2010-2011 Syllabus                                          12 Advanced English

                                                                                                Mr. Chris McVay           

                                                                                                                                c.mcvay@gcboe.net                                                                                                           

Prerequisites           Successful completion of  AHSGE                                    Grade level (or above) reading ability

                                              C or higher in all prior advanced English work               Competent grammar and mechanics in writing

                                    Evidence of student commitment to academic tasks

Texts   & Novels        McDougal Littell,  Literature:  the Reader’s Choice British Literature

Glencoe,  Literature:  Reader’s Choice British Literature

                                                Glencoe,  Writer’s Choice:  Grammar and Composition

                                    George Orwell                                       1984 and Animal Farm

                                                Emily Bronte                                         Wuthering Heights

                                                Joseph Conrad                                     Heart of Darkness

                                                Franz Kafka                                           The Metamorphosis 

Goals                          *Read analytically a wide variety of English and world  literature.

                                                *Write (timed and un-timed) essays  for specific audiences and purposes.

                                                *Demonstrate a command of structure and style in writing.

                                                *Write a literature-based research paper.

Grading System        

Grades are determined on a cumulative point system.  At the end of each nine weeks, a student’s total number of points is divided by the total points possible.  The resulting percentage is the student’s grade for that grading period.  A portfolio of student work is available for viewing by parents and students.

Grades include writing assignments, objective tests, quizzes, unit tests, projects, presentations, and other items as assigned by the teacher. On any assignment or test, students may be penalized for failing to follow directions or failing to write name, class, and date on the paper.  Semester tests are given in accordance with school board policy.  Semester tests count 20% of the semester grade.  The completed research paper counts 300 points on the third grading period.  In general, cheating or plagiarism on any assignment can result in a grade of zero for that assignment.

Grading Standards for Written Compositions and Essay Answers

F              Does not attempt question; retells story; many, serious  mechanical errors.  Indicates a lack of knowledge.  Unacceptable paper or answer.

D             Deals lightly with question or subject.  May not be clear in thought or organization.  Indicates a lack of reading or understanding of subject.  Sentence structure is simplistic.  Many mechanical errors detract from paper.  Poor paper.

C             Demonstrates some knowledge of content.  Meets minimum of assignment.  Some mechanical errors.  May contain generalities  or vagueness.   Does not use sufficient examples.  Lacks individual style.  Okay paper.

B             Competent, very good paper.  Demonstrates understanding and knowledge of content.  May lack individual style,

                organization or clarity of an A paper.  Has few mechanical errors.  Examples may be insufficient or vague.  Lacks the thoroughness and originality of an A paper.  Basically, a good, solid paper.

A             Rich content that demonstrates mature thinking, organization, and style as well as thorough content knowledge and understanding.  VERY few mechanical errors (absolutely NO fragments or runons); good transitions; adequate, specific examples to support statements.  Addresses question with a definitive thesis.     A great paper.

Makeup Work

No makeup tests are given for unexcused absences, nor will other assignments be accepted for unexcused absences.  Only work missed for excused absences can be made up.   The teacher will not give any makeup work to students who have not provided a blue slip indicating an excused absence.   (In the event of extended illness, a student should make arrangements with the teacher and the counselor’s office.) 

In general, absent students should call a classmate to get assignments and be prepared for any class work, including tests, pop tests, quizzes, etc., on the day they return to class.  An absence on the day prior to the test shall not excuse students from tests or quizzes.  In addition, seniors should not take a college day on the day of a major test.  

Within two days of a student’s return to class, he/she should show a blue slip and see the instructor before or after class to schedule makeup work.  Following the handbook guidelines, all makeup work must be completed within five days of the students’ return to class. 

Please note:   Participation in a school activity that necessitates missing class is NOT considered a school absence; therefore, there is no five-day period allowed for making up work.  Students are expected to be prepared immediately upon returning to class.  Thus, it is crucial that prior to absence for participation in school activities, a student should see the teacher to make arrangements for work missed

Make up Test Grades  

It is the responsibility of students to find out about missed tests because the instructor will NOT remind students of missed work.  A grade of zero is assigned for a test or quiz not taken in class.  If the student fails to make up the test within five days of the absence, the zero remains.  When making up tests, the student must adjust his/her schedule to meet the time frame of the teacher; this may mean remaining after school.  Students may expect makeup tests to be different (frequently essay format) and thus more difficult.  Each grading period, after one test is made up, further test make ups may be subject to penalties.

Pop Quiz or Daily Grade 

A pop quiz or daily grade is not made up for anyone, regardless of absence excuse.  The student will be assigned a zero for pop quizzes during absences; if the absence is excused, the zero may be dropped at the discretion of the instructor.  

Homework

No late homework will be accepted for unexcused absences; even homework for excused absences must be submitted by the second day following the absence.

Written assignments, projects, etc.

Major assignments with advanced notice of deadlines (essays, research papers, reports, etc.) are due at the beginning of the period on the due date with no exceptions made for excused OR unexcused absences. For excused absences, work will be accepted late, within two days of the due date, with a penalty of one letter grade per day or portion of a day.  The weekend counts as two letter grades.   No late work is accepted for unexcused absences.

Classroom Rules

In general, I expect students to be prompt and to refrain from any behavior inappropriate to instruction within the classroom.  Specifically, follow these rules:

1.                  Treat me and your classmates with courtesy and respect.

2.                  Leave the heater, air conditioner, and chairs as they are..

3.                  Follow classroom procedures.

4.                  Leave the classroom ONLY  with permission or instructions.

5.                  Go behind my desk or remove items from the bookcase only when instructed.