Mrs. Richardson

Literary Genres is a semester long course which provides students with an introduction to various literary types and a survey of world

literature. Additionally, this class will include a review of grammar, vocabulary instruction, composition, and basic oral communication.

Text, etc.

The Literary Genres text

The Odyssey

 One Shakespearian play chosen by the instructor

 Night

 Novels chosen and obtained by students as necessary

Solving Common Writing Problems

Vocabulary Power Plus (10^th grade)

Supplemental materials as assigned by the instructor

Notebooks and Materials, etc. Students are required to keep a 3-ring binder divided into the following categories:

Literature (notes, vocabulary and reflections related to the works read as a part of this class)

Grammar

Vocabulary

Writing  (formal writing assignment and other assignments)

(Notebooks may be checked and graded without prior notice.)

Classrooms for the Future: We are fortunate to be a part of the state-wide technology initiative Classrooms for the Future. As a part of this initiative, we have been provided with a set of laptop computers, a state-of-the-art projector and promethean board and wireless internet access for the class. You should expect to use the laptops several times each week (sometimes daily) and likely use the internet at least once per week. Because we will utilize technology often, it is imperative that you have a signed internet permission form on file and that you protect that access. You are NOT permitted to sign on under another student’s ID and you are required to respect all class rules regarding computer use. You may lose computer privileges if you are found to be abusing technology (using the internet without permission, engaging in any off-task behavior (games), neglecting to sign-out computers or replace them correctly). You will be given ONE warning before you lose access to the classroom computers. Additionally, you will be responsible for completing any assignments missed due to technology suspension.

Attendance: Attendance is taken and reconciled with the office every day. Because participation is a vital component of this class, you will earn two participation points for each day that you are present. You will also receive three “free” absences before you begin to lose participation points. After the 3^rd absence, you will NOT earn daily participation points. Participation points cannot be made up, as these points depend upon your daily interaction with the entire class.

Homework: Homework has many purposes. You may be preparing for the next class, reviewing the day’s class-work, applying what you learned to knowledge you already had, and extending your knowledge through challenging research. Because homework always has an educational purpose, you are expected to complete it all. Most often, homework will consist of preparing to encounter the literature in the form of background research, interacting with the literature in the form of critical reading, and reacting to the literature in the form of written analysis and evaluation, among other assignments. You should expect to spend approximately one hour per night completing homework for this course. **IMPORTANT TO KNOW: Homework is due before 1^st period in my homeroom (room #5). Late homework assignments are not granted credit, but you will still be expected to complete the assignments. Late assignments will be checked during your assigned tutorial.**

Tutorials: Tutorials are scheduled twice per week. Additionally, I supervise one Quiet Work Room each week. Due to the new rules regarding flex sign-ups, ALL students must sign up for ONE tutorial or my Quiet Work Room for the first quarter. You may request permission to attend another flex offering if you are current with all work and maintain a passing grade. In order to leave my flex to attend another activity or club, you MUST present a pass signed by the supervising teacher. This pass must be presented at the beginning of flex; you MAY NOT leave my flex to get a pass from another teacher.

 If you need Help…

My job is to help you succeed in this course. (Your job is outlined above.) If you need extra help, please don’t hesitate to ask! Help is available during tutorials and before and after school by appointment. However, you need to be responsible for your own learning. I don’t always know when you don’t understand something! You may need to ask for help!

Extra credit is offered only to those who have completed all regular-credit assignments. Extra-credit assignments are extensions of in-class study, and usually involve research about authors, literary periods and schools, or specific works of literature. If you are interested in extra-credit, please make an appointment with me during flex to draw up an extra-credit Contract. Extra-credit will not be assigned during the last two weeks of the course.

Evaluation/Grading Policy: Grading for this course is on a total-points system. While the total number of points possible varies from quarter to quarter and course to course, general point values are:

Homework:                                           5 or 10 points

Written Class work                              5 to 10 points

Daily Participation                             2 points (daily)

Quizzes:                                              10 to 20 points

Essays:                                                50 to 100 points

Literary Terms Scrapbook                 200 points (serves as the midterm grate)

Research Paper:                                200 points (assigned in the 2^nd quarter)

Tests:                                                 at least 100 points

Final Exam or Project:                      at least 200 points

You may find your current average by dividing the number of points you have earned by the total number of points possible. You are responsible for keeping track of your grades. You will be given a grade record sheet for this purpose. Please do not ask for your average during class.

Composition Guidelines: All essays must be typed using the following format:

MLA format (will be reviewed in class)

Font: Times New Roman, 12 point (black ink only)

(Computer labs are available for those students without access to a computer at home.)

 A Word About the Worst Crime You Can Commit in Literary Genres…

Plagiarism is a crime, and it is one for which I have absolutely no tolerance. Plagiarism is defined as presenting someone else’s ideas, research, or opinion as your own — even if you have rephrased it in different words. It is the equivalent of academic stealing or fraud.

Your Student handbook outlines consequences of committing plagiarism. You are expected to do your own work, using only your own thoughts and words unless otherwise directed. Directions for using outside research will be outlined when you are to use an outside source. Otherwise, you are not to use anyone else’s ideas or work.

Cheating by any other means is subject to the same consequences in this classroom. Cheating always involves both a giver and a taker — and both will suffer the same penalties. You can avoid this by doing your own work and keeping your work to yourself.

And Finally…

Please don’t hesitate to as me should you have questions or need extra help. I am usually available in room #5 and you may email me at brichardson@dallassd.com

Good luck! Let’s have a great semester!

    Mrs. Richardson                                         Dallas High School                                                                         2008-2009 (brichardson@dallassd.com)                                     

LITERARY GENRES

COURSE OVERVIEW