On this page you will find some general information about English II. Below is the class description & expectations students receive the first week of class, sent home in the form of a parent letter and contact sheet.
Here is a brief overview of what English II will look like this semester. Please review this information and, as always, email Mr. Davis with any questions or concerns. |
English II with Mr. Davis: Class Information & Expectations
Literature
The following are the texts we will be studying this semester. The titles that are starred denote honors and STEM level texts exclusively. Major works will be taken from this list, finalized, and communicated to students and parents as the semester continues. In addition to these major works, poems, articles, and other additional materials will be incorporated into class as Mr. Davis sees fit.
Achebe, Things Fall Apart McCormick, Sold
*Klein, All But My Life Remarque, All Quiet on the Western Front
*Hesse, Siddhartha Wiesel, Night
*Hosseini, The Kite Runner
Through our exploration of these various pieces of world literature, students will also study vocabulary, grammar, and composition in an effort to discuss, vocalize, and effectively communicate the knowledge they are building.
Learning Objectives
This course is designed as a window for learning and discussing the merits, varieties, and effects of global literature in our daily lives. Our investigation will allow us to examine and analyze a variety of literary statements, as well as provide us with the history, conceptual knowledge and analytical vocabulary necessary to make meaning from them.
Throughout the course, students will:
·Explore basic research principals required of individuals growing into college students and working professionals
·Develop clarity and rhetorical strength in reading, writing, and speech
·Strengthen communication skills through group activity, discussion, and debate
·Gain confidence in personal expression, both spoken and written, formal and informal
By the end of the semester, students in this course should be able to:
·Recognize and critically assess elements of literature and their thematics at work in the world today
·Discuss and describe fundamental concepts in literary and rhetorical theory
·Analyze different forms of argument, analysis, and appeal to use in current and future language studies
Class Expectations
Environment:
To ensure that all students in the class have the opportunity to learn in a safe and productive class environment, it is crucial for students to respect the following expectations:
·Arrive on time (in your seat before the final bell) and do not pack up early.
·Come to class prepared with the proper assignments and supplies
·Show respect for the people and the property in this classroom.
·Follow all policies in the student handbook.
Assignments:
·Turn in all assignments on time, at the beginning of class, to receive full credit.
·Ten points will be deducted from your earned grade for each day something is submitted late.
·If you are absent, late work must be requested of Mr. Davis the day you return. It will be due two days after for complete credit.
·Plagiarized work will not be graded.
*Note: You are responsible for requesting missed work. Mr. Davis will not seek you out. Use your classmates as resources if necessary or check the class website.
Class Materials
·Bring the textbook/novel we are working on to class daily!
·Assignment/homework notebook with dividers and notebook paper
·Other helpful items to have in your English arsenal: sticky notes for annotations, index cards for vocab, sticky notes to annotate books, colored pencils, and a highlighter.
Grading Policy
Papers/Projects/Tests/Seminars 50% of grade
Quizzes/Reading Checks 25% of grade
Daily class work/homework 25% of grade
Final Course Grade
Quarter I 40% of grade
Quarter II 40% of grade
EOC Final 20% of grade
WCPSS Grading Scale: A 90-100 B 80-89 C 70-79 D 60-69 F <59
A Note on Test Corrections:
Every student will have the opportunity to perform corrections on each major test. The purpose of test corrections is to allow students to show mastery of material they may not have been able to show during initial assessment.
·If a student fails a test, corrections are mandatory.
·There will be a given window in which students will be reassessed. If they are not completed in that window, the student must see Mr. Davis.
·Corrections must be done during Mandatory Tutorial. If extra time is needed, that is determined by Mr. Davis.
·There is a set formula for performing corrections. Students must follow this or corrections will not be accepted.
·50% of the missed points may be re-awarded.
·No corrected grade may exceed the highest grade received on the initial assessment.
A note on Academic Integrity in this course:
Athens Drive High School teachers, students and administrators value academic integrity, and this has always been the case. With the collaboration among a group of teachers, students, parents, and administrators our school has a clearly defined academic integrity policy. As part of this policy, teachers and students will follow a code of conduct which deals with issues such as cheating and plagiarism.
You will have the opportunity to agree to this in writing upon several occasions by including and signing the ADHS Honor Pledge on each exam and assignment:
“I pledge to be honest and fair.I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this test or assignment"
In our class, we will adhere to the following guidelines to promote integrity:
· Study and work in an honest and respectable manner.
· You must complete and submit your own work.
· You are encouraged to work with others only under prescribed circumstances.
· Do not copy someone else's answers in or out of the classroom.
· Do not seek unauthorized help from those outside the classroom.
· Cite all sources.
· Quizzes and tests are to be completed without assistance from any outside source.
· Keep your eyes on your own paper during quizzes and exams.
· Protect your answers.
· Cell phones and other devices are to be turned off and put away before each class.
Mandatory Tutorial
Considering the level of rigor offered by courses at ADHS, time has been built into the school day to ensure all students are receiving the help they need to succeed. One large measure that has been taken is the extended SMART lunch period where students attend tutorial sessions in each subject.
Over the course of the school year, all students will be required to take advantage of this opportunity. The guidelines are as follows:
· Tutorials will be offered twice a week for English.
· Attendance in tutorial is a requirement for every student, independent of his or her grade.
· The tutorial requirement can be fulfilled by making up missing work, receiving extra
help, attending a review session, or helping other students.
· A minimum of two tutorials must be completed per quarter for students with a C or better.
A minimum of three tutorials must be completed for students with a D/F.
· Mr. Davis may require increased attendance as he sees fit.
· Attendance will be taken and monitored and factored in as a grade each quarter.