English IV

English IV - Course Outline


Teacher: Ms. Anna Lee Beagle

Email: abeagle@maplewoodacademy.org

Phone: (423)653-7876

Class Time: 1:03-1:43 M-F


Textbooks and Supplements

  • Literature: Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes (The British Tradition)

  • Composition Notebook


Class Description

English IV is a survey of British literature. It examines the themes and ideas of classical literature as they relate to the student’s experiences and life. This is combined with extensive writing opportunities that make use of critical thinking, research skills, as well appropriate vocabulary and grammar usage. Students learn to prepare and present information orally in a variety of settings.


SDA Language Arts Standards - Grade 12

  • LA.12.1 Identify SDA Christian principles and values in correlation with language arts.

  • LA.12.2 Develop abilities in language arts.

  • LA.12.3 Be able to read, write, speak, and listen for a variety of purposes.

  • LA.12.4 Be able to interpret literature and relate it to personal identity, ideas, events, emotions, and attitudes.

  • LA.12.5 Be able to produce a variety of written forms for multiple purposes and audiences.

  • LA.12.6 Be able to use communication skills for transitioning to college, vocation, or career


Class Objectives

  1. Students will create a variety of written works for diverse audiences.

  2. Students will prepare and execute presentations and speeches for a variety of audiences and purposes.

  3. Students will expand their vocabulary, using appropriate diction in their writing and speaking.

  4. Students will identify and appropriately use various language conventions.

  5. Students will critically read, analyze, and respond to various works of British literature.

  6. Students will research various topics using a variety of available resources.

  7. Students will report their findings in written papers and class presentations.

  8. Students will effectively and efficiently utilize technology.

  9. Students will interact in the class by actively listening, discussing, and participating in group activities.

  10. Students will share their Christian experience in various ways throughout the year.


Class Grading Components

Journals

The writer’s journal is an effective way for students to improve their skills at effectively sharing their own thoughts and ideas. These journals will cover a variety of topics ranging from students opinions to their observations. Instead of the grammatical or syntactical accuracy of the writing, these journal will be graded for the validity of thoughts, ideas, and a basic word count. Expect to be writing in these every day.


Written Assignments and Projects

Any plagiarism, the use of another person’s ideas/writings without acknowledging his/her ownership, will receive a 0 and are subject to further disciplinary action.

Students will create an assortment of polished, written works. Although students are given time in class to work on their assignments, the responsibility of completing these works by the given deadline rests with each student. During in-class writing days, students must stay on task. Remember that periodic writing checks will occur. Students who fail these checks will lose points on their papers.


Speeches and Performances

There will be a myriad of opportunities to speak publicly throughout the year. Examples include class speeches, dramatic presentations, poetry recitations, and telling stories.


Reading Assignments

Throughout the year, students will read various works of literature. In order to participate in class, students must keep up with the reading deadlines.


Research Paper

Students will select a topic of their choice, research it, and write a formal paper that reports their findings. They will then share with the class what they have learned. Additional instructions will be given to assist the students in completing this paper.


Quizzes and Tests

A variety of quizzes and tests will be given throughout the year. These will be used to evaluate the student’s understanding of assigned literature, vocabulary, grammar, or class notes. Quizzes will usually be announced, though there may be a few surprise ones. Test will ALWAYS be announced in advance and have accompanying reviews. If a student misses a quiz or a test, they will not be able to make it up without a valid and official reason. In the case of tests, prior arrangements must be made for another testing date.


Homework

Students must complete all homework assignments by the specified date. Homework needs to be turned in on moodle unless otherwise specified by the teacher. Plagiarized homework will not be accepted. Copied homework will be considered plagiarism and receive a corresponding grade of 0.


Participation

Students are expected to take an active and positive role in class activities and discussions.


Grading Scale

A = 93-100%

C = 73-76%

A- = 90-92%

C- = 70-72%

B+ = 87-89%

D+ = 67-69%

B = 83-86%

D = 63-66%

B- = 80-82%

D- = 60-62%

C+ = 77-79%

F = 59% or lower


Disability Accommodations Clause

If you have a physical and/or learning exceptionality and require accommodations, please let me know. This course outline is available in alternative print formats upon request.


Class Rules

  1. Respect God

  2. Respect Yourself

  3. Respect Others

  4. Respect Property


Cell Phone Policy

If I see it or hear it, I take it. Cell phones will be collected in a phone jail. They will then be transported down to the office. If it is the first time your phone has been confiscated in a class, you may retrieve your phone at the end of the day. If it is the second time your phone has been confiscated in a class, you may collect your phone at the end of a week from the office. A third offense may be subject to further disciplinary actions. This is a school wide policy, so instead of the cell phone policy applying to it being taken in English class, it applies to it being taken in any of your classes.


Bullying

Bullying is when someone repeatedly and on purpose says or does mean or hurtful things to another person who has a hard time defending himself or herself.

Our school’s anti-bullying rules:

  1. We will treat others with respect and kindness the way we want to be treated.

  2. We will help students who feel uncomfortable or threatened.

  3. We will celebrate and appreciate our differences.

  4. We will try to include everyone.

  5. If we know that somebody is unsafe, threatened or harmed, we will inform as staff member.


Class Procedures

  1. Bring books, journal, laptop, paper, and writing utensils to class everyday.

  2. Assignments should ALWAYS include the following information on the top right corner or you paper: Name (First and Last), Date, Class, Assignment

  3. Assignments will be returned to your folders after they have been graded. No name papers will be tossed on the no-name pile.

  4. Turn assignments in on moodle unless otherwise specified by the teacher when the assignment is given.

  5. You are responsible for finding what work you have missed if you are absent.

  6. Cell phones should be put away during class.

  7. Always ask permission before leaving the classroom.

  8. Take the hall pass when you leave the classroom.