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Syllabus

Course Description

12th grade Literature and Composition is a year long, chronological survey of British literature. The course is designed to examine the effects of culture upon literature and art, and vice versa, through a chronological examination of various British works. Each unit will include independent reading, journal writing, class discussion, research, and composition instruction, including grammar, oral

presentations, projects, and the arts. 

 

Course Objectives

Be able to recognize the timeliness of literature and be able to discuss the importance of literature to culture: “One need not burn the     books to destroy a culture; one merely needs to stop reading.”

▪ Be able to recognize the historical significance of various works of British literature from a variety of genres.

▪ Understand the techniques of fiction, poetry, and drama and their effects on meaning.

▪ Develop skill in independent, critical analysis through thoughtful discussions and frequent, challenging writing assignments.

▪ Develop writing skills through both formal and informal essays as well as a variety of creative writing assignments.

 

 

MaterialsNeeded For Class                              Grading Scale

 

 

 

 

 

Your grade is a direct reflection of your efforts in the class. If you have an issue with your grade, you may set up an appointment with me before or after school. I will not discuss grades during class.

TEXTBOOK

Applebee, Arthur, et al. The Language of Literature: British Literature. Evanston, Illinois: McDougal Littel, 2002. Print. 

 

STANDARDS

Based on the Common Core Georgia Performance Standards, students will be able to:

1.ELACC11-12RL2: Determine two or more themes or central ideas of text and analyze their development over the course of the text,     including how they interact and build on one another to produce a complex account; provide an objective summary of the text

2. ELACC11-12RL4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful. (Include Shakespeare as well as other authors.)

3. ELACC11-12RL5: Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure specific parts of a text (e.g., the choice of where to begin or end a story, the choice to provide a comedic or tragic resolution) contribute to its overall structure and meaning as well as its aesthetic impact.

4. ELACC11-12RL6: Analyze a case in which grasping point of view requires distinguishing what is directly stated in a text from what is really meant (e.g., satire, sarcasm, irony, or understatement).

5. ELACC11-12RI1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.

6. ELACC11-12RI4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative,

connotative, and technical meanings; analyze how an author uses and refines the meaning of a key term or terms over the course of a text (e.g., how Madison defines faction in Federalist No. 10).

7. ELACC1112L1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. 

NOTE: This is not an inclusive list. Every unit developed will include the Literary and Informational Reading Standards, the Writing Standards, and the Speaking and Listening Standards. You may find these standards at https://www.georgiastandards.org/Common-Core/Common%20Core%20Frameworks/CCGPS_ELA_11-12_Standards(AmerLit).pdf

 

TESTS

There will be approximately seven tests this semester: a minimum of one test per major unit and two essays. 

 

RESEARCH

There will be one semester research project, which constitutes 20% of the semester’s average. All assignments related to the research project - citations, rough draft, final draft, etc. - will be entered into the research category. 

 

 

HOMEWORK REQUIREMENTS

• Homework is due at the beginning of class. Homework and daily work are major grades that reflect student attitude and effort. I do not accept late work.

• Plagiarized homework will result in a zero.

• Even if there is no assigned homework, review your class notes regularly, as your summative assessments come directly from your daily work, your homework, and your class notes.

 

QUIZZES

There will be formative quizzes given throughout each unit as well as pop-quizzes on outside readings. 

 

DAILY WORK

Daily work, whether the work is in the form of individual or group work, is designed to prepare students to succeed in the given unit. Remember, much of the test material comes directly from homework and daily work. It is important to complete and keep up with your work. Your daily work average will come from your completed daily assignments and class participation. Not all work can or will be graded.

 

FINAL EXAM

The final exam is comprehensive. Be sure to keep all of your work and notes from your previous units so that you will have these for review. Your study guide for the exam is your notes. 

 

LATE WORK POLICY

I will accept late work on tests and research only. However, if  you choose to hand in your work late, you must set an appointment with me to review your work with you before or after school, as the accountability for the assignment needs to rest on you, the student. Also, I will deduct 10% per day the assignment is late. Remember, I do not accept late homework. 

 

ATTENDANCE AND MAKE-UP WORK

• Excused absences: Assignments and tests missed during your absence may be made up within five days of your return to school. Previously assigned tests and work are due on the day you return to class.

• Check-ins/outs: Check-ins/outs to avoid assignment deadlines are not allowed. If you check out of school, your work is due before you leave, and if you check into school, your work is due before the end of the day.

• Unexcused absences: You will not receive credit for missed work if you have an unexcused absence.

• Ask about missed assignments before or after class.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

I strictly adhere to the county’s plagiarism policy, which you will find attached. Any plagiarized work results in an automatic zero with no chance to make up the assignment and a discipline referral for academic dishonesty.

 

All assignments are designed for a learning purpose and to help you succeed in this class and in future classes. These assignments reflect your effort and attitude. DO YOUR OWN WORK.

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR AND EXPECTATIONS 

1. Be on time. To be on time means to be seated in your desk, not running through my door as the bell is ringing - this is disruptive.

The first tardy is a warning. The second tardy is a teacher detention. After the second tardy, students are referred to the administration.

2. Be prepared. Bring your texts and materials to every class.

3. Be attentive. Paying attention in class and completing your work will ensure your success in the class. You will not succeed by being a zombie.

4. Be respectful - to the teacher and fellow students.

5. NO food or drink are allowed in the classroom. 

 

TECHNOLOGY

Technology is an amazing tool and will be used on occasion for educational purposes in the class. However, to avoid temptation, KEEP YOUR CELL PHONE IN YOU  LOCKER! I will announce the use of technology in the classroom in advance, and the sign in the front of the class will be turned to green. However, texting and gaming will not be permitted and the devices need to be used appropriately for the given assignment. When the sign is turned to red, it is not permissible to use electronic devices.

 

Remember, the use of school technology and personal technology (BYOT) is a privilege, not a right.  The consequences for technology misuse will be a warning on the first offense, a teacher detention on the second offense, and an administrative referral for all future offenses. 

 

WRITING LAB

You will be given time to work on writing assignments and presentations in the writing lab. Lab time is limited, so please utilize your time wisely. It is your responsibility to complete assignments that you do not finish in the lab before or after school or at home. The lab is open from 8:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M., as is the library. 

 

EXTRA HELP

I am available for extra help on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and Wednesday mornings. Of course, if you are struggling with something in class, please see me to set up an appointment. 

 

EXTRA CREDIT

Your grade is a direct reflection of your effort and will not be a result of extra credit. I do, however, occasionally ask trivia questions that you may complete for extra credit. I also bank extra credit questions into the tests. As the extra credit is minimal, be sure to keep up with your work. 

 

EDMODO

Major projects and assignments will be posted to Edmodo, https://edmo.do/j/ezvfw5. Group code: 264mue

 

REMIND 101

 

Sign up to receive text messages for class reminders: https://www.remind.com/join/f7b8e or text @f7b8e to (678) 897-4086 

 

CLASSROOM NEEDS

Donations of Kleenex and hand sanitizer are always needed and appreciated. 

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

The best way to contact me is via email, at cunningham.sonya@mail.fcboe.org. I will respond to your message within one business day. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions, comments, concerns.

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