Hull High School
Student Course Expectations
2011-2012
Honors English Grade 12 Mr. Cunningham 6 credits
Text: Elements of Literature, 6th Course. $75.00
Course Overview
Students will begin with a concentration of major British works that provide the foundation of the structure for major plot and conflict scenarios found in modern literature. Particular attention will be paid to symbolism and analysis. Students will also read from other modern works, including drama from the Theatre of the Absurd. Two research papers, based on literary topics, will be required. Other essays, based on literary topics, will be assigned throughout the year. In order to increase word knowledge, intense vocabulary building will be studied on a regular basis. Preparation for the SAT's will be covered in the fall.
Course Objectives
· Students will write effectively for a variety of purposes.
· Students will gain knowledge and usage of literary terms
· Students will present information and ideas fluently and comfortably before an audience
· Students will read actively and critically.
· Students will understand how to research literary topics
Course Content
Vocabulary: SAT Preparation words. Multiple use words to expand vocabulary usage.
Literature: Wide variety of literary works, from Middle English to modern theatre.
Writing: Written essays once per week. Larger essays/research papers once per term.
Required Reading
Numerous literary works, including Selections From The Canterbury Tales, MacBeth, The Lesson, Waiting for Godot, Heart of Darkness and The Zoo Story. Numerous other pieces will be studied during the course of the year.
Course Evaluation Criteria
Specific percentages will be announced when assignments are given. Written homework is worth 25% of each term grade. A final research paper at the end of the year will count as 50% of the forth term grade.
Course Policies
Effort: Never has anyone who really tried received a failing grade in one of my classes, and most who try their best didn't get below a 'C'. But how do you define trying? The simplest way is this: putting forth your absolute best work possible everyday. Not just at the end of the term, not just at the beginning, but always. It means behaving in class, coming after school for extra help when necessary, and paying attention to what's going on
Homework: Almost every night you'll have something to do. Homework will count 25% of your grade each term. There is no make-up for homework if you were present the day it was assigned. If you are absent the day an assignment is due, I expect it complete the day you return. Here's the real point: do your homework!!
If you are absent, it is up to you to find out what you missed while you were not in class. While your friends may be able to let you know, it is usually best to check with me or on the web site for missing work. Unfortunately, I don't have time to track everyone down and remind you about missing work; if it is not completed in an appropriate time frame, it will be recorded as a '0'.
Discussions: Much of class time is devoted to discussions about many different topics. NEVER be afraid to say something you think or feel related to what we are talking about. This year, I'm going to be asking quite often what you think, and why you think what you do. Please speak your mind, and think for yourself; you don't always have to agree with your classmates (or me for that matter!).
Plagiarism: Defined in the American Heritage Dictionary as, "To steal and use (the ideas or writings of another) as one's own." Plagiarism is not allowed in any endeavor that you undertake in this class: homework, tests, papers, projects, etc. All sources must be documented, and available for inspection if requested. Any assignment plagiarized will be given an automatic '0' and further disciplinary action may result.
Grades: Please see me either before or after school to check your grade status. While there is usually not time during class to discuss your current grade, I am more than happy to schedule time outside of class for you to keep up with your progress.
Tentative Schedule for Senior English (subject to change with or without notice!):
Each topic area will have a variety of assignments and assessments during the course of the term.
September
Beowulf
The Seafarer
College Admissions Essay Writing
October
Canterbury Tales:
· The Prologue
· The Pardoner’s Tale
· Wife of Bath’s Tale
· The Miller’s Tale
· Group Presentations on Chaucer’s Pilgrims
November
· SAT Prep
· Shakespearean Sonnets
· Begin the play MacBeth
December
· Complete MacBeth
· Essay on MacBeth topics
January
· The Lesson (Eugene Ionesco)
· Zoo Story (Edward Albee)
· The American Dream (Albee),
February
· Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf (Albee)
· All My Sons (Arthur Miller)
March
· Heart of Darkness (Joseph Conrad)
· Waiting For Godot (Samuel Beckett)
April
· The Glass Menagerie (Tennessee Williams)
· Baby With the Bathwater (Chris Durang)
· Begin literary research project
May
· The Five People You Meet in Heaven
· Literary Research paper due
Student/Parent Acknowledgment
Your signature indicates that you understand the terms of these expectations sheets and know what is expected of you for the successful completion of Grade 12 Honors English. Please keep these sheets in your notebook and refer to them whenever you have any questions regarding the course.
Student Signature: _____________________________ Date:_____________________
Your signature indicates that you have had the opportunity to read these expectation sheets and discuss the expectations with your son or daughter. I thank you for your cooperation, and please do not hesitate to call me at the high school (781-925-3000 ex 2102) should you have any questions or concerns about your child's progress or if you would like to make an appointment with me.
Parent/Guardian Signature:_________________________ Date:___________________
Parent/Guardian email address: ______________________________________________
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