English 10

Mrs. Quezada

SY 1998-1999

COURSE CONTENT

The literature textbook we will be using in Scholastic Scope Literature, Level 4, which encompasses the major genres of literature such as short story, poetry, biography, drama, and novel. We will be reading three novels - one novel will be read in class, the other two will be chosen by the student from a provided list. We will also read a play by Shakespeare.

We will be doing a lot of writing. You are required to keep a writing notebook/journal in which daily writing exercises will be done. The writing notebook will be turned in twice a month and will consist of free writing activities, prewriting activities, grammar exercises, reflection pages, and literary response paragraphs. We will also be writing poetry, short stories, essays, skits/plays, and speeches.

We will work on vocabulary every Monday. The workbooks may be checkout out once a week.

Group activities will include several projects and presentations, writing assignments, and literary discussions.

COURSE SEQUENCE

First quarter - Poetry

Second quarter - Essay and Short Story

Third quarter - Biography, Novel (The Giver)

Fourth quarter - Drama (Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing)

REQUIRED MATERIALS

One three-ring binder to keep all notes, handouts, vocabulary exercises, and returned papers.

One writing notebook/journal for daily writing activities

Lots of loose-leaf paper

Pens and pencils to write with (You may use any color for your notes, writing journal or other creative writing, except fluorescent colors that are hard to read. All other assignments must be completed in blue or black ink.)

CLASS RULES, EXPECTATIONS AND CONSEQUENCES

Be well prepared for class. Have assignments done before you get to class. No late assignments will be accepted. Also, have all materials needed. I will not issue corridor passes for items forgotten in lockers.

Use appropriate and respectful language. Profanity and vulgarity will not be tolerated in writing, speech, or body language.

Be courteous and friendly. Always practice good manners and remain silent while the teacher or other student is talking.

Respect the property of others. Respect and take care of all books, furniture, and equipment in the classroom. No vandalism will be tolerated. Any offender will be referred immediately.

EXPECTATIONS

Show thought, care, and respect in all you do.

Take pride in your work. Always submit work that is neat and shows thought and care. Quality counts a lot!

Make your visits to the bathroom, water fountains, and locker before class.

Write the daily agenda in your notes - all assignments, projects, due-dates, announcements and extra credit appear in the daily agenda.

Consequences of following rules and expectations:

You will earn valuable assignment and participation points.

You will earn the respect of your teacher and classmates.

You will pass the course and get used to success.

Consequences of not following the rules:

First/Second offense - Verbal warnings

Third offense - Loss of participation or confiscation when involving in banned items

Fourth offense - Call to parents

Fifth offense - Referral to office

GRADING

All assignments, tests, projects, quizzes, etc. will be allotted a certain number of points based on the amount of effort and time required to complete them:

Assignments 100 pts.

Tests 200 pts.

Projects 150 or 200 pts. No. Of Points Earned

Quizzes 10-20 pts. _________________=% Grade

Writing Notebooks 50 pts./week Total Possible Points

Participation 50 pts./week

For example, if you earn 2,470 points out of 2,700 points, your percentage grade will be 91%

A WORD ON ABSENCES

The policy stated in the handbook applies in this class. If you are absent you are responsible for finding out what notes, assignments, or handouts you misses, so be sure to have several of your classmates' phone numbers. Make-up tests will be given only to students with excused absences. Those with excused absences may schedule to make-up test during lunch. No make-ups for quizzes.

* Please note that our syllabus is not carved on stone. We might have to make changes later in the year.

This year should prove exciting and fun. Although studying literature and writing might sometimes be challenging, if we focus on our studies and give it time it certainly deserves, we should accomplish our goals successfully. Remember, if you have questions, suggestions, or don't understand something, come talk to me.

BACK