Welcome to Skagway's English 10

English 10
Course Syllabus: 2009-2010
Instructor: Mr. Fielding
Phone: 983-3604

Course Description:

Emphasis: The development of critical literary skills needed to analysis the works of fiction and non-fiction. The development of formal essays, research papers, and both creative fiction, non-fiction and poetry.

The primary purpose of English 10th is to build on the foundation established in 9th grade for composing literary, persuasive, and reflective essays, and to produce an original research paper. Additionally, students will utilize proper writing conventions appropriate to their learning level. To accomplish this, students will actively read from an extensive selection spanning all literary genres, analyze these works, develop original theses, and share their ideas in formal compositions (persuasive, reflective, and analytical), class discussions, and oral presentations.

In other words the class will dissect literature (and literary genres) at the roots—for the roots beneath the tree are extensive and only by understanding those roots can one understand the entire tree. We will look at literature as an investigation, an exploration, an adventure. We will examine genres and themes and we will share our ideas, interests and findings by discussion and writing essays, poetry, and fiction and by doing research to find out more.

TEXTS:

In addition to the textbook and various handouts from the instructor, we will read Julius Caesar and/or Macbeth, Huckleberry Finn, The Odyssey, The Catcher in the Rye and various short stories and essays from Literature and Language Arts Textbook.

BLOGS/JOURNALS

Students will be required to keep a blog throughout the year. This blog will be the student’s journal. In this blg/journal will be reading reflections, lists of literary devices found in stories and novels, creative assignments that correspond with readings, pre-writing exercises, analytical writing.

NOTE: Blogs will count as your journal grade. I read every journal entry and you will lose points for skipping entries or not following directions. If you do not understand an assignment please ask.

GRADES:

Tests – 25% of overall grade
Papers—25% of overall grade
Projects—20% of overall grade
Quizzes, class work, homework—20% of overall grade
Journals—10% of overall grade

Scale:

100- 93 = A
92.49- 90 = A-
89.49- 87 = B+
86.49-83.00 = B
82.49- 80.00 = B-
79.49-77.00 = C+
76.49- 73 = C
72.49-70.00 = C-
69.49-67.00 = D+
66.49- 63.00 = D
62.49- 60 = D-
Below 60 = F

Late Work: Late work is marked down 10% every day it is overdue and will not be accepted after 4 days. Please note that this policy includes papers. Some projects (such as oral presentations) will receive zeros if not done on the day assigned.

Required Materials:

1 Spiral Notebook (use as a journal)
1 Pocket Folders (to keep handouts, note guides, returned work)
1 Binder with loose paper
Something to write with

General Guidelines:

1. Be prepared when class begins. It is imperative that all pencils are sharpened and materials are ready when the bell rings.
2. Class discussions should be conducted in an orderly and respectful fashion. Students should not disrupt their classmates and should respect the opinions of others.
3. Do not talk when I am talking.
4. I dismiss you, not the bell!
5. You may choose you own seat, but I reserve the right to assign seats or move you if I see the need.

Behavioral Expectations

1. Respect others and their property. This respect extends to remaining quiet during announcements, directions, lectures, and presentations.
2. Learning is the 1st priority.
3. Make Good Choices and Be Accountable for the bad ones.