English+Course+Outline

Teacher: Debbie Knisell =English/English Lab= =F/A2 & A4 Blocks= =Room 261= Phone Number: (617) 244-3407 Email: deborah_knisell@newton.k12.ma.us

Website: http://debbieknisell.wikispaces.com
Course Overview: In English class this year, we will cover a range of literature. We will be reading the selections to understand not only the plot but also the underlying meaning of the novels/dramas. We will also be reading short stories and poetry and learning vocabulary in English as well as English Lab class. Weekly essays will also be a required part of the course. We will be reading the following novels and dramas this year.
 * The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger
 * A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams
 * A Play by William Shakespeare
 * Lord of the Flies by William Golding

After we complete these selections, then more will be added to the list.

Assignments: Throughout the year, you will be expected to complete a number of assignments. You will have homework every night. This homework can be reading, answering questions, writing an analytical paper, completing an activity or research project or preparing for a Socratic discussion.

Grading:
 * Tests, Essays and Projects are worth 40% of your grade.
 * Quizzes are worth 35% of your grade.
 * Homework and classwork are worth 20% of your grade.
 * Participation is worth 10% of your grade.
 * Your final exam is counted as a “5th term” grade.

Expectations:
 * 1) You are expected to come to class on time and prepared. What does prepared mean? Prepared means come with your book, your 3 ring binder, homework, homework notebook, at least, one pen or pencil and ready to learn everyday.
 * 2) You will be expected to participate in class and, because you never know when a DYRT (Did You Read the Text) quiz will happen, you need to do the reading every night. You will have homework every night.
 * 3) Every homework assignment will be worth a specific amount of points. Points will be deducted from assignments that are late. Keeping up with your homework is expected and very important so you do not fall behind with your assignments and your grade does not suffer for it.
 * 4) When others are sharing ideas or asking a question, you are also expected to act appropriately and maturely and give others the same respect that you want and deserve.
 * 5) One of the other expectations of this class, as well as all of the classes at Newton North High School, is that you complete your own work. The plagiarism policy at Newton North High School is very clear. If a student is caught plagiarizing, then a zero will be given for the assignment and parents will be contacted. If it happens a second time, then the student receives a one-day suspension as well as a zero for the assignment.

~Cheating in any form will not be tolerated~

Attendance: If you are ever absent for a class, then it is your responsibility to see the teacher the next day to find out what assignments you missed. Assignments are also listed online so you can check for yourself the day that you are absent. Being absent is not an excuse for not getting an assignment completed. Also, please remember the Newton N rule: Any more than 2 unexcused absences in any one term and you receive an N for the term. Any more than 8 absences of any kind in one term will result in an N for the term.