Tree

2009 -2010
Course Syllabus for English IV

Ms. Elizabeth A. Holub - Rm. 28
holub.elizabeth@sad37.org
http://msad37.org/nhs/holub/index.html


Course Overview

This language arts course will help to develop the literacy, communication and critical thinking skills that students will need in college, and the workplace.  During the semester we will read a variety of literature--short stories, poetry, novels, drama, as well as nonfiction.  We will engage in small group and class discussion.  We will reflect upon and write about what we have read and discussed.  We will view and listen to a diverse selection of media and create a variety of projects.  In addition students will collect, read and write about a news article each week, culminating in one mini-research paper per quarter.  Students will keep a portfolio of their work.

We will concentrate on the following:  the mechanics of writing (grammar, punctuation, and usage), the writing process, Reader Response, formal academic writing, research skills and documentation, and effective communication including oral presentation. Specific texts included for study may include:  Frankenstein, The Freedom Writers Diary,  Hamlet or Othello, Siddhartha, Tuesdays With Morrie among others.  Students are required to keep a class notebook with sections for mechanics and literature as well as others as the need arises.

Grading
The following scale will be used:
94-100 = A
85- 93  = B
75- 84  = C
70- 74  = D
  0- 69  = F
  I- Incomplete
Quarter grades will be determined by the number of points earned out of the total number of points possible.  Each assignment will be worth a given number of points—for example a final draft of a paper may be worth 100 points; a homework assignment, 25 points; and a presentation, 200 points.  In addition, each marking period the student may earn up to 200 points for participation, which includes preparedness for class including materials.  The total number of points available will vary from one marking period to the next.  Final grades are determined as follows:  Quarter One—40 %, Quarter
Two—40 %, Final Exam—20%.

Please note the following important dates:
Quarter One:  Progress Reports—Oct. 2; Quarter Ends—Oct. 30; Report Cards—Nov. 6.
Quarter Two:  Progress Reports—Dec. 4; Semester Ends—Jan. 15; Report Cards—Jan. 22.
Quarter Three:  Progress Reports Feb. 26; Quarter Ends—April 2; Report Cards—April 9.
Quarter Four:  Progress Reports—May 7; scheduled last day of school—June 14.

Make up Work
If you are absent from school for any reason, contact me AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to determine what you may have missed.  E-mail me, and/or see me in person.  Check the class web page for posted assignments.  Please remember that it is YOUR responsibility to track down any missed assignments.  Students will be given a reasonable amount of time to turn in work (for full credit) assigned during an absence.  Any other assignment not turned in by the due date will be considered late.  Late work will be accepted and graded at my discretion.  

Supplies
Bring these with you EVERY DAY unless otherwise specified. (If you have difficulty obtaining supplies, please
see me privately.)    
        *  three-ring binder
        *  lined, loose-leaf paper (no spiral bound or perforated paper, please)
        *  blue or black pen and a pencil  (no colored ink, or markers used for work submitted for grading)
        *  independent reading book
        *  laptop (closed and sleeping until instructed otherwise)

Rules
Please comply with the rules as stated in the Narraguagus High School Academic and Social Performance Goals and always treat everyone with the utmost respect and courtesy.  You are expected to behave in a civil, tolerant, and positive manner at all times.  I will strive to do the same.  
    *  Do not speak when someone else is speaking.
    *  Enter and leave the room unobtrusively before and after the bell—no lining up at the door.
    *  Take advantage of the opportunity to learn something—do NOT interfere with the learning of others.
    *  Arrive on time to class with all required supplies.

Independent Reading
Students are required to read independently (both in and outside of class) for the entire semester/year.  Students may choose a book from the in-class lending library, the school library, a public library, a bookstore or from home.

Absenteeism
Please do not miss class.  Each student is responsible for all work whether or not he or she is present in class at the time an assignment is given.  Please be advised that athletics and field trips do not mitigate the student’s responsibility to turn in assigned work on the day it is due.  

Plagiarism/Cheating
Don’t do it.  Copied or plagiarized work is unacceptable.  Anyone involved in any capacity in such an activity will receive a failing grade for that assignment and he or she may incur additional sanctions as deemed appropriate by the administration.

Extra Help
Ask LOTS of questions during class; if you do not understand something, chances are another student is having the same problem.  It could be that I did not explain it well enough.  You are in charge of your own learning.  Pay attention; make notes (if I write it on the board or take time to explain something, you should be writing it down); listen carefully; follow directions; work your brain until it hurts!  If at any time you have concerns or questions, please see me before or after school, or e-mail me.  Please take advantage of my assistance; I can’t help you if you do not give me the opportunity.

Heading for all collected work:  Always place this heading in the upper right-hand corner of your papers:

Your full name and the period
The date you are turning in the work
The title of the assignment

In addition, work submitted on spiral bound paper, written in anything other than blue or black ink or pencil, torn, sloppy, or otherwise carelessly maintained, will not be accepted.


Some Final Thoughts

Please be seated when the bell rings and check the board for your first assignment of the day.  Please do not begin to pack up physically or shut down mentally until I have informed you that we are through for the day.  I dismiss you; the bell does not.  And, most importantly, please take advantage of this opportunity to improve your reading, writing and communicating—these essential skills can help make your dreams come true.

I look forward to learning with you.



Elizabeth A. Holub
Syllabus Subject to Change