English IV

Course Description:

  • Study will be devoted to "Life after school" either job-oriented or post high school education. Students will be required to complete required readings, as well as written assignments of the types generally required in freshman college composition courses. Use of the word processor will be necessary in the preparation and presentation of course work. Students will complete an extensive research paper, as well as participate in various oral presentations. The five basic types of literature (short story, drama, poetry, non-fiction and novel) are explored to gain more understanding and to complement essay requirements.

Weighted Grade Categories

The letter grade is awarded by weighted categories:

A: 100-90%, B: 89-80%, C: 79-70%, D: 69-60%, F: 59%

You are expected to practice and maintain high standards in your learning and to complete your work accordingly. This means YOU will use your time appropriately to complete your work, turn in original work on time, and participate as a responsible member of the class.

Writing your own material is mandatory; plagiarism will be penalized in accordance with VHS policy. Most writing assignments will also require submission to www.turnitin.com for plagiarism check. The target percentage for cited material is less than 20%. If you do not meet these standards, your work may be returned to be redone, graded as is, or not accepted at all.

Advanced notice will be given for paper and assignment due dates. “Late” is defined as any work not handed in by stated deadline. You are responsible for keeping track of assignment due dates, although I will make every effort to remind you of deadlines.

LATE WORK POLICY

Advanced notice will be given for paper and assignment due dates in class and via our Google classroom. "Late" is defined as any work not handed in by a stated deadline. You are responsible for keeping track of assignment due dates, although I will make every effort to remind you of deadlines. Work is due at the beginning of class, unless otherwise noted.

Technological issues are not considered valid grounds for late assignment submission. Assignments submitted to Turnitin.com may NOT come in late unless prior arrangements have been made.. Those dates are established and must be met for grading purposes.

If you must be absent on a day work is due, either turn the assignment in early, email me a copy, or submit to the Google Classroom. The assignment is still due even if you are not in class. I am not required to accept your work late. Missed tests or other daily assignments will be due upon your return. Before and after school, or part Fridays will be the times to make up missed exams, find out missing assignments, or turn in missing work.


Class Supplies:

  • Pencils and pens (blue and black only)

  • Post it notes or post it flag stickers

  • A BIG box of Kleenex or facial tissues

  • Smiles and a working attitude!

Cyber Items:

  • Access to a computer (this may mean coming into school early or staying later to use the VHS computers.)

  • A wireless mouse (optional)

  • Other materials may be necessary depending on art projects or multimedia presentations that may result from class study.