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Mrs. Diamond
Sophomore Survey
Spring 2011 Syllabus and Procedures
The mission of the Inter-Lakes School District is to foster quality teaching and learning, promote social responsibility and encourage personal growth.
Our Vision: Every person at Inter-Lakes High School will affect positive change in self, school and society.
Our School-Wide Learning Goals:
- We are a community of Critical Thinkers.
- We are a community of Effective Communicators.
- We are a community of Responsible and Respectful Individuals.
Course Description
English 10: Sophomore Survey 1 Credit Gr. 10
The focus of this course will be on literature examining the ideals of tolerance and human dignity. Writing assignments will relate to the reading, and students will be expected to write analytically through several essay formats. Students will also write a research-based thesis paper. Vocabulary and spelling, as well as grammar and mechanics, will be emphasized throughout the semester. Continued emphasis upon communication skills will be practiced in class discussions and presentations.
Expectations
1. You will arrive promptly to class.
2. You will come to class prepared to work and cooperate.
3. You will contribute positively in class and help create an environment free from distraction.
4. You will take responsibility and ownership for your actions and words.
5. You will be productive and take pride in your work!
Grading Policy
Writing~25%
Tests and Projects - 25 %
Homework/ Preparedness, Class Participation (respectfully contributing in class), Attendance, Attitude - 25%
Quizzes (on vocabulary and literature) - 25 %
Required Materials
You must arrive promptly to class with the following materials every day:
A writing utensil and assignment book
A notebook or 3-ring binder separated into the following sections:
1. Vocabulary- definitions and sentences
2. Literature Notes
3. Grammar and Writing Notes
4. Journal- reading reactions and writing prompts
5. Quizzes/ Assessments
Literature we are reading in class
Vocabulary Component
Vocabulary will be stressed throughout the semester. The routine for studying vocabulary is as follows:
Monday - You will be responsible for recording the week’s vocabulary words and definitions into your notebooks. You should begin studying for Friday’s quiz on Monday night.
Tuesday - We will review definitions in class. You need to use each word in a showing sentence or participate in a related activity. Study again; practice writing the words with their definitions.
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Wednesday - We will record the sentences on the board and discuss the meaning of the words again. You should study your vocabulary words for homework. Draw pictures to help you remember the words, repeat them over and over, ask someone at home to quiz you. Do what you need to do!
Thursday - We will take a practice quiz in class. This should help you identify your strengths and weaknesses with the vocabulary words. You must study your words for homework (remember that both spelling and definition count on the quiz!).
Friday - You will be given an oral vocabulary quiz. Spelling the word correctly counts 4 points, the definition of the word counts 4 points, and the part of speech counts two points.
This vocabulary routine will be maintained throughout the semester. The words come from the literature you will read. This system is structured so you know what a word means before or as you come across that word in the reading.
Literature Component
Required Literature:
To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
Othello, William Shakespeare
Night, Elie Wiesel
Choice Literature:
The Catcher in the Rye, JD Salinger
Animal Farm, George Orwell
Lord of the Flies, William Golding
You will continually be reading and sharing free choice books throughout the semester.
Communication Component
Students will develop communication skills through reading aloud, discussing literature, working in groups, presenting projects, and giving speeches. This is an essential component of being a contributing member of this class and does play a factor in the grading process.
Writing Component
The writing process will be explained and emphasized throughout the course. All formal essays and writing should go through the process of prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. Essay writing will address creativity and the literature studied. A list of essay topics will be provided at the beginning of each unit. Writing is stressed daily in class.
Students will write frequent journal prompts. Entries should be meaningful reactions and responses to the literature. Journals will help students formulate and articulate ideas for discussion. The journal is helpful in the writing process as a means to explore ideas for essay topics.
Because quality class time is invested into your essay development and you have at least a week on each topic, late papers are unacceptable. I recommend typing a polished copy earlier than the night before the paper is due, as even a printing problem does not provide you with an excuse. Please understand that if a paper is handed in even a day late, the maximum grade you may receive is a 50%.
The English Department rubric outlines how your essays will be graded. ALL PAPERS MUST BE IN MLA FORMAT!!! Each paper needs to be at least two complete typed pages (double-spaced, font no bigger than 12, one inch margins all the way around).
You may rewrite your papers for a higher grade! You have to make significant changes to your essay (not just fixing grammatical or spelling mistakes). The rewrite must be handed in one week after the essay is handed back WITH the original graded copy. Your first essay grade will be averaged with the grade of the rewrite for the final essay grade. Please understand that I will not accept a rewrite without the original graded piece, as I need both copies to see how your writing has developed.
~Remember I am here to help you: feel free to see me if you have any concerns. I look forward to a productive and inspirational semester with all of you!~Mrs. Diamond
mdiamond@interlakes.org