Advanced English 12

Advanced English 12

Course Description:

This course is comprised of five components: writing, literature, grammar, speech and vocabulary. Students will write to inform, persuade and describe. This course will require the writing of literary analysis. Students will develop the abilities both to write a strong thesis and to support ideas with evidence and logic. Students will acquire skill in answering essay questions. A research paper, requiring extensive research and accurate documentation, is a course requirement. Students will work on the correct application of grammar and punctuation.

British and world literature is the second focus of the course. Students will study many forms of literature, including short stories, novels, drama and poetry. The literature selections include epic and narrative poetry, drama, and novels including Brave New World and All Quiet on the Western Front. The course includes reading works of non-fiction, including Night. Analytical study of these written materials will be connected to written work.

Several books will be issued to each student. The numbers and conditions will be recorded and students will be responsible for the care and return of those books. These books should be kept covered. Students will receive The Language of Literature and Write for College, both of which will be the students’ responsibility all year. Several other novels and paperback books will be distributed throughout the year. Books may not be stored or left in the classroom.

Course Information:

Quizzes and exams make up a large portion of the grade. Occasionally, open notes quizzes may be given, so taking good notes is essential. Some quizzes will be unannounced; others will be announced ahead of time. Exams will always be announced in advance.

Writing assignments are another large part of the grade. Many will be worked on during class time; however, there will be assignments to complete outside of class. Assignments will require that students work through all stages of the writing process, and on some of the assignments opportunity for revision will be given before a final grade is recorded. Most will be graded for overall quality, including organization, grammar and mechanics. On some occasions specific grammatical or mechanical skills will be graded.

Homework will be assigned regularly. Assignments should be completed neatly and handed in at the beginning of the period on the day the work is due. Homework turned in after class is considered to be one day late. Late homework will be accepted the following day for 1/2 of the possible points. No homework will be accepted after that time.

Participation and preparation are essential elements of this course. Students should be prepared for every class by bringing books, notebooks and a pencil/pen. Students should be prepared to discuss anything that is read or done in class. Working in groups will be part of the course and appropriate participation is required for students to do well.

Notebooks are a requirement. Notes folded in half and put in the textbook do not count as a notebook. Students must have notes dated and organized in a folder or book of some sort. Students may want to buy a ruled notebook. If one does not want to buy his own, the teacher will supply the student with a binder and paper. Notebooks will be checked on occasion and points will be awarded.

Extra credit work will not be assigned. DO NOT ASK FOR EXTRA CREDIT. Students who do their best on the assigned work and turn in homework will find that extra credit will not be necessary.

Absences:

Students who are absent are required to make up missed assignments immediately upon returning to school. If a student is absent for one day, he has one day to make up the work. If a student is absent for two days, he has two days to make up the work. Extended absences will be dealt with on an individual basis. Students who are absent for athletic events, field trips, club meetings, school activities or family trips should notify the teacher before the absence occurs and get the work for the day or days he/she will miss.

Making up missed work is the students’ responsibility. When returning from an absence, students may check the assignment book to determine what was missed. Students should copy the notes from a classmate. The teacher will not remind students to turn in work. Failure to turn in work will result in a zero for each missed assignment.

Grading Policy:

Please be aware, grades are not curved. If a student earns a 50%, he gets a 50% on the report card. If a student earns a 24%, he gets a 24%. There are no exceptions made. If a student earns a 69.4%, he gets a 69%.

A student’s grade will be figured on the basis of points earned out of possible points. Quizzes, tests, speeches and writing assignments count for 64% of the final grade. The other 16% is earned through participation, journals, homework and notebooks. This will be figured in with the standard 20% for Accelerated Reader.

Grades are available through Edline or may be obtained from the teacher. Updates are done weekly. Some longer writing assignments may take more than a week from due date to appear on the class grade.

Paper Heading:

All papers and assignments should have the same heading.

ASSIGNMENT

STUDENT NAME

CLASS AND PERIOD

DATE

If a student was absent on the day something was originally assigned, please note under the heading that the work is being completed as a make-up assignment. Provide the date the assignment was missed.