English
11
Mr. Peterson
Course Description
Welcome to Junior English. Throughout the year we will focus on developing ourselves in the areas of reading, writing, thinking, and communicating as we survey a wide variety of works produced by some of the greatest American writers and thinkers. We will explore issues, ideas and cultural currents that surface in a wide variety of classic and contemporary fiction, novels, poetry, drama, music and media. Students will prepare and present a number of individual and group projects, many of which will integrate research, art, film, music and multimedia. Students will also address the fundamentals of English grammar, usage, mechanics and vocabulary through learning activities designed to strengthen and build upon their existing skills and knowledge. The subject matter of Junior English will provide us with topics that we will explore in the form of writing, projects and performance tasks, each of which addresses skills related to effective communication, literary analysis, research writing and presentation.
Course Objectives
English 11 is designed to build upon the knowledge and skills learned in previous grades, and to make writing and the study of language and literature practical, accessible and fun. This course should help students refine their reading, writing and communication skills and will serve as a foundation for subsequent, more advanced classes and writing tasks. The major objectives of the class are as follows:
·
To develop a foundational knowledge of various
genres of literature.
· To read with comprehension, write with skill and communicate effectively in a variety of ways.
· To know and apply the core concepts of language arts.
· To think analytically, logically and creatively.
· To integrate experiences and knowledge to form reasoned judgments and solve problems.
· To understand the importance of work and how performance, effort and wise decisions directly affect career and educational opportunities.
In addition to the academic and
skill-related objectives, my goals are to provide an enriching classroom
environment and learning experiences that help students grow into informed,
responsible citizens, voracious readers and lifelong learners.
Major Works The
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain The Great Gatsby
Course Content
A chronological survey of American literature
Fiction, Poetry & Drama
Nonfiction prose essays
Research Writing
Vocabulary, Grammar and Mechanics
Speech
Texts
The Language of Literature, McDougal Littell
The Prose Reader, Pearson Publishing
Literature: A Pocket Anthology, Longman
Supplies
Please bring the following supplies to school as soon as possible: pens/pencils, spiral or composition notebook, school planner/assignment sheet and a book. Bring these items every day.
Grades
Grades are a reflection of your level of learning, academic performance, effort, participation and attendance.
Grade Scale
A: 94-100% C+: 77-79%
A-: 90-93% C: 73-76%
B+: 87-89% C-: 70-72%
B: 83-86% D: 65-69%
B-: 80-82% F: Below 65%
Make-Up & Late
Work
Students who have excused absences shall be allowed the same amount of time that they were gone to make up work. Late work will not be accepted. Late essays and projects will be worth 50%, and may be revised up to a C. Only under extenuating circumstances or emergencies will I consider an extension. Essays turned in on time may be revised to improve your grade.
General Classroom Expectations:
Each individual is responsible for their role in the classroom community. I expect that students come to class prepared and ready to learn each day. Because much of this class is discussion based, I encourage everyone to actively listen and provide insight into the texts we read. In addition, I expect students to treat one another with courtesy, respect and dignity at all times. Remember, YOU are responsible for your own learning.
Classroom Conduct:
Students are expected to demonstrate Life Skills at all times and abide by Classroom Rules and those outlined in school administrative policy. Here are Mr. Peterson’s Classroom Rules:
Academic Honesty
There are times when you will work with others on classroom assignments, and times when you are expected to produce your own work. There is a difference between collaboration and copying. Plagiarism is the willful use of someone else’s words or ideas under the pretense that they are your own. In most cases, I can spot plagiarism easily. Undocumented use of others’ writing or cheating will result in a zero for the assignment. Getting caught turning in a paper that isn’t yours will result in both a zero for the assignment as well as administrative action. Don’t take chances. Come see me about any questions regarding responsible research and documentation.
Guidelines for
Success:
My roles as an instructor are to help you to understand and improve your own writing process, to provide you with practical, engaging learning opportunities, to encourage critical thinking and expression, to provide you with help and resources, and to provide meaningful assessment. However, nothing will help you to improve as much as your own effort and participation. Helping you learn is my job. Ask questions!
Contact:
I am available before school, after school, and by
appointment as necessary. Feel free to contact me via email at: petersone@chelanschools.org
or by phone at (509) 682-4061.
English 11
Mr. Peterson
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