English 1 Honors

Course Description

Students will participate in an intensive study of literature in the form of short stories, drama, novels, poetry and essays. Course instruction includes the writing process taught in conjunction with reading and class discussion, emphasizing the development of planning, composing, revising, and editing skills. Students will practice various forms of expository writing, including analytical pieces. All final drafts of major writing assignments require typing. Also, course work emphasizes modes of reading, writing, discussion and collaborative learning for developing oral and written communication skills and critical thinking skills in each student. This is the first of two courses in English to prepare students for the LHS upper-level English programs, IB and AP, and as such is extensive, preparing students to succeed in college level reading and writing. Students should possess a high level of motivation to complete all work on time, and give full attention and participation to all aspects of class activities.

Major Assignments and Texts

The Booklet of Essential Documents--The B.E.D. is a document which contains the lessons that we use in our class (and in classes for the next four years--I have even had students take it to college!).

Quarter One: Informative Research Paper, Voices of Witness Book*, Voices of St. Louis Presentation, Quarter Exam

Quarter Two: OPE, Literary Analysis Multi-Paragraph Essay, Fahrenheit 451*, Discussions, Semester Exam (15%)

Quarter Three: Literary Criticism Paper, Coming of Age Novel*, Independent Novel*, Moonrise Kingdom (film analysis), Quarter Exam

Quarter Four: Literary Analysis essays, The Trouble with Poetry (provided), a Shakespeare Play/s, Shakespearean Performance, Semester Exam (15%)

*books noted are NOT provided by the school. Students can obtain print or electronic copies of the books. Students may also want to obtain copies of the books we do provide--but this is not required.

Grading

• Grading: Grades will be a reflection of students’ mastery of the following skills, each of which is worth 10% of a student’s quarter grade.

1. Supporting Conclusions with Evidence and Warrants
2. Identifying, Analyzing, and Implementing Themes, Claims, and Main Ideas
3. Identifying, Analyzing, and Implementing Elements of Style and Structure
4. Identifying, Analyzing, and Implementing Tone and Point of View
5. Researching to Answer Questions and Using MLA Citation
6. Using Paragraphs, Transitions, and Lead-ins to Organize Writing
7. Using Vivid and Precise Language and Effective Syntax and Grammar
8. Contributing Insightfully to Discussion
9. Planning and Delivering Effective Presentations
10. Displaying Effective Habits of Learning

• Plagiarism/Cheating Policy: Academic misconduct is cheating or plagiarizing (intentionally and unintentionally). Each student will receive a lesson and pamphlet regarding plagiarism within the first week of school. All students committing academic misconduct will receive a referral and their parents will be notified. For major assignments (papers, tests, projects), students will also have to resubmit the assignment in order to pass for the semester. In most cases, students will receive a zero for the assignment. It is at teacher discretion to give no more than half credit on resubmitted major assignments.

Instructors

Carrie Rapp carrierapp@lindberghschools.ws Ext.

Megan Roegner mroegner@lindberghschools.ws Ext. 1121

Valerie Schroll vschroll@lindberghschools.ws Ext. 1039

Hillary Switzer hillaryswitzer@lindberghschools.ws Ext. 1276

Michelle Wedig michellewedig@lindberghschools.ws Ext. 1123