Course Description

This course further develops instruction and practice in composition and literary analysis. During the examination of the writing process, students study and use grammar skills in conjunction with composition skills that stress the mastery of writing for communication to a variety of audiences for a variety of purposes. A major research unit, including library and research skills, culminates in the production of a research paper. The literature study involves a thematic survey of American literature. Supplemental readings include novels/plays by American writers. Additionally, as a prerequisite for AP English IV, students will develop the skills necessary for success on the AP Literature test. Additional AP materials, works, and exercises will be used to further challenge the students. Oral communication, media/technology concepts, and active listening skills will also be addressed.

The students will:

Behave respectfully to everyone at all times

Consistently come to class on time prepared for class discussions and activities

Assume responsibility for all assignments, deadlines, and any work missed when absent

Follow school rules

Leave class a limited number of times and for emergencies only

Study, review, and read on their own time, not just before a test.

The parents will:

Help students take responsibility for class assignments, deadlines, and studying

Expect the best effort from the students but be realistic in their expectations

Work with the teacher to encourage students to achieve academic success

Review with the students their progress

Focus on helping students become independent, critical thinkers and responsible, life-long learners

The teacher will:

Challenge students to reach their full potential

Teach higher level thinking and analytical skills

Prepare students for future success

Communicate with students and parents about assignments and progress.

Be prepared each day and return work in a timely manner.

Materials Needed

Three ring binder with dividers that keep the student organized

Notebook paper (No spiral)

Pens (black ink preferred) All essays should be typed: double spaced, 12 pt. font, Times New Roman, black ink.

Pencils

Grading Procedures

Homework / Make-up work:

	Tests will not be made up during the class period. It is up to the student to schedule a make up test with the teacher.
	Make up tests will be scheduled before or after school.
	It is up to the student to find out what assignments have been missed. Check the website for assignments.
	Students have five school days from the date of an excused absence to make up all missed assignments or tests; however, if a student misses only the day an assignment is due, that assignment must be turned in the day the student returns.
	No credit will be given to a student who has missed a test or assignment due to an unexcused absence.
	Major class projects and assignments will be given a due date. These projects are due on this date, unless a student has an excused absence on due date. The projects are due the day the student returns.
	Homework is checked for completion and/or accuracy depending upon the assignment. Homework will be accepted up to two days after due date for half credit. Essays and major projects will be accepted for half credit. Ten points a day will be deducted from these assignments until the grade reaches half credit.
	Extra credit is not assigned in the English Department. The expectation is that the students will do the assigned work promptly and responsibly.
	Plagiarism is the copying of not only another person’s words, but also his/her ideas. Copying as few as three words is considered plagiarism. Taking someone else’s ideas and not giving him/her credit is also plagiarism. If I discover that you have plagiarized anything, you will be given a zero for that assignment, and you will NOT be allowed to redo it. If you are not sure you are plagiarizing, ask me before you turn something in to me; don’t wait for me to draw a big zero on your paper!!! This is a severe offense, so please be very cautious of it.

Greeneville High School Grading Scale: 90-100%: A 82-89%: B 72-81%: C 67-71%: D 0-69%: F	Grading: Writing (essays)/Writing Projects 35% Tests/Timed Writings/Projects 35 % Quizzes/ Homework/Daily Grades 30%

Name ______________________________

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Student Signature Parent Signature

Phone numbers:

Home/work email addresses (I will email reports to the students' Gaggle account):