to look at or copy your work or homework;
    2. Exchanging information with another student during a test or quiz;
    3. Opening textbook, notebook, notes, or going on iPads or the internet when not allowed;
    4. Having another person do your work for you;
    5. Allowing another student to use your work as his or her own;
    6. Cutting and pasting for from the internet. You MUST give credit for ALL information taken from the internet.
    CLASSROOM REGULATIONS
    1. All students are held accountable for all policies within the student handbook.
    2. Each student must wear the entire, proper uniform as set by the guidelines of Greater New York Academy and the student handbook. Any student not in proper uniform will not be allowed to enter the classroom.
    3. Students who are 10 minutes late to the first period class, and 5 minutes late to any other period, will be marked “Tardy-Absent”.
    4. When the bell rings at the end of the class, students must remain seated until officially dismissed by the teacher.
    5. Absolutely no eating, drinking, or chewing of gum, food, or any object while in the classroom.
    6. Students must come to class completely prepared as follows: charged iPad/textbook, notebook, loose leaf binder, dictionary, pen, pencil, completed assignments, and a positive attitude. Charging of iPads in classroom outlets is NOT allowed during the class session.
    Learning Activities:
    Students will engage in whole class discussion, group work, map work, completing worksheets, written class work (essays; short answer questions; stories; songs; poetry; plays), problem-solving activities, dramatic presentations, journaling, debates, oral presentations, PowerPoint presentations, research paper, art work.
    GRADING POLICY

    Tests/reports/ projects 35%
    Quizzes 25%
    Homework 10%
    Class work 30%