Course Overview & Expectations

I am excited to welcome you to English II AE! As you begin your sophomore year, you will continue to refine your reading, writing and critical thinking skills. Over the course of the year, you will read a variety of texts that reveal the ever-changing American identity. As you study the various conflicts facing Americans throughout specific time periods, you will learn how your American values and beliefs are shaped by the past and the present. You will discover who you are, what you value and why you are uniquely American.

Core texts: You will read The Glass Castle, The Crucible, Their Eyes Were Watching God and The Catcher in the Rye. Two other novels in addition to a variety of poems, short stories and essays will be added throughout the years.

Over the year, you develop the following skills:

• Improve close reading skills.
• Improve critical thinking skills.
• Increase vocabulary.
• Strengthen your writing voice in papers.
• Understand how to use counter arguments.
• Use grammar effectively.
• Enhance your listening and speaking skills.

Class Structure: Learning is sometimes uncomfortable. You are expected to ask questions, to listen, and to synthesize. Class participation is mandatory. While the type of learning activities will change, classroom routines and expectations will not.

Class Expectations: In order to maximize your learning process, you should:

• Arrive to class on time and be ready to work when the bell rings.
• Keep a notebook for English class (See below*.).
• Complete all homework in a timely, neat fashion (no spiral paper).
• Bring required texts and notebooks to class.
• Put away cell phones.
• Take notes independently.
• Participate in class discussions and group work.
• Be respectful and supportive of your peers and their beliefs.
• Accept constructive criticism.
• Take responsibility for your actions.
• Try your best.

*You should keep an organized binder or folder for English class. Create sections for the following categories: Literary Analysis Handouts, Discussion and Lecture Notes, Reading/Vocabulary Quizzes, Graded Homework.

Academic Integrity: All students must follow the ABRHS Academic Integrity Policy.

"The International Center for Academic Integrity defines academic integrity as a commitment to five fundamental values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility" (The Fundamental Values of Academic Integrity ).

Academic integrity is first about honesty. Honesty means submitting work that is yours and citing other people’s ideas when incorporating them into your work. Honesty fosters trust, which is the ability of others to trust you and your ability to trust your skills when faced with challenges. It takes courage to demonstrate personal responsibility and open yourself and your work to the criticism of others. By taking responsibility for your own work, you will maximize the benefits of the education you receive here at AB.

An academically honest person earns the respect of his teachers, peers, and community. Being academically dishonest undermines your education because you are unable to benefit from your teachers' assessments of your skills and suggestions for improvement because the work they are evaluating is not yours. When you are academically dishonest, you are doing a disservice to your community and to yourself. By maintaining academic integrity, you are preparing to be a person of honesty, responsibility, and respect.

Homework Policy: Homework is only given to prepare for class discussion or to reinforce a skill.Therefore, completing nightly homework at a later date is not beneficial to your learning. I will only accept late homework one day after the due date for partial credit. If you are completing a long-term project or essay, you will lose half of a letter grade for each day the assignment is late. If you cannot print an assignment, you may email your work before class begins.

Term Grades: Tests, essays and projects account for 70% of your grade. Quizzes and homework are worth 30% of your grade, 15% each.

Additional Support: Please see me for individual writing conferences! You may email me to schedule a meeting during Periods B, E, or after school.