English IV Honors
English 4 Honors: British Literature
Course Description: This is an honors-level course for academically gifted students who have the ability to pursue an accelerated English program. These students are preparing for Advanced Placement English – Language and Composition or Literature and Composition (college level courses) in high school; therefore, the coursework will reflect more rigor than other English 4 courses. Literary study will focus on a survey of British Literature. Students will be required to read extensively from multiple genres and texts with a wide range of complexity. Nonfiction readings will include literary criticism as well as political essays, biographies, and historical texts. Grammar and usage skills will be reviewed. Students should expect major essay assignments on a frequent basis and for writing skills to constitute a large percentage of the final grade. Students will receive Honors weighting for this course.
Instructional Philosophy: Students will learn using independent and collaborative approaches. Technology and multimedia will be used to explore literature and the writing process. Students are expected to come to class with necessary materials.
SC Standards: The SC standards are used as a basis for instruction in this course. Detailed standards can be found at https://ed.sc.gov/scde-grant-opportunities/documents/FinalVersion-EnglishLanguageArtsStandards.pdf.
NOVELS
Frankenstein
Others TBA
DRAMA
Macbeth
Others TBA
SHORT STORIES
Selections from the text and outside resources
POETRY
Selections from the text and outside resources
NON-FICTION
Selections from the text and outside resources, including scholarly criticism
WRITING
Students should expect three or more extended writing assignments per quarter.
RESEARCH
At least one research-based project per semester
Assessment Plan:
Major Assessments 60%
Minor Assessments 40%
Major Assessments include tests, formal writing assignments, portfolio and projects.
Minor assessments include quizzes, journals, informal writing assignments, informal oral presentations, class work, and homework.
Required Materials: loose- leaf paper, Highlighters, pens, and, pencils, Post-it notes or flags
Please see me if you are unable to acquire any of the above materials. I will find a way to get you the supplies.
Late Work
Minor - 10 points off per day for 5 days and then zero
Major - 10 points off per day for 5 days and then until end of quarter to turn in for max of 50
Make-Up policy
When you are absent, YOU are responsible for anything you have missed. Check the class website, see me before or after school, and/or e-mail me. Under no circumstances should you interrupt class to ask what you missed. You have two days to make up work for each class day missed (not including the day of return). PREVIOUSLY ASSIGNED WORK IS DUE THE DAY YOU RETURN.
I strongly encourage you to email me with questions. You can email me up until 6:00 pm, and you will Often you will find that if you are struggling with an assignment, taking the time to think through writing the email and presenting your questions in a logical sequence often helps you answer your own question.
An Important Note About Technology
“My computer crashed.” “The internet was down.” “My printer ran out of ink.” “I forgot to save my work.” I consider these statements to be the modern day equivalent to “The dog ate my homework.” Technical difficulties, either legitimate or fabricated, are by no means an acceptable excuse for not turning your work in on time.
Rules
NO CELL PHONES AND NO SMART WATCHES– if I see them or hear them you will receive a referral.
BE RESPECTFUL TO YOUR CLASSMATES
BE PREPARED
NO EATING DURING CLASS/NO GUM
FOLLOW THE STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT