English 2R
Mr. Matts
Course Description: This course will examine literature on many levels. The time periods we will survey will extend from the early twentieth century all the way to the present day. The types of literature we will explore will include novels, short stories, critical essays, and poetry. The themes that will be reflected through this literature will be diverse, spanning from the American Dream, to War, Friendship, Family and Love. We will also look at how literature and society are inexorably linked, and how things like art, music, and even advertising can influence both.
Writing will also play a large part in the structure of this course. Throughout the year we will write creatively and critically striving for both power and purpose. Regardless of the type of writing we do, revision will play an increasing role in your writing and your grade.
Course Grade: Group work, class discussion, class participation, reading, and note-taking to interpret literature will all be used to determine grades. Critical essays, journal writing, creative writing, revisions, research projects, tests, and quizzes will be other forms of assessment.
Requirements…
· Attend class regularly (meaning ALL THE TIME!)
· Arrive on time and ready to work
· Participate actively (and pretend you are enjoying it!)
Materials…
· Writing implement (taking notes is helpful and doodling makes me think you’re paying attention, you can’t do either without a pen or pencil!)
· Writing Journal (A bound composition notebook-200 pages)
· Binder (3-ring is helpful, but whatever you can wrangle is acceptable, papers that come out of a back pocket or sock will promptly be used as coasters)
· All course materials!! (when I have to make extra copies the secretaries yell at me!)
Grading Policy: Grading for this course will be on a point system. Your final grade will be determined by adding the total number of points you have accumulated during the marking period and dividing them by the total number of points available. In other words: What you actually did and how you did it divided by what I gave you to do.
Homework Policy: There is no such thing as a late homework because as soon as the due date lapses, that homework ceases to have value. I assign homework to test whether you have mastered concepts we went over in class and to see if you can take those concepts to the next level. Reading assignments carry particular weight because without the assigned reading, you will be unable to participate in the day’s discussion. If that doesn’t particularly bother you, an added incentive will be my reading quizzes. No late homework AT ALL. Major assignments will have 5 points deducted per day late. The weekend will only count as one day late (am I a pushover or what?).
*If you are not in class you are responsible for finding out what you missed, as well as making up any missed work. All assignments will be posted on the website, but you should always double-check with someone from class as technology can be unreliable. You will have one week from the date of your return to complete missed assignments. After one week the assignments will not be counted. You can always check for missed assignments on the class website (http://www.bcsdny.org/webpages/kmatts/homework.cfm ). Also, everyone will be assigned two “sick-day partners” (I know it’s an unfortunate name but it sounded cooler than “homework buddies”). You will write down your S.D.P.’s info below and keep it for the duration of the year. Should you be absent, you are responsible for calling one of your S.D.P.s for the work you missed.*
Plagiarism Policy: Plagiarism is fancy language for cheating and is synonymous with stealing. Since I don’t endorse any of those things, consider this your official warning! If anyone is caught plagiarizing, they will receive an automatic zero for the assignment. The guidance department as well as parents/guardians will also be notified of any infractions. Remember, changing the order of the words or substituting words (“thief” for “crook” for example) does not exonerate you. I am aware some of you may be unclear as to what exactly constitutes plagiarism. The bottom line is: if you have a question, ask me and I will be more than happy to show you if and where you have crossed the line. You can also use your google account to access EASYBIB, which has a concise guide to plagiarism and ways to avoid it. I will be handing out an Honor Code in the coming weeks for you to read and sign, stating that you understand our policy on this.
Classroom Policy…
The following behaviors should be exhibited by all students at all times:
· Come to class on time and ready to work;
· Come to class prepared (bring your notebook and a pen);
· Listen while others are speaking;
· Raise your hand if you wish to speak;
· Leave food in the caf and cell phones out of sight;
· Leave attitudes and flimsy excuses at the door;
· Respect all property and individuals.
Extra-Help: District policy requires me to stay after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Lack of a social life allows me to stay after pretty much any other day as well. Let me know when you want to meet and I will try to accommodate you.
Class Website: The class website is a one-stop-shopping center for all things English 2R. By logging on, you can find due dates, assignment sheets, message boards, and even slide shows. Check it out! The url is: http://www.bcsdny.org/webpages/kmatts/index.cfm
Contact Information: If you should need to get a hold of me and for some unexpected, unlikely, yet happy reason, I am not in the English Department office; you may e-mail me with any questions or concerns at my Fox Lane account: kmatts1321@bcsdny.org
Sick-Day Partners
1. Name: __________________ Phone: _______________ Email: ______________________
2. Name: __________________ Phone: _______________ Email: ______________________