SYLLABUS
ENGLISH I - HONORS
2009 - 2010
Teacher: Mrs. Walker
Classroom: 238
Telephone: (815) 464-4562
E-mail: pwalker@lw210.org
Website: http://www.lw210.org/east/Teacherpages.htm
Course Description:
English I Honors is the first class in a series of English honors classes that offers qualified students the opportunity to pursue their language arts studies at a challenging level. The learning experiences in this class will encourage understanding, analysis, and critical thinking. Students will be given special instruction in developing their writing skills as well as raising the level of their thinking skills.
Students will study significant works of literature by examining essential questions that will build relationships between the text and the passages of our lives. A special emphasis is given to independent and cooperative learning, and an intensive vocabulary study begins.
Reading is also an important component of this class and significant aspects of Lincoln-Way’s reading program are included in the curriculum. Students will be expected to work diligently to increase their vocabulary which tends to raise their understanding of what they read in all of their classes. Students will be required to purchase selected paperbacks so they can booknote their texts.
Issued Textbooks:
Word Wealth, Holt, Rinehart, & Winston
To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
Paperbacks to be purchased by student:
1st Semester:
Oedipus and Antigone, Sophocles
Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck
2nd Semester:
Animal Farm, George Orwell
1984, George Orwell
Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare
** Additional books may be added to the list.
Most books are available for purchase at the LWE bookstore. It is the student’s responsibility to check with the bookstore for availability and purchase books in advance of class deadline. Books must be presented in class on due date and brought to class each day throughout the unit. Book checks will be noted on grade report.
Required Materials:
Notebook or folder for English class only, loose-leaf paper (spiral paper is not acceptable), black or blue pens, pencils with a good eraser, and highlighters. Notecards will be needed for vocabulary. I also request that you use your planner to record assignments that I often give several days (or weeks) in advance.
Course Requirements:
High school students are required to manage their own schedule in order to allow themselves time to learn while completing work as assigned. Student grades will suffer greatly for late and/or missing work, making organization and time management a large priority for this course. Students are encouraged to use the Lincoln-Way East Academic Planner and the classroom calendar for this purpose. My website will also be a valuable tool in keeping students organized for class. If, at any time during the course, students feel they need additional instruction, they should schedule a meeting with the instructor. As all students are entering the course with different backgrounds and abilities in the subject matter, it is expected that each student make an effort to seek instruction in the areas they feel appropriate.
Grading Procedures:
Students are expected to keep a record of their own grades and assignments. In addition, grades will be posted on line by mid-quarter progress and at the end of each quarter/semester. Students and parents can access grade information by following the “my student” link on the LWE homepage using the passwords distributed via mail. The school wide grading scale is used (see handbook).
Assignments:
All assignments are due at the beginning of class on the assigned due date. Late work will be accepted one day late with a 50% reduction. After one day, late assignments will not be accepted. Please note: there will be some long-term assignments given in advance that will not be accepted late. I will announce this to the class in advance so students will be successful in submitting these assignments on or before the due date.
Absent Work: If you were present on the day an assignment was given, that assignment is due on the day you return to class. Any day you are absent, it is fully your responsible to obtain make-up work before or after class and submit all make-up work according to school policy. Please consult your student handbook. Work not made up within the allotted time will result in a zero. If you have any questions regarding make-up work, please see me before or after class.
Quizzes/Exams:
Expect quizzes during each unit. Expect unit exams and semester final examinations. Talking or communication of any type during tests and quizzes will be considered cheating and will be handled as such. The procedure for excused absences on days of quizzes/exams is as follows: If a test was scheduled for the day the student was absent and had been announced to the students, the student should be prepared to take the test on the day they return to school. Failure to make up a scheduled test/quiz will result in a zero. Most quizzes and exams can be made up before or after school, but it is fully your responsibility to arrange a time with the teacher.
Academic Dishonesty:
Academic honesty is essential in the intellectual life of any school. Thus, academic dishonesty, such as cheating and plagiarism, is cause for disciplinary action. The first instance of academic dishonesty will result in a zero. Subsequent instances will result in more severe penalties. See last page and student handbook for definition of plagiarism and academic dishonesty.
Classroom Rules - All school rules are in effect and will be enforced. The following will not be tolerated and discipline referrals will be issued for:
1. Any continuous class disruptions
- Disrespect of any kind toward teacher or students
- Use of cell phones, water bottles, gum or food
- Sleeping in class
- Note: Tardies will be issued to students who are not in the classroom when the bell rings, or for students who enter the room but return to their lockers for materials or supplies. Students who make classroom disruptions due to tardiness will be issued referrals.
Final Note:
This class is designed to prepare you for the next level of honors courses offered at Lincoln-Way and so will require your diligence in preparing for each class session.
In addition, students’ attitude is as important as their aptitude. Being “brilliant” alone is not enough. I will expect that you read the assignments, complete all written work, and be prepared to take notes in class and contribute to class discussion. Please come to class with an open mind and be willing to examine both literature and life from another’s perspective. Remember, the biggest key to your success in this class is to be an active learner from day one and participate positively in class.
Your success in this class will be directly related to the effort you expend, both before and during class. I am available to meet with you before or after school in order for you to be successful in this class. I look forward to working with you this year!
