Course Syllabus

Course Title:
English IV

Instructor: Mr. Barber
Course Text: Literature: The British Tradition
Office Hours: Mornings: 7:10-7:45 in room 317
Afternoons: by appointment.
Home phone: 722-1377
E-mail: barberjohn@bcchs.org

Course Purpose: English IV is a full year course, which serves as an introduction to British literature. Students in English IV will write a variety of short compositions as well as full-length reaction and analysis papers. Furthermore, students will expand their knowledge and application of vocabulary. Moreover, students will survey a chronological approach to British literature. Poetry will be emphasized 1st semester and literature will be emphasized 2nd semester.

In addition to the text the following books and plays may be selected for reading:

A Tale of Two Cities
Anthem
Cry, The Beloved Country
Elephant Man
Hamlet
The Hobbit
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Macbeth
Murder of Roger Ackroy

An autobiography
An additional mystery novel
Possible additional readings

Course Materials: A 3-ring notebook or spiral notebook dedicated to English IV, text and/or novel, agenda book, pen and pencil. A good dictionary and thesaurus are strongly recommended for home use.

Assignments:

Compositions: Several analysis papers, reaction papers and a variety of five-paragraph essays will be required during the course of the year.

Late Papers: Papers will be considered late if they are not turned in at the required time. Late papers will be assigned a 50% penalty and no paper will be accepted after the second due date. Failure to turn in a paper will result in a “0” grade.

Quizzes: Daily reading and unit review quizzes will be given.

Vocabulary: Words will be presented in class and gathered from student reading.

Tests: Objective and/or essay tests will be given at the end of all units. Students may re-take tests to attain a maximum grade of 75%.

Notebook: All notes, handouts, and special writing assignments will be kept in a designated notebook for possible grading. Further requirements will be provided on a separate handout.

Semester Test: The semester test will be comprehensive.

Special Assignments: This will include outside readings and a research project.

Grading Information: The grade scale will be strictly adhered to for English IV.
A+ 99-100%; A 94-98%; A- 92-93%; B+ 90-91%; B 85-89%; B- 83-84%; C+ 81-82%;  C 76-80%; C- 74-75%; D+ 72-73%; D 67-71%; D- 65-66%; F Below 65%.

Absences and make-up assignments: Check the assignment board at the beginning of each week.

1. Work assigned prior to an excused absence is DUE ON THE DATE STUDENT RETURNS OR ON THE DUE DATE. THIS INCLUDES TESTS.
2. All quizzes and tests missed during absence WILL BE MADE-UP ON THE DAY OF RETURN DURING CLASS. You will be responsible for missed notes.
3. Assignments missed because of UNEXCUSED OR NON-EXCUSED ABSENCES will receive a score reflecting no more than 50% of the correct answers.
4. ASSIGNMENTS, TESTS, AND QUIZZES MISSED BECAUSE OF SUSPENSION MUST BE MADE-UP ON THE DAY OF RETURN IN ORDER TO RECIVE ANY CREDIT. These assignments, tests, and quizzes will receive a score reflecting 30% of the correct answers.
5. Assignments missed because of school activities must be made-up prior to the absence unless arrangements are made ahead of time.

General rules:

1. RESPECT all classmates, the school, and the faculty.
2. BE RESPONSIBLE.
3. Bring materials to class. You will not be excused to locker or other facilities.
4. Cheating is not an acceptable choice and will not help you improve. All cases will be dealt with in an appropriate manner.
5. Additional items will be detailed in class