COLLEGE BOUND ENGLISH IV MS. JUST ROOM 118 (Revised August 9, 2009) COURSE OVERVIEW English IV is a senior level high school class which is required for graduation. In English IV students will explore and analyze British Literature in the following order: Anglo Saxon period (Beowulf, riddles, and works of Bede), Medieval Period (Canterbury Tales, Arthurian Legend, and Ivanhoe), Renaissance Period (Hamlet or Macbeth and A Midsummer Night's Dream), Romantic Period and Gulliver's Travels, Pilgrim's Progress, Pygmalion, and My Fair Lady. PG-13 versions of several of these literary classics will be viewed during class time. Literary study will focus on understanding the elements of these literature types and the relationship to present day literature. Another major focus of English IV is composition. Students will be required to write at least three pieces each trimester and will have the opportunity to earn a better grade by redoing any and every composition within one week of the end of that six week grading period. Required writings will include: technical (resume), descriptive, persuasive, research, and expository writings. Regular vocabulary study will be done weekly. Each student is responsible for keeping his/her vocabulary in a notebook throughout the year for periodic grading. ASSESSMENT Students will have an average of three daily assignments per week. The total grade will come from composition, literature, and vocabulary. All assignments are graded on a 100 point scale. Students will receive a weekly agenda each Monday and a progress report on Friday of each week. Grades for eligibility are turned in on Thursdays last hour and can not be changed until the next Friday. WEEKLY SCHEDULE Monday ACT tests or grammar Tuesday Literature or Composition assignment Wednesday Literature Thursday Vocabulary TEST and record new vocabulary lesson Friday Finish literature or composition as necessary. About three weeks of every trimester will be spent on composition with this schedule. SUPPLIES Box of Kleenex due by the end of the 2nd week-for a grade A Google docs account to save typed work from school to home and back to school Loose-leaf paper (NO spiral) Liquid Paper Any color ink pens/pencils, except red. No work can be written in red. 2" 3-ring binder for a portfolio if a new student 1” notebook for research paper 6 colors of highlighters for research 1 box of colored pencils Vocabulary folder or spiral CLASSROOM RULES Bring paper and pen or pencil to class every day Final drafts of compositions must be typed Bring books and assignments as required If an absence is for a planned school activity, work must be turned in before the student leaves or it will be marked late. NO LATE WORK IS EVER ACCEPTED!! THE ONLY WAY TO MAKE UP A ZERO IS AFTER SCHOOL OR BEFORE SCHOOL TUTORING! Only ONE day is allowed for makeup work from an absence. Vocabulary tests will be every Thursday! Be in your seat when the bell rings or be counted tardy. Do not write on top of anything or touch anything on the teacher’s desk. Use the stapler and other supplies at the front of the room, not off the teacher’s desk. EXTRA CREDIT Five percentage points are added to the student's average for every writing contest entered. Contests are displayed on the bulletin board. Contest entries must be typed (with no mistakes) and follow ALL of the rules listed on the contest. Contest ready pieces are due no later than one week before the end of a six weeks grading period. All extra credit and all essay re-writes are due one week before the end of each six weeks grading period. Students may gain extra credit by surpassing their AR goals. When a student has reached 100% of his/her AR Goal 10 points are added to overall average I understand the requirements for College Bound English IV and agree to abide by these, ______________________ Student's signature I understand the requirements for College Bound English IV, and I will support my son or daughter in accomplishing these duties. I know that my son or daughter will receive an agenda every Monday with the week’s work listed, AND I am aware that he/she will receive a progress report EVERY Friday with a current average. I am also aware of the teacher’s webpage at http://teacherweb.com/OK/VinitaHS/Just. I have gone to the website and listed my email address and/or cell phone number on the My Announcements page. _______________________ Parent's signature ________________________ Date Please email me anytime at justdl@vinitahornets.com