HCP American Literature

Syllabus

HCP American Literature

Mrs. Floyd

I.  Course Description

This is a term long course in which the student will demonstrate his or her knowledge in the areas of literature, composition, and grammar.  The student will be encouraged to develop critical thinking skills and an appreciation of literature.

II.  Tentative Syllabus

This is a list of possible topics to be covered.

Grammar                                                                                                                                                  Vocabulary (lessons and tests weekly)                             Into the Wild

Types of Writing                                                                               The Great Gatsby

Research Project                                                                               Freakonomics

American Literary Periods                                                              Unbroken

Short Stories                                                                                      The Scarlet Letter

Poetry                                                                                                Literature Circles Selections

The Crucible                                                                                     AR Book Selections

*Because timing is difficult to estimate, this syllabus is subject to change.

III.  Classroom Policies

A.   Materials Needed

Three Ring Binder

Dividers

Pens (blue or black ink only)

Notebook Paper

B.   Evaluation

Daily Grades—These consist of homework and classwork and constitute 25% of each nine week grade.

Test Grades—These consist of unit tests, essays, projects, participation grades, and Million Word Challenge scores and constitute 55% of each nine week grade. 

Final Exam—Students will take a teacher-made test first semester and the Milestones EOC second semester.

C.   Make-up Work

If a student is absent it is the student’s responsibility to obtain and make-up the work missed.  The student has three days from the date of the absence to complete and turn in any missed work.  It is not my responsibility to find you and give you the work.  Students are expected to take tests on the day designated if they have been scheduled in advance.  Absence on the day before the test is not an excuse. 

D.   Due Dates

Late work will not be accepted.  This is true for homework, classwork, and projects.  It is the responsibility of the student to keep up with due dates.  Homework is always due at the beginning of the period.

E.   Tardy Policy

Any student who is not in his or her seat when the bell rings is counted tardy.  Your third tardy will result in a write-up.  There will be no exceptions. 

G.  Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty

Academic integrity is an important part of any class.  Because of this, any act of cheating in this classroom will result in a zero for the assignment and a parent phone call.  Any subsequent instances of academic dishonesty will result in a referral to the office.  Academic dishonesty includes cheating on classroom assignments, tests, essays, or projects.  Whether it be copying another student’s work or taking an essay from the Internet, this type of behavior is wrong and sometimes illegal.  

H. Hall Passes

You will receive three passes for the semester.  Once you have used all three passes, you must make-up fifteen minutes before or after school.  Remember, this pass is for anytime that you leave the room (library, restroom, locker, etc.)

I. Classroom Behavior

All guidelines for behavior in the student handbook will be enforced.  Discipline problems are not expected or tolerated.  If disregard for classroom policies persists, then the offending student will be punished according to the following criteria, depending on the frequency and/or severity of the problem: 

1.    A teacher conference with the student after class.

2.    A phone call to the student’s parents.

3.    A referral to the office.

J.  Participation Grade

Each semester you will receive a test grade that is simply a reflection of your participation in and preparedness for class.  You can receive participation points by answering difficult questions, making thought-provoking comments in class, or sharing a piece of your writing with the class.  You can also have your grade lowered by not being prepared for class or by sleeping.  Students who make an effort to be actively engaged in class usually make a good grade. 

K.  AR Requirement

Each nine weeks, students will take a minimum of three AR tests over books from the AP Reading List and an average of the highest three scores will be calculated for a test grade.  Tests taken over novels read for class will count for this grade. 

L.  Portfolio Requirement

All honors students will complete a portfolio to be presented at Portfolio Night.  This project counts for a test grade.  Additional details will be discussed in class.

AP Reading List