Name

English II Syllabus Exploring Perspectives in Language and Literature

Ms. Gosen-Fowler (a.k.a. Ms. GoFo/GoFo/KGF)

kfowler@westfieldnjk12.org

Office Hours: Periods 1 (by appt. in Writing Center), 2, 4 (W & F), 6, 9 - by appointment only - schedule through email

Course Overview:

English II explores the power of language and the commonality of human experience through a comparative study of written and oral expression. English II broadens the scope of English I to include a wider variety of literary genres and to examine more closely authors’ language, techniques, and styles. The texts studied in this course draw heavily from the literature of the former and existing nations of the British Commonwealth. The course emphasizes the use of language; authors’ approaches to subject and genre; thematic connections spanning temporal, social, national, and cultural distances; and growth from the personal perspective to the universal one. An emphasis on the writing process complements the study of literature to develop skills in expository, personal, narrative, and research-based writing. Students develop an extended understanding of the contextual use of grammar and vocabulary.

Through a variety of pedagogical approaches, the course will provide experience in all forms of communication: reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing, with a focus on critical and creative thinking. This course is recommended for most tenth grade students who can read and write material appropriate for the grade level. Together we shall explore the following themes:

• heroism

• good vs. evil (and “the space between” the two)

• construction and destruction of a civilization

• ethics and power

Selections from the following texts/topics:

Heroes and Martyrs

Beowulf

Grendel

Saint Joan

Code Name Pauline / Code Name Verity

Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Ethics, Power, & the Darkness of the Human Heart

Lord of the Flies

Macbeth

1984

Voice, Perspective, and Humor

A Modest Proposal

British Comedy

Poetry

Romanticism

Sonnets

Writing:

Goals for the year include the introduction to and/or development of your abilities to write in the following genres:

• analytical essay

• persuasive essay

• research paper

• journal narrative

• poetry

• play

SRP (Sophomore Research Paper):

As part of the writing process at WHS, you will be asked to complete a rigorous research paper during your junior year. This year, you will extend your skills in the research and research paper writing arena so that you are prepared for this endeavor next year. Within a given topic on an area we are studying, you will write an SRP. The process will be broken down for you so that all of the steps are very clear and manageable.

English II Syllabus Exploring Perspectives in Language and Literature

Ms. Gosen-Fowler kfowler@westfieldnjk12.org

Make-up Work:

In the event that you miss a day of school, you are expected to discover what you missed from a friend in class or email me; you should also consult Google Classroom in order to get the homework for that night.

Late Work:

Work submitted late will have a late penalty attached to it. However, it is always better to submit the work late than never! Extenuating circumstances, such as illness or an unexpected serious event or experience, do occur, however, and you should feel free to talk to me about it. If you know in advance that you will not be able to make a deadline, you should speak with me in advance about the possibility of an extension, which is up to each instructor’s discretion. Last-minute extension requests (i.e. emailing me at 11:30 the night before a paper is due after knowing about it for a week) are not entertained.

Google Classroom: Our primary form of communication outside of class will be Google Classroom. Homework and major assignments as well as handouts and links will be posted there so you may keep up with work should you miss class or misplace materials.

Website: Staff websites are at www.westfieldnjk12.org. Go to schools and select WHS. Then go to School Information and select Staff Directory. Type in Fowler and my website will pop up. Here homework and assignments from GC are posted on the class calendar. Please share this information with parents as this website access is public.

Grading Policy:

Grading for each marking period will be on a point system:

• homework checks from 5-10 points,

• quizzes 15-30 points,

• class work from 10-30 points,

• essays from 40-80 points,

• in-class writing tests, from 50-70 points

• class participation 20-40 points.

Marking period totals will vary depending on the number of days and assignments…rough estimates are 350-450 points per marking period. Full year grade calculated according to the following:

• 20% per marking period,

• 10% midterm exam,

• 10% final exam.

The portal will be updated periodically. In addition, the conversation between teacher and student regarding assessments...and the student’s commitment to reading the teacher’s comments are most valuable as you look to develop yourself as a reader, writer, thinker, communicator, and human being.

Classroom Behavior:

The time we spend together is very important to me; we respect your time and ask that you respect ours. You are expected to:

• arrive on time – and do not pack up early

• show your peers and yourself respect by truly listening to each other’s perspectives

• be prepared with your class supplies and our text

• be willing to work with all of your peers

• ask solid questions

• share concerns that may arise with your teachers directly so we can find a solution together

• keep an open mind!

Writing Center:

The Writing Center in the English Resource Center is open periods 1-8, and period 9 semester 2. You may schedule an appointment through the district website, my website or GC, to work with the English teacher on duty on an assignment. I am there period 1 this year.