Honors English 10 (Period 1/2)
Course Description
English 10 Syllabus
Ms. Blewitt, Instructor
2011-2012
Course Description
In this class, we will be thinking, reading, and writing. The major purpose of this course is to provide a balanced arts program that explores literary themes and genres. A series of language activities will enable you to listen, speak, think, and write about literature and connect literature to your own experiences. The reading, writing, and thinking will all be focused on empowering you to have the literacy skills necessary for intellectual, cultural, and personal achievement, so that you’re prepared to succeed in our modern world. English 10 meets the tenth-grade English requirements of the UC/CSU Subject Area Requirements. Class participation is essential because lessons are interactive.
Grading
Grades are based on: completion of class work, completion and quality of homework, participation in the instructional program, culminating assignments, writing portfolio, and final exams. In general, percentages are:
A=90%
B=80%
C=70%
D=55%
Outline of the Major Class Projects
Essays (persuasive, expository, literary analysis)
Letter writing
Short stories from the textbook
Expository Research Project
Plays “MacBeth” by William Shakespeare and “The Bear” by Anton Chekov
The novels To Kill a Mockingbird, Three Cups of Tea
Publisher: Creating a newsletter
Poetry
CAHSEE Preparation
PowerPoint project and oral presentation
Writing Portfolio
Reading Program
Textbooks must be covered and kept in the classroom. The Multicultural Perspectives in Literature book will be taken home and then brought back to class. The standards for all high school grades (9-12) require that students read independently and that you study and learn new words. You will be reading six books each semester, and writing about the six books. I have some books in my classroom, but we will be also checking out books from the library. Please make sure that you have a school ID card. They are free.
Homework Policy
Your homework every night is to read your books you have chosen and complete a dialectic journal and summary each night. This means at least 1-hour of reading every night Monday through Sunday. Homework will also include other assignments we are working on for the week. Homework that is late will be given half credit.
Focus ELA Standards for English 10
Students read and understand grade-level-appropriate material. Students analyze the organizational patterns, arguments, and positions advanced. In addition, by grade twelve, students read two million words annually on your own, including a wide variety of classic and contemporary literature, magazines, newspapers, and online information. In grades nine and ten, students make substantial progress toward this goal.
Reading Standard 2.8 – Evaluating the credibility of an author’s argument
Writing Standard 2.4 –Writing persuasive compositions
Writing Standard 2.3 –Writing expository compositions (analytical and based on research)
Writing Standard 2.2 –Writing responses to literature
Reading Standard 3.5 – Compare literary works that express a universal theme
Writing Standard 1.0 –Writing Strategies
Students write coherent and focused essays that convey a well-defined perspective and tightly reasoned argument. The writing demonstrates students’ awareness of the audience and purpose.
In the Classroom
You have the right to the best education possible.
Be punctual. Be in your seat before the tardy bell rings.
Be prepared. Use the restroom before class. Throw out your gum and put away your food before you come into class. Have pen, paper, book, journal, and be seated at your desk when the bell rights. Always carry your school ID.
Be respectful. Listen when others are speaking; be quiet when others are working.
Be productive. Always be on task. Read if you have extra time.
Always do your best!
Let’s make this a great year!