Syllabus and Course Expectations

Honors English 11

2012-2013 school year

 

Mr. Riordan

mriordan@beverlyschools.org

Days Back: Monday and Tuesday

 

 

 

 

Course Overview from the BHS Program of Studies:

All 11^th grade English courses emphasize American Literature and include The Scarlett Letter and/or Huckleberry Finn, The Great Gatsby, Of Mice and Men, The Crucible, Death of A Salesman, Our Town; poetry, short stories, composition (including the research paper), and grammar.

 

In Honors English, we will conduct in-depth exploration of novels, plays, short stories, and poetry. Much of the reading will be done outside of the classroom, with discussion and the sharing of ideas taking place during class periods. You will also be participating in literary discussions and circles, within both small and large groups.

 

Writing is also an important part of this class, and we will be writing several times a week both in and out of class. We will create responses to readings, write in journals, answer in-class writing prompts, as well as work on formal expository essays, creative pieces, and a semester research paper.

 

Vocabulary study will be ongoing within the context of reading and writing Vocabulary and grammar application will be assessed through written assignments.

 

Textbooks and Supplementary Materials

Prentice Hall Literature Anthology (The Crucible)

Write for College

To Kill a Mockingbird

The Kite Runner

American Short Story Masterpieces

Supplemental titles for outside reading and other novels in class will also be read and studied

*Please note that materials must be returned to me in order to take your final exam in June. If you lose a book, you are responsible for replacing or paying for that item.

 

Necessary Materials Provided by Students:

All students must have a 3 ring binder that is used solely for English class. Your binder will hold all work for this class, and should have plenty of white lined paper for notes and writing assignments. You must also have a single subject notebook for a classroom journal, and you should have an agenda or assignment notebook to keep track of all long and short-term assignments for class. Also, please note that you are responsible for covering, caring for, and returning assigned texts.

 

Grading Policy:

Grades for the quarter will be determined as follows:

Quizzes, journals, and short writing assignments – 30%

Tests, research paper, mid-term and final exam – 30%

Essays and projects – 25%

Participation/discussion in small and large group settings (literary circles/workshops and class discussions) – 15%

 

Homework Policy:

Homework will be assigned on a daily basis, and may include reading, studying for quizzes and tests, writing, and work on long-term assigned projects. No late homework will be accepted unless there are extenuating circumstances. All assignments are crucial to reinforce and enhance what we are exploring in class. In order to fully participate in class discussion, reading and other homework should be done thoroughly and on time. **Unless instructed otherwise, all reading and writing assignments should be done individually and without secondary sources of any kind. There is no substitution for reading the material assigned. Please remember that the pace, workload, and reading of an Honors level course are all intense, and it is extremely important that you keep up with the work. See me immediately if you fall behind on assignments or are having any difficulties.

 

Attendance and Make-up Information:

The make-up policy of Beverly High School (p. 16-20 in the student handbook) will be recognized, but it is advised and expected that missed homework and classwork be completed as soon as possible to avoid falling behind in the course. A blue or green slip must be presented in order to receive the make-up assignments. Late assignments will be marked down by one grade for each day that it is late. Assignments not done will be given a zero. It is your responsibility to come to me for any missed work due to absences or missed classes.

 

Extra Help:

This semester I will be after school for extra help on Monday and Thursdays. I am also free during B and D Blocks. If this is not convenient for you, please see me and we will schedule another time to meet.

 

Class Behavior:

1. Be respectful of yourself, fellow students, your teacher, and any class visitors

2. Be prepared with your materials, texts, and assignments

3. Be open-minded about delving into new literature, experimenting with writing, listening to other people, and sharing your ideas on the novels and plays we read as a group. We all bring our own experiences and perspectives to class and we can learn from one another.