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Course Syllabus
2011-2012
English I
Jenny Cass
cassjenny@bcchs.org
Office Hours: My office is in the back corner of room 306. I will be there most mornings by 7:30. You may also e-mail me at any time.
Grading Scale:
- A
- B
- C
- D
Under 65 F
Your Final Grade will be determined according to the following weighted system:
Formal Compositions 25%
Grammar and vocabulary tests 20%
Final exam 10%
Homework and class notes 20%
Independent Reading 25%
Semester Final Exams will be given towards the end of each semester.
Vocabulary Tests will be given multiple times during a grading period. They will be
cumulative. It is your responsibility to learn the words and retain the definitions.
What You’ll Need for class:
*Pens or pencils with ink that I can easily read
*Your agenda
*A thick composition notebook
*Loose paper for assignments
*Note cards and other supplies may be required for specific projects. I will
give you a sufficient amount of notice for these.
*Some sort of folder with pockets in which to keep handouts.
Texts We Will Use:
Oedipus Rex
Night
Of Mice And Men
Romeo and Juliet
Farenheit 451
And Then There Were None
Lord of the Flies
The Things They Carried
Twelve Angry Men
Hiroshima
We will also use some of the writings from the anthologies in the classroom and
some handouts. Some of the above titles will need to be purchased from the
bookstore. I will let you know a week in advance so that you will have time to
to acquire texts.
Independent Reading
In addition to the titles that will be assigned, you will need to produce one book
response each four and a half weeks (that is two per quarter). What this means
is that you will need to select eight books during the course of the school year to
read on your own. Always have a book with you in my class so that there is never an occasion to say that you have nothing to do.
I will go over the possible formats of your book responses in the next few days.
Extra Credit
Extra Credit will be limited, but you will be able to earn extra points through
completing extra book responses.
Academic Vocabulary
In addition to the vocabulary words from the workbook, which are intended to
boost you general reading and writing power, we will also study some of the
language of literature, grammar, and composition. This is called your
academic vocabulary, and it is important because it enhances your ability to
carry on conversations with other scholars about texts. Another reason that
academic vocabulary is important is that it often appears in those pesky
standardized tests; you will need to know it to help you pass state assessments
and to score highly on college entrance exams.
A Few Words About Your Scholarship
The difference between a student and a scholar is that the scholar recognizes
the value of learning and is committed to the process. Students go to school
because they feel that they are made to do so. Scholars attend class with the
attitude that the learning process is of value. You are scholars. I am here to help you develop this facet of yourself.
Self discipline and respect for the endeavor of learning are core virtues to the true scholar. Integrity is also imperative.
Keep these values in mind throughout the year. Know that I will never give you “busy work”. The assignments that I will give you will be of value, and I will give
you all of the class time that I can to allow you to do your work at school.
Use your time well. Be scholars of integrity and commitment. I will follow
school policy with regard to discipline, but remember that the ultimate goal
will be for you to exercise discipline on your own behalf—for your own
growth. Please talk to me if you have any questions or problems. I look
forward to working with you this year.
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