Miranda McCoy 2007-08 Syllabus
mirandakeller@gcboe.net or miskeller12@yahoo.com 11 Advanced English
Guntersville High School
582-2046
Texts Writer’s Choice (Glencoe)
The Reader’s Choice-American Literature (Glencoe)
The Grapes of Wrath (Steinbeck)
A Raisin in the Sun (Hansberry)
The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)
A Farewell to Arms (Hemingway)
To Kill a Mockingbird (Lee)
Goals Read and discuss a variety of literature
Improve writing structure and style
Write for specific audiences and purposes
Write a literature-based research paper
Supplies Loose-leaf paper
Blue or Black pens, #2 pencils
folder
spiral notebook
Grading Grades are determined on a cumulative point system (points total/points possible). The major part of grades will be based on the following: class work and participation, tests, projects, writing assignments.
Writing assignments, a major part of this course, are often graded holistically (ABCDF). The piece of writing is graded as a whole—how well the piece addresses the topic, develops content, and uses mechanics effectively. Out of class assignments and research papers will be graded more stringently. In general, the following will be applied:
A= excellent paper demonstrating insight and understanding, as well as original thinking; no major errors in sentence structure and/ or mechanics
B= good quality paper; answered the question fully; few errors
C= addressed the topic on a basic level; few errors
D= attempted to address topic; many errors in mechanics and/or structure
F= did not address topic; simply retold story
Rules 1. Come to class with materials ready and prepared to work.
2. Respect others and school property.
3. Take care of personal business before entering our classroom.
4. Follow classroom procedures.
5. Follow rules outlined in GHS handbook.
Consequences1. Warning
2. Parent Contact
3. Referral to office
Procedures Tardiness- if you are not in your seat when the bell rings you are tardy and must report to the office for a tardy slip. If class has begun, bring me your tardy slip at the end of class. No passes to the next class will be given. Three tardies constitute an absence.
Assignments- Work is due on the date and time for which it is assigned. Late work is penalized one letter grade per day. No late homework will be accepted except for excused absences; even homework for excused absences must be submitted by the second day following the absence. You must take announced, scheduled tests even if you have an excused absent on the day before the test. You may not make up work if your absence is unexcused.
Makeup work-Missed work for excused absences must be turned in within five school days. It is your responsibility to find out about missed tests and assignments because I will not remind you of missed work. Tests may be made up before school or at a time designated by you and me. Any work you miss is a ZERO in the gradebook/STI until it is made up. 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 teacher.
Cheating and plagiarism-neither will be tolerated! If I suspect you or catch you in the act of cheating or copying another person’s work as your own, an automatic grade of ZERO will be given—no excuses, no exceptions!!!
Classroom operation- bring appropriate materials to class, have them out, and be ready to begin work when the bell rings. Replace all textbooks under desks in basket, folders and workbooks on shelf, and dictionaries in bookcase before you leave our classroom. Pick up trash around your desk. If you have an emergency, write out a pass and bring it to me to sign. The bell will dismiss you.