English I CP

English I CP: The Power of the Individual &

the Role of an Individual’s Background

Ms. Miller, H3

lmiller@opusd.org

The Class

We are going to read, write, discuss, reflect and form an educated opinion on a great many things this year. Specifically, in an effort to better understand the power of the individual, we will read classic works of fiction in the English language: a short story collection and three novels (Of Mice and Men, The Outsiders, Crossover). Further, to explore how our individual backgrounds shape our identities, we will look at ourselves, study a Shakespearian play (The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet) and read the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. In a unit on nonfiction texts, including the New York Times Upfront magazine, we will examine the role of these texts in shaping and informing individual opinions. Last, we will have two empowering units (Success & Autobiographical) where the focus will be on our favorite subject – us!

Film Screenings

To deepen our study of course themes, we will view several films during class. The list of titles includes: Of Mice and Men (PG-13), The Outsiders (NR), The Circle (PG-13), Romeo and Juliet (NR), and To Kill a Mockingbird (NR).

Permission slip for film screenings: Yes, my student can watch all of these films: X_______________________

Materials

See separate requested supplies list! All materials must be brought to every class. This includes whichever text we happen to be reading at the time, your district issued Chromebook (fully charged) and your earbuds.

Grades

Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of course material in all the usual ways: homework (no late work accepted), essays, reading for pleasure, daily reading quizzes, individualized vocabulary (Membean), projects, cooperative group work, Socratic seminars, tests etc. Students will also create their own websites for blogging, portfolios and writing assignments. I grade in points, not percentages and I round up at .5 (example: 89.5 = A-).

Deconstructing the “no late work” policy

*The OPHS English Department has a policy of not accepting late work on long term assignments and homework.

*Daily homework is due the next class unless otherwise noted; no late work accepted.

*Make-up work is regular work (not long term) assigned the day a student is absent. The student can turn in make-up work after the same interval of time the absence occurred. Example: regular work is assigned on Monday, while you are out sick. You return Wednesday; the work from Monday is then due Friday.

*Regular work (not long term) due the day you are out sick can be brought to the class the day you return.

*Long term work assigned 2-4 weeks in advance is due the day it is due even if you are not at school that day; no late work will be accepted. Have a friend, parent, sibling bring it in for you.

Extra Credit

There are about 2-3 extra credit opportunities per semester and students are strongly encouraged to do both. You never know when you will need “insurance” points. When people come to me at the end of the semester and say, “Is there anything I can do to get that A-; I’m so close?” The first thing I will ask is, “Did you do all the extra credit?” Keeping hold of Sacred Documents will also earn 5 extra credit points each.