Students must have taken both semesters of English I and passed at least one semester.
Course Description and Overview of Content
·Students initially take this class in tenth grade. It is a prerequisite for English III and English IV
·In this class students will read and listen to a variety of genres including stories, novels, memoirs, poems, articles, essays, book reviews and anything else we find that is interesting and worthwhile.
·Students will also write in a variety of genres including, but not limited to, memoirs, poetry, short stories, book reviews, persuasive essays, standardized test essays, literary analysis essays, and research essays.
·Students will also build on speaking, reading, grammar, and analytical skills explained in the Michigan High School Content Area Expectations.
Course Goal/ Intended Outcomes
Students will be lifelong learners with the ability to effectively communicate through speaking and writing. Literature will be used as a basis to assist students in becoming critical thinkers and problem solvers prepared for the challenges of future courses and the Michigan Merit Exam. Additionally, they will be capable of evaluating the world around them by making connections to real life situations.
The English II curriculum is aligned with the Michigan Curriculum Framework.
Students will be assessed according to the state’s standards and benchmarks.
Texts and/ or Other Materials
Textbooks:
Literature and Language (American Literature series) – McDougall Littel
Required Readings:
A Raisin in the Sun – Lorraine Hansberry
The Crucible – Arthur Miller
Of Mice and Men – John Steinbeck
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – Mark Twain
Materials students will provide:
A notbook or loose leaf paper and a binder
Pencils, pens, highlighters, etc.
Format and Activities
Class sessions follow district guidelines for the instructional process. Multiple intelligences are addressed in the course of the semester.
Activities include, but are not limited to, class discussion, literature circles, reading workshop, tests/quizzes, formal and informal essays, portfolios, skits/ reader’s theatre, multi-media presentations, formal research, movies, and physical participation. Strategic reading will be developed and encouraged.
A focused effort will be on the better understanding and usage of language and reading comprehension both fiction and nonfiction.
Technology used in achieving class outcomes includes Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Publisher.
Webquests, individual and group research projects, additional reading opportunities, and options on certain projects will provide for differentiated learning.
Grading Practices and Procedures
Students are evaluated on content, structure, and mechanics in writing assignments. Focus areas taught beforehand are assessed for accuracy in usage.
Portfolios are occasionally used to assess improvements.
Tests/quizzes
Homework, papers and projects are due at the beginning of the hour on the due date. Computers and printers in the room may only be used before or after school, NOT before or during class.
Late work is accepted. If work is turned in one day late, the grade immediately drops to 50 percent of the score. If the assignment is two or more days late, the grade drops to 60 percent of the score received. Late work is not accepted more than a week late.
Students may also be graded on participation and engagement. Things such as behavior, attitude and classroom participation are considered. Late work will be handled on an individual basis, but if a pattern is occurring penalties will be put into place.
Coursework such as oral assignments, projects, and multiple-choice tests on literature will be graded.
Assignments are based on points with the highest amount of points being given to essays, tests, and projects.
Attendance/ Tardiness
Students cannot learn well if they are not present. Tardiness is not tolerated – students must leave home earlier in the morning, get a reliable ride, or organize themselves so that they are not tardy. Notes from parents or the attendance office do not excuse a tardy. If a student is more than 15 minutes late it is considered an absence. Excessive tardiness will affect the student’s participation grade.Please see the student handbook for further clarification.
An absence is an absence, whether it is a "good" reason or not. Excessive absences could affect the student’s participation grade. Missing school for senior pictures or routine appointments should be avoided. If there is a chronic illness or a hospital stay, I need to know so the student and I can communicate via computer or telephone. An absence may be excused with a note from the parent or guardian. The note must be submitted immediately upon the student’s return, including a phone number where the parent can be reached. A phone call to my voice mail at 591-5473 or email to abunka@carman.k12.mi.us.Please see the student handbook for further clarification.
Credit will not be given for make up work from an unexcused absence.
All tests or quizzes must be made up after school or during advisory. Students have one week to make up tests and quizzes. If the test/quiz is not made up, the grade becomes a zero. A test or quiz may not be made up for credit if the absence is unexcused. Unannounced quizzes cannot be made up.
In the case of long-term assignments such as projects and essays, work is due on original due date. If the student is absent it is his / her responsibility to make sure the work is brought to the teacher. This includes field trips, early release for athletics, planned absences, etc…An extra day is not given.
Classroom Rules and Procedures
Students are to treat each other with respect.
Students must bring their materials to class everyday.
Cell phones must be on silent and “out of sight.” They should be in your backpack, in your pocket, or in your purse. They should not be on your desk or in your hand. It is not acceptable to check the time, share photos, or text during the school day.
All bags, backpacks and materials relating to other classes should be off the desks.
All essays and other final drafts must be typed. There are computers available at lunch and after school in the media center and career center, but students must have their student ID with them for access.
Assignments are usually written on the board as well as given verbally.
There is a "make-up" folder at the front of the classroom. If students are absent, they may check the folder for the missed materials which were handed out Make-up work for prearranged absences such as vacations and school field trips should be completed and turned in ahead of time or immediately upon the student’s return. Ample time should be provided for the teacher to assign the work.
Students can ask a friend for work they missed, and pick up hand-outs in the folder, but must make an appointment with me before or after school, during lunch or during advisory if necessary. It is the student’s responsibility to make up work.
Academic Integrity
Any student caught cheating or plagiarizing on an assignment or writing project will receive a failing grade on that assignment. This includes sharing work he/she has completed with another student. Students are expected to behave honestly at all times.
Other Comments
This course overview should be placed in your English binder
