page contents

Miss Leigh  

Room 518

Voicemail Extension 2684

[email protected]

Extra Help: Tuesdays and by appointment

Tutorial: Period 2 in Room 519

 

Language and Literature II Honors

Course Syllabus

 

 

Course Description:

Language and Literature II Honors adds to the framework of prior knowledge to encourage student use of language as a tool for exploring the world actively, communicating effectively, and growing intellectually. In conjunction with cognitive development, student independence regarding reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and critical thinking increases. Students in turn become successful, self-motivated, responsible learners. Within this context, Language and Literature II Honors parlays multiple intelligences into high levels of achievement (BRRSD Curriculum Guide).

 

 

Course Requirements:

Requirements for Language and Literature II Honors consist of the following:

  • completion of reading and writing portfolio reflections
  • successful completion of classic texts: Washington Square by Henry James and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
  • successful completion of contemporary texts: Old School  by Tobias Wolff and Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
  • completion of all components of a two - three page analytical research paper (including an annotated Works Consulted list, a Works Cited list, formal notes, a preliminary outline, a first draft, peer review, a final outline, and a final draft)
  • completion of the midterm and final examinations

 

Grading:

Course grades will be determined according to the following criteria:

  • Tests/Essays/Projects:   45%
  • Quizzes/Short Written Assignments:   30%
  • Class Work:  10%
  • Homework:   15%


Tests/Essays:

All tests will be announced in advance of the date given. Tests will consist of objective assessments on the books assigned. Writing assignments may consist of essays, timed writings, and writing-based projects.  If you arrive late to school on the day of a test or a quiz, you must see me that day to make an appointment for a make-up assessment.


Quizzes:

Quizzes may be announced or unannounced.

 

Class Work:

Student cooperation, participation, time-on-task, and behavioral performance will be formally and informally monitored and documented.  


Homework:

  • At the honors level, students will be expected to manage both long-term and short-term homework assignments. Students must be prepared to closely read, analyze, and discuss numerous texts, various poems, and several short stories.
  • Some collected homework will be assessed and given a letter grade. Eight points will be deducted from the assignment for each day it is late.  Daily homework/annotations may be collected and assessed; for such assignments, failure to submit will result in a grade designation of 0.
  • Unannounced short reading checks may be given to confirm that a reading assignment has been completed. These checks may be assessed and placed in the homework or quiz category.
  • All homework assignments will be posted on my OnCourse page daily.  

 

 

Extra Help:

I will be available for extra help after school on Tuesdays. If you would like to make an appointment to meet at another time, please feel free to e-mail me or speak to me after class. If you are unsure about a homework assignment, feel free to e-mail me with any questions or concerns.

 

 

Course Policies:

  • Homework is due on the due date. If you are absent from class for any reason but have attended school for the day, you must leave your assignment in my mailbox in the main office. Failure to do so will result in an eight-point deduction from your grade.
  • Tests and quizzes must be made up the day after an absence from school. If you arrive late to school on the day of a test or a quiz, you must see me that day to make an appointment for a make-up assessment.
  • All homework assignments will be posted on OnCourse; if you are absent, your homework is still due. For each day you are absent, you have one day to make up the assignment. It is the responsibility of each student to check the website for all assignments.
  • All students are expected to maintain an accurate agenda each day in class.
  • When any student product matches another product (that of another student, text, or internet source), it will be forwarded to the Supervisor of the English Department.  The consequences of such actions include a non-remediable grade designation of zero for the product of any involved party, reassignment of the task, and a parent/guardian conference.  Please see the Academic Integrity Policy for more information on plagiarism and academic integrity.
  • Your handwritten annotations and class notes should be available at all times.  Please have your notes organized in a binder. Notes may be collected at any time.  These notes serve as support for class discussions and writing assignments.
  • I am always available to help; if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to see me or to e-mail me.


Course Notes:

This course is designed for the student who has an affinity for words and literature.  The successful student enjoys reading all kinds of literary works.  The honors student also readily embraces challenges and always exhibits a willingness to take risks.