Language Art 11 Honors
Course Outline SY 1998-1999
Mrs. J. Shiroma
Hi! Welcome to LA 11(H). This class is designed for the college-board student in mind. This college preparatory class is fast-paced for the highly discipline, motivated, and serious student. The main focuses are on the fundamentals of American literature, enhanced vocabulary study, preparations for standardized tests, analogies, American novels, writing exercises to include letters, college information requests, essays, and compositions of a critical or analytical nature.
Please keep this handout in your LA 11(H) files at all times. You will need a binder or a folder to keep all your LA papers such as homework, tests, quizzes etc.
Textbook: (literature) The American Experience by Prentice Hall, (vocabulary) Vocabulary for Achievement by Diederich, Carlton.
First Quarter
Vocabulary
- Assignments will be taken from Vocabulary for College (VFC) chapters 1-4
- Analogies (Verbal skills)
- Words from literature selections
Grammar
- Lessons from "Grammar in Action" & "Usage &Mechanics"
Writing
- Journals: Topics to be given daily
- Novel reports
- Reaction papers
- Various essays pertaining to literature selections
Speech
- Bag speech
- Miscellaneous and spontaneous oral presentations
- Persuasive speech
Literature
- Reading selections taken from "The New Land",
- "The Revolutionary Period"
Novel (subject to change)
- The Crucible
- The Scarlet Letter
- Individual novel pick
Quizzes/Tests
- Vocabulary
- Analogies
- Literature selections
- Novels
Second Quarter
Vocabulary
- VFC chapters 5-8
- Words from literature selections
- Word origins
- Review of Latin & Greek roots
Grammar
- Lesson from "Grammar in Actions" & "Usage & Mechanics"
- Self/peer revisions
Writing
- Daily journals
- Novel reports
- Various essays pertaining to literature selections
- Poems
Literature
- A Growing Nation
- New England Renaissance
Speech
- Miscellaneous and spontaneous speech activities
Novel (subject to change)
- Cold Sassy Tree
- To Kill A Mockingbird
- Individual Novel Pick
Quizzes/ Tests
- Vocabulary
- Literature Selections
- Poems
- Latin & Greek roots
Vocabulary
- VFC chapters 8-11
- Words from literature selections
- Word Origins
- Idioms
Grammars
- Worksheets: Grammar in Action; Usage & Mechanics
- Self/peer revision from various writing assignments
Writing
- Journals
- Novel reports
- Business letters
- Various activities related to literature
Literature
- Realism and the Frontier
- The Modern Age
Novel (subject to change)
- A Separate Peace
- Individual novel pick
Quizzes/Tests
- Vocabulary
- Literature selections
- Novel
Fourth Quarter
Vocabulary
- VFC chapters 12-16
- Words from literature selections
- Word Origins
Writing
- Journals
- Research/report paper on an American era
- Novel reports
Literature
- Contemporary Writers
Novel
-To be announced at the appropriate time
Quizzes/Test
- Vocabulary
- Literature selections
- Various activities
Grading System: All assignments are graded and recorded on a points system. At the end of each quarter, all the points are added and then converted into percent. Very simple.
Class Participation: This is absolutely important in this class. You will be asked to answer questions or ask questions. We will cover a vast amount of literature and your understanding of what is being read is important to me. I encourage all of you to express, communicate, contribute, argue, and discuss both orally and in writing the thoughts that come to your mind.
Make-up Tests/Quizzes: Mandatory attendance is required on a major test or assignment such as novel reports, tests, projects. If you are absent on any of these days, 10% will be deducted from your final score of a test, report, or project. So be sure to be present on these especially important days! All make-up tests/quizzes will be taken during lunch only. You may bring your lunch. Make-up should be done immediately upon return from an absence.
Corridor Passes: I will issue corridor passes only when it is extremely necessary for you to leave during class time. Please drink water and use the restroom during passing time, break, or lunch. I will not allow anyone to go to his/her locker for anything during class time.