10thgradesyllabus

English 3-4 (10th Grade) Syllabus

Course Description

Literary emphasis is on the short story, nonfiction, drama, poetry, and the novel. There is development of the student’s language arts skills in the fields of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Course curriculum and goals are aligned with the California Language Arts Standards.

Textbooks 10th Grade Literature Textbook (blue), McDougal Littell, Publisher

10th Grade Grammar Workbook (blue), McDougal Littell, Publisher

Core Literature

First Semester: Siddhartha, Shakespeare play (Macbeth)

Second Semester: Things Fall Apart, Night

Materials Needed

Three-ring, 1" binder with lined paper

School Planner

Pencils and pens in at least 2 colors

Supplementary Texts

Student-selected books for independent reading (to be brought to class every Friday)

Additional class novels or readings as selected by the teacher

Homework

Homework is scheduled regularly and includes the following, although this list is not exhaustive: Independent reading, grammar and vocabulary study, essay writing, project work, reading of core literature texts, and preparation for quizzes and exams.

Grading Policy

Grades are weighted according to these categories:

25% Classwork, Homework, Projects, Vocabulary

25% Tests and Quizzes (Final Exam = 10% of total grade)

25% Writing – Process writing, on-demand writing, writing practice

15% Reading – Independent reading and related projects

10% Participation – Conduct, especially during class discussions, group work, etc.

Grading Scale

A = 90 - 100%

B = 80 - 89%

C = 70 - 79%

D = 60 - 69%

F = 0 - 59%

Class Website

Ms. Wira’s website can be accessed through La Jolla High’s website (ljhs.sandi.net) or directly at sites.google.com/site/wendywira. Homework assignments and important dates (quizzes, tests) will be frequently posted online.

Online Grades

Grades will be updated every few weeks and available online through ParentConnect. For information on ParentConnect, please see La Jolla High’s website or the “Online Grades” link on Ms. Wira’s website.

In-Class Work and Homework

All work is to be done independently, without collaboration or sharing of answers between students unless specifically instructed otherwise. Students who submit copied or plagiarized work will be subject to the consequences listed below in accordance with La Jolla High School Academic Dishonesty policies.

Late Work Policy

-- It is expected that every student will complete every assignment on time. If you are having difficulty keeping up for any reason, please see me before a grade crisis starts.

-- NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED (except for excused absences and major assignments).

-- If the absence is excused, homework will be due on the first day back and will not be accepted after that day.

-- Major assignments (papers, projects, etc.) will be accepted late, but at a penalty of minus ten percent per day late. Rely on this only for the most extreme emergencies.

Make-up Work Policy

In the event of an excused absence, students may have one extra day per day absent to complete the work missed without penalty. Work due on the first day of the absence must be turned in on the day of return to avoid a late penalty.

-- Late work due to truancy or other unexcused absence will not be accepted.

-- It is the student's responsibility to make up late work and to ask the teacher or other students for missed notes, handouts, etc.

Neatness

Take pride in your work. All work turned in must be clean and written neatly. Please use only pencil, blue ink, or black ink. Work written in other colors (unless instructed) will be returned to be redone and will be subject to a late penalty. If typed, work must be in 12-point Times New Roman, Arial, or a similar font and formatted according to MLA guidelines. Messy or illegible work will need to be redone before it is graded and a late penalty will be deducted. The teacher will be the judge of what needs to be redone.

Citizenship Grades

Citizenship grades (E, G, S, N, or U) are determined according to a rubric, which includes (but is not limited to) being on time and starting the warm-up right away, being on task, following class and school rules, treating people with politeness and respect, bringing materials, and keeping the classroom clean. However, multiple tardies will result in lowered citizenship grades according to the La Jolla High School Universal Tardy Policy. Two incidents of academic dishonesty or referrals for disruption or defiance will mean an automatic ‘U’ and negate all other categories on the rubric.

Behavior Expectations

All school-wide policies for behavior expectations, attendance, attire, cell phones, academic honesty, etc. which are outlined in the La Jolla High School Planner and on the school website are followed and enforced in this class. In addition, I have the following behavior expectations:

-- Be on time and start the warm-up right away and quietly.

-- On time means being in your assigned seat when the bell rings.

-- Bring the required materials to class every day.

-- Raise your hand to speak and wait to be called upon.

-- Ask permission before getting out of your seat.

-- Listen to others and speak respectfully.

-- No eating or drinking in class.

-- No personal grooming (makeup, hair, nail polish, etc.) in class.

-- Clean up after yourself.

-- Do as you are asked the first time you are asked.