Course description 10th grade
Course Description and Content
The tenth grade English curriculum extends what you've learned in the ninth grade and emphasizes the analysis of literature and other texts, including documentary film. The literature in this course explores multiple perspectives and draws attention to issues of gender, culture, power and identity. You will hone your analytical skills by doing close reading, annotation, in-depth discussion, and writing about these challenging texts. In addition, you will apply these skills to an analysis of a variety of non-fiction texts, including documentary film.
Texts
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Short Stories by various writers (focus: points of view)
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
All Quiet On the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
Macbeth by William Shakespeare
Another novel, to-be-determined
Nonfiction texts: articles, essays, opinion pieces, films and documentaries (focus: critical reading of texts, analysis)
In addition to the above texts (which may change depending on availability), you will read MANY other books independently.
Writing
Sentence work (grammatical components, writing cumulative sentences, sentence modeling)
Analytical (literary and film analysis)
Persuasive (book and film reviews, argumentation)
Reflective (reading growth each quarter)
Other Projects
Vocab: daily words, based either on the current text or SAT; cumulative tests at semesters.
Independent Reading: choose what you read; read at least 400 pages each quarter; give book talks to the class; write book reviews; make reading goals for each quarter.
Documentary Project: learn the vocabulary of film; view & write about documentaries with a critical eye; use a video camera to tell a story; create a short documentary.
Independent Reading
We read differently for different purposes. The shared texts we read together in class will be read critically and analytically, which requires careful, close reading. The reading you do independently is closer to “leisure” reading, which doesn’t usually require the analytical work we will be doing in class. (Of course, you are welcome to read challenging texts for IRB if you want to.) My hope is that my system will help you to expand and deepen your reading experience.
My goals for this program:
1) To make independent reading truly independent.
2) To put the focus on reading and not on a book report or project.
3) To promote a love of reading and encourage a reading habit.
My system:
For independent reading this year, you will…
-Choose what you read.
-Read a minimum number of pages (at least 400) per quarter.
-Keep a record of all of the book titles, authors, and pages that you read.
-Reflect on what you’re reading, how you’re choosing books, and how you can expand your reading.
-Participate in a variety of IRB activities (book talks, discussions, read-arounds, book lists, silent reading)
-Write a reflection paper about your reading at end of each quarter and make goals for the following quarter.
A few other guidelines:
I expect you to read books you haven’t read before for IRB. I know that there is value (and enjoyment!) in rereading books, but I want you to expand your reading experiences.
If you are hating a book that you’re reading for IRB, I want you to stop reading it and find another book. You HAVE to read the books we’re reading together in class, but I want you to enjoy your independent reading. You will still earn “credit” for the pages you read, even if you don’t finish a book, but I expect you to find and start another book right away. Your classmates and I will be giving recommendations for good reads throughout the year.
It is your responsibility to choose books that are “appropriate” for school as defined by your family. Discuss book choices with your family if you are unsure.
Finally, my expectation is that you are always reading a book. How much you read each rotation will vary throughout the year, but I want reading to be a regular, routine part of your life. I know that for many of you, this is already the case!
Grades
Your grade will be based on the standard point & percentage system (A+ = 98-100%, A = 93-97%, A- = 90-92%, B+ = 88-89%, B = 83-87, B- = 80-82%, etc...). For your report card grade at the end of marking periods, I will round-up your percentage to the nearest whole number.
Each assignment will be worth a point total ranging from 5 to 200 points based on the type of assignment. Typical assignment points: notebook entries (5 points), homework and class work (10), quizzes (15), essays (50-100), tests and projects (100), final exam (up to 200).
Citizenship grade: I expect you to abide by all class policies and procedures outlined in this document. Irresponsible and disrespectful behavior will affect your citizenship grade.
Keeping track of your grade: My hope is that you will work hard this year to become a more sophisticated writer and reader and that you will NOT be obsessed with your grades. However, I know that it is helpful to track your progress. You may see your scores online throughout the year by following the links on my website (mshill.net). I’m extremely careful about making grades fair and accurate, but occasionally I may make an error. Please let me know if you see something that doesn’t look right. My goal this year is to update grades at least every two weeks.
Extra credit: I generally do not offer extra credit because I expect all of my students to do their best on the work that I assign.
Academic Participation Rubric:
The rubric below describes how I will measure your level of academic participation during each unit. Notice that I define participation as MORE than just talking in class.
|
A |
B |
C |
D or F |
Motivation |
Consistently self-motivated; actively participates in all activities & discussions |
Self-motivated; participates in discussions & activities, but could be more active |
Limited self-motivation; participates when called on; should participate more actively |
Rarely self-motivated; participates reluctantly or inappropriately or not at all |
Focus |
Always focused on task at hand; helps classmates remain on-task |
Almost always on-task during class time, but may occasionally need encouragement |
Sometimes off-task during class time; has difficulty following teacher directions |
Often off-task during class; attention drifts from class focus; mostly socializes or withdraws; non-responsive to redirection |
Respect |
Treats everyone with dignity & respect; listens & responds to teachers & classmates respectfully |
Almost always treats everyone with dignity & respect; listens & responds to others appropriately |
Occasionally treats classmates or teachers disrespectfully; may disregard other student voices in the room; may speak out of turn |
Disrespectful towards classmates &/or teachers; blurts out responses inappropriately; does not raise hand to speak |
Preparation |
Is always on time & prepared at the start of class; always has required materials |
Usually prepared & on time at the start of class; has required materials |
Sometimes unprepared - without materials or assignments; may have several tardies |
Often unprepared at start of class -- without materials &/or assignments; often tardy |
Rules |
Understands & obeys class rules & procedures |
Obeys class rules & procedures, but occasionally needs reminders |
Usually obeys rules & procedures, but often needs reminders and directions |
Disobeys rules & unaware of procedures |
Class Procedures, Policies, & Expectations
Summary of the procedures, policies, and expectations outlined below:
•Homework is due at the beginning of the period. Late work will not be accepted (unless it is a paper).
•Papers may be turned in late with 10% off for each school day late.
•Bring these five materials to every class meeting: your English notebook, a 3-ring binder (with 4 section dividers: current unit, writing, IRB, returned work), unit text, pen/pencil, paper.
•You may not leave the classroom unless you receive an office slip or you give me a "Take 5" pass.
•You must come see me at the designated times to get makeup work for excused absences.
•Be in class on time. [3+ tardies within a quarter = a "U" in citizenship]
•Cheating and plagiarism have consequences. Be familiar with PHS's Academic Integrity Policy.
•There is no eating in my room, unless you're meeting with me at lunch. [Closed container beverages are ok.]
•Be attentive and involved. [You may not use electronic gadgets (iPods, MP3 players, cellphones...) in my classroom. If I see it, I will take it.]
Procedures
Homework
Homework is due at the beginning of the period in the turn-in basket. I will not accept work later in the period or day because you “forgot” to turn it in earlier.
If you have an excused absence, you will have more time to turn in homework assignments. (See “Make-up Work.”)
Materials
You are responsible for acquiring a spiral-bound notebook to be used ONLY for this class. (See “Notebook” for details.)You must also have a 3-ring binder in which to keep all assignment sheets and work-in-progress. It should include four section dividers labeled: current unit, writing, IRB, and returned work. (This may be your general binder that you use for your other classes that has an English section.)
Bring all course materials every day. These materials include: your English spiral-bound notebook, 3-ring binder, the unit text, pen and/or pencil, and paper. I will occasionally check to see that you have your materials with you.
Notebook
You will use your English spiral-bound notebook often and for a variety of assignments: quick-writes, vocabulary lists, homework assignments, notes, reflective responses. You must bring your notebook to class every day.
Periodically you will turn in your notebook to be graded. Each entry will receive points based on being on topic and complete. I will not check your notebooks for spelling or grammar.
This is not a private journal or diary and you will often be expected to share what you write. You may write about your life or personal thoughts and opinions, but keep in mind that some notebook entries will be read or heard by others.
Leaving Class for Personal Business
I expect you to take care of personal matters outside of class time. This includes restroom visits, drinks of water, telephone calls, going to your locker, turning in books to the library, printing essays, taking care of business at the attendance office or with administrators, etc. Brunch, lunch, and before and after school are appropriate times to take care of these things.
I realize that emergencies do occur (especially for the restroom!) and so I am providing you with three “Take 5” passes each semester. You may use these passes whenever you need to and you will have five minutes to take care of your business. If you’re gone for more than five minutes there will be a consequence at my discretion.
Your passes are on the last page of this packet. DO NOT MISPLACE THEM! I will not give you another copy and you may not leave class promising me you’ll give me your pass when you get back.
First semester passes may be used second semester; however, unused passes will not be “worth” anything (extra credit, homework pass, etc.) at the end of the semester.
Make-up Work
You are responsible for getting your makeup work after an excused absence. I will not discuss makeup work with you during class time, but will usually have time immediately after class. Also, I will be available in my classroom:
- Immediately after school
- Tutorials - G days in room 33
- Brunch and lunch - most days in room 33
(To be sure that I’m in my room at brunch or lunch,
you may make an appointment with me.)
Please use these times to get makeup work, get help or clarification on assignments, or to discuss concerns. Due dates for make-up work will be discussed when you meet with me.
Policies
Tardies/Unexcused Absences
Arriving late to class is disrespectful to me and disruptive to the class. I do keep track of tardies. If you have three tardies within a quarter, you will receive a “U” in citizenship, and may be assigned a detention for further tardies. Excessive tardies will inevitably affect your academic grade as well.
Two unexcused absences within a quarter will also result in a “U” in citizenship.
Academic Integrity
I expect that you will abide by PHS’s “Academic Integrity Policy.” I will enforce it. Please be sure that you read over and understand the entire policy found in your planner. We will discuss the details of the policy that pertain to this class, but in general, if you cheat or plagiarize on an assignment:
•1st violation = 0 points, lowered citizenship grade, report on discipline record
•2nd violation = negative points, “U” citizenship grade, report on discipline record, parent conference
Food and Drinks
You may not eat in my classroom unless you are meeting with me at lunch. This is a schoolwide policy.
You may drink from beverage containers with closable tops (water and soda bottles with screw tops are ok, soda cans are not) and I don’t mind if you chew gum as long as you properly dispose of the wrappers and gum.
If you eat in my class your citizenship grade will be affected and you may receive a detention.
Electronic Gadgets
You may not listen to/use any electronic gadgets in my classroom. This is a school-wide policy. Keep your cell phone, iPod, MP3 player, earphones, etc. in your backpack, locker, or at home.
If I see one of these gadgets in my class, I will take it from you and keep it until the end of class or the end of the school day. If there is a repeat offense, I will give your phone/iPod to an administrator. Violations will affect your citizenship grade.
Late Work - Homework
I will abide by the English department late work policy for homework, which means I will not accept late homework. Excused absences are, of course, another issue. See “Makeup Work” on previous page.
Late Work - Papers
Papers are due on the due date given.
Papers are the only assignments I will accept late with 10% off for each school day beyond the due date it is turned in. “Each school day” indicates each day after the due date, even on days the class does not meet.
Computer/Print Problems
“But my printer ran out of ink, Ms. Hill! Can’t I turn it in tomorrow without being late?” If your printer doesn’t work or your computer crashes or you lose your flashdrive, you are still responsible for turning your work in on time. Here are some things to do to avoid “technical difficulties”:
•If your printer doesn’t work, e-mail the paper to me the night or morning before it is due [dhill@piedmont.k12.ca.us]
•If you need a computer, use the computers in the library, or labs during lunch or after school
•As a last resort, handwrite your essay VERY NEATLY [In general I expect all of your essays to be typed, but if your computer crashes the night before a paper is due, I will accept it handwritten.]
Turnitin.com
You will be submitting your writing assignments to (and getting much of your feedback on) turnitin.com this year. Occasionally, I will ask you to print out a hard copy of the paper to bring to class for peer feedback, but much of our communication about your writing will be through the turnitin website. Details about how to submit your papers are on the “Writing Tools” page on my website (mshill.net).
Non-compliance with these expectations, policies and procedures may result in a warning, a meeting with me, a detention, a referral, or a parent conference, based on my discretion.