English IV

Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes in British Literature

Tom Bean High School Ms. Henderson, Room 101

Course Description

This course is designed to introduce students to British literature and to continue writing development. The literary units will include short stories, essays, novels, drama and poetry from various time periods related to themes such as “The Hero and the Quest,” “Knowledge and Power,” “The Artist and Society,” “Alienation and Despair,” The Power and Pain of Love,” and “The Conflict of Cultures and Values.” The course will focus on analysis, interpretation and evaluation of works of world artists through the use of reading and writing techniques. A major research paper and an outside reading assignment will be required for this course (see details below).

The entire year is devoted to the study of British Literature from the writings of the Anglo-Saxon period to the contemporary literature of today. In addition to the textbook for this course, students will read the following (selections subject to change at teacher discretion):

Novels:

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Plays:

Macbeth by William Shakespeare

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

Reading assignments will be given on materials from the text and teacher-prepared material on a

regular basis. Quizzes will be given regularly (sometimes unannounced) to determine comprehension and proficiency.

A. A writing portfolio will be compiled each semester. Several essays will be assigned each semester. These essays will be graded and returned to the student who is then responsible for correcting the essay and placing it in the portfolio along with the graded first draft and all peer-editing notes. The writing portfolio will be turned in at the end of each semester and is worth ½ of the 3^rd and 6^th six weeks grade for the course; therefore, a failing grade on the portfolio could easily cause a student to fail the course for the semester. Each student will utilize a multi-step writing process to ensure that he/she does not fall too far behind. Parent contact will be made in the event that a student misses more than one deadline.

B. Students will complete regular writing assignments covering reading selections to reinforce skills

Students are required to complete bi-weekly vocabulary assignments, followed by a quiz. The words are derived from (1) the textbook reading selections and/or novels and plays we read as a class. Knowledge of these words will enhance reading comprehension of the chosen selections, and (2) teacher-created word lists from SAT/ACT/THEA preparatory workbooks.

Grammar instruction is incorporated into weekly vocabulary lessons, writing assignments, opening activities for class, and in the textbook’s supplemental activities. By the end of this course students will have a greater knowledge of grammar which is essential in today’s society!

DAILY Participation is required. Participation includes a positive attitude, good effort, good citizenship (respect of peers, teacher, and rules) and promptness.

A. Points: Each assignment will be worth a predetermined and previously announced amount of points. See grading scale below.

B. Late work: All assignments are to be turned in on time. NO LATE WORK IS ACCEPTED. Any work turned in after I have collected them is considered late. Major assignments will always be due at the beginning of class, BEFORE the day’s lesson has begun. Absences due to disciplinary suspension or unexcused absences may be made up at 70% maximum grade. Readmit slips are necessary in order for absent students to make up work.

You are expected to provide your own supplies such as: blue or black pen, pencil, paper, and a separate notebook with dividers for this course. Organization is an essential part of your education and future career. Your notebook and supplies will be brought to class every day. Please organize your notebook using the following dividers:

-Please keep all work. If there is a discrepancy between your grading record and mine, you will need proof in order for me to correct your grade. Your notebook will also be a handy reference in your college career.

It is my strong personal belief that every student’s home should have a good collegiate dictionary and thesaurus. Please do your senior a favor and place this on their list of things to purchase for the new school year.

This is a fair warning. Cheating is not tolerated. The guilty will earn an “F” on the fraudulent work, a referral to the principal, parent contact, and teacher documentation on the student’s permanent file.

* not packing up your belongings before the bell rings (I will keep you in class after

* as soon as the bell rings, have your materials on your desk, be attentive, and ready to

* being in your seat before the bell rings (Remember, the bell does not excuse you from

the class, I DO) To avoid this problem, Please DO NOT line up by the door.