Sophomore English II-B

Spring 2006 Semester Syllabus

Mr. Saunders

 

General Information

 

Conference and Planning Period: 8:00 –9:00 a.m.

After School Help and Test Make-up: Tuesday afternoons 3:15—4:00 p.m.

School Telephone Number: 864-476-7045 Extension 3628

School E-Mail Address: tsaunders@spartanburg4.org

Web Page: Go to www.spartanburg4.org then click on Woodruff High School. At the

                  top of the page, click on the Faculty and Staff box. Scroll down to the

                  English Department and then click on Mr. Tim Saunders.

 

Course Outcomes

 

This semester, students will develop a greater appreciation for literature while developing composition and communication skills by:

 

·        Applying knowledge of the characteristics of both fiction and non-fiction literature, including short stories, essays, dramas, poems, novels, and nonfiction literature. (SC English II Reading Standard)

·        Increasing reading comprehension from a variety of sources. (SC English II Reading Standard)

·        Improving writing skills by focusing on grammar, punctuation, style, and thought development including narrative, expository and persuasive writings. (SC English II Writing Standard)

·        Expanding vocabulary usage by applying knowledge of word origins, derivations, and idioms, and use analogies, metaphors, and similes to extend vocabulary development and use. (SC English II Communication Standard)

·        Accessing and using information from a variety of appropriately selected sources to write a research paper. (SC English II Research Standard)

 

Required Texts

 

Reading will comprise the majority of lesson assignments during the semester. The third nine-weeks will cover an extensive examination of poetry by Frost, Sandburg, Angelou, Longfellow, Dickinson, and Hughes. The fourth nine-weeks will include the corporate classroom reading of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare. Students will be required to read research materials outside of class to prepare a term paper based on the life and work of a famous author/poet. Additional reading assignments will be taken from the textbook Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes by Prentice Hall.

 

Grading

 

Students will earn nine-week grades based on the following grading distribution system:

 

Daily Journaling/Homework/Class Participation                 25%

Literature Tests/Vocabulary Tests/Quizzes                           25%

Exams and Nine Weeks Tests                                                    25%

Research Paper/Projects                                                  25%

 

Course Requirements

 

Students will be required to:

 

v     Read books outside of class for research on which they will prepare and present a research paper.

v     Research and write a term paper.

v     Keep a daily journal.

v     Learn vocabulary.

v     Participate in classroom reading and learning activities.

v     Complete homework assignments.

 

Course Supplies

 

Throughout the semester, students will need the following supplies for classroom work:

 

ü      4” X 6” lined index cards

ü      2” vinyl or plastic three ring notebook with filler paper

ü      2 floppy disks

ü      spiral bound notebook for notes

 

Classroom Rules

 

Ø      Enter and leave the classroom orderly and quietly.

Ø      Be in your seat working on the daily assignment when the tardy bell rings.

Ø      Have homework assignments prepared to turn in at the beginning of class.

Ø      NO gum, candy or food is permitted.

Ø      Ask permission before using classroom supplies or equipment.

Ø      Bring a book to read to class every day. This counts as a part of the daily grade.

Ø      Be courteous of everyone. Use good manners. Disrespect for the instructor or peers will not be tolerated.

Ø      Sleeping or doing work for other courses during class time is unacceptable.

 

Make-up Work

 

When a student is absent and must make-up work, the student will have one week to complete homework or class work. It is the student’s responsibility to come to the teacher to determine missed work. Copies of handouts, worksheets, vocabulary lists and other materials will be kept in a notebook in the classroom. Following an absence, a student may obtain copies of missed work from the Sophomore English II-B notebook. It is also the student’s responsibility to schedule time with the teacher to take make-up tests on the Tuesday following his/her return to school. Book reports, projects, or major assignments are also due within one week of a student’s return to school. No late work will be accepted after one week. At that time a zero will be recorded for all missing or incomplete work. Students caught plagiarizing on any assignment will be written up, face disciplinary action, and will receive a grade of zero for the assignment.