Wednesday, July 23, 2008
The Big Question
What is the nature of human conflict? In a short response post your answer under "Comments". Also, cut/paste your answer to be able to bring it to discuss in class Tuesday.
Course Description
Foundations of English (Advanced)
Room 501
jkendall@arlington.k12.ma.us
Course Description
Advanced Foundations of English is a course that will examine literary texts that focus on issues of human conflict and the influences of environment upon decision-making. Major themes that will be uncovered throughout the year course will focus on are: how humans contend with benevolence, individualism, and harmony in relation to hostility, oppression and contradiction. Students will further develop their analytical writing and on demand writing skills as the literature of the course is explored and written about. Students will also build upon their vocabulary and grammar skills developing a stronger sense of appropriate language used in writing. A large part of the writing process is self-reflection and editing, therefore, students will reflect on their own writing by peer conferencing and through individual conferences. Furthermore, Students will read their work aloud and will participate in class discussions in order to improve oral communication and listening skills. A cumulative portfolio will be maintained with several types of writing pieces that represent the ability of each student’s written work. Cooperative learning skills and collaboration with peers will also be further explored with students working in groups for various learning outcomes with a focus on responsibility, tolerance and respect.
Learning Objectives:
· To relate all work back to the essential questions:
“How does environment shape a person?” and “What is the nature of human conflict?”
· To develop an ability to write on demand.
· To expand essay writing skills to include analytical, argumentative, persuasive,
memoir, narrative, and speeches.
· To further develop reading, writing and communication skills.
Classroom Expectations:
· Attendance: Students will attend class and will not exceed the Six-excused absence policy. If absent please make an appointment with me before or after school to get materials. Students will be on time for class within the two-minute grace period. Detentions will be given to late arrivals without passes. After three late arrivals you will be reported to the Dean.
· Beginning of Class: Students will enter the classroom prepared with a positive and respectful attitude towards the learning environment with a willingness to complete the day’s activities and or agenda. Many class periods will begin with a bell-ringer or a journal entry that is relative to the classes learning objectives thus allowing an opportunity to create a piece of writing without judgment. This work will be evaluated with a focus on topic development and the depth of thought.
· Classroom Procedures: Information from class discussions as well as anything posted will be your responsibility. Therefore, take notes.
· Materials: Please have a three-ring binder or a notebook with three sections and bring this to class everyday. Also, make sure to have a pen and pencil with you everyday.
· Homework: If you are absent you should contact one of your “Clock Buddies” or consult the “week at a peek” sheet that will be given out on almost every Monday. Late homework will not be accepted as well as notes from parents unless it is an extenuating circumstance. Remember, this does not include papers or projects.
· Papers, Projects, Major Assignments: All papers must be typed and revised. Hand-written assignments will not be accepted. Papers should be read by a peer during peer editing, myself or by another person (friend, parent) if we don’t peer edit on a particular assignment. Ten points will be taken off for each day a paper, project or assignment is late, no exceptions. A paper may be turned in at any time during the term for a 50%. Please see me if extenuating circumstances do not allow you to get the paper done on time.
· Plagiarism: No credit will be given if any part of an assignment is plagiarized. No exceptions! Parents will also be contacted.
· The Classroom: Respect is very important to any society or environment, and this class is no exception. Treat the environment and all the participants with respect and respect will be returned. Thoughtful deliberation or thinking about what you are about to say before you say it helps ensure the concept of respect. Cell phones, I-Pods or any type of electronic device that disrupts the learning environment is unacceptable. NO food or Drinks are allowed in class except water. No exceptions. Lastly, your seat may be subject to change at anytime without discussion if your proximity to another is disruptive.
· Participation: Students should be aware of how much or how little participation is contributed. Too little will effect your grade, too much may not allow everyone a chance to speak.
Assessments:
1. Writing/Projects: 45% (35% term 1)
2. Quizzes: 15%
3. Homework: 25%
4. Participation 15%
5. Summer reading: 10% (term 1 only)
Texts:
1. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
2. The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
3. A Midsummer’s Night Dream by William Shakespeare
4. The Odyssey by Homer
5. Adventures in Reading Anthology Pegasus Edition
6. Alexander the Grammar By AHS English Department
7. Sadlier Vocabulary Level D 15 Units
Collections of short stories, poetry, and essays from Adventures in Reading and outside sources.
Scope and Sequence:
· Semester 1- Terms 1&2:
Great Expectations, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, short stories, literary devices, grammar, vocabulary 1-7, play writing, speeches, creative writing.
· Semester 2- Terms 3&4:
A Midsummer’s Night Dream, The Odyssey, Poems and narrative, memoir, analytical essay, grammar, vocabulary units 8-15.
A Few Ways which you as parents can help:
· Help your son or daughter edit their essays by letting them read their essays out loud to you or reading their essays out loud to them. Please observe the line between helping and doing.
· If you or your son or daughter has questions about an assignment please contact me at jkendall@arlington.k12.ma.us.
· Ask your son or daughter what they are doing/reading/writing/working on in English.
Room 501
jkendall@arlington.k12.ma.us
Course Description
Advanced Foundations of English is a course that will examine literary texts that focus on issues of human conflict and the influences of environment upon decision-making. Major themes that will be uncovered throughout the year course will focus on are: how humans contend with benevolence, individualism, and harmony in relation to hostility, oppression and contradiction. Students will further develop their analytical writing and on demand writing skills as the literature of the course is explored and written about. Students will also build upon their vocabulary and grammar skills developing a stronger sense of appropriate language used in writing. A large part of the writing process is self-reflection and editing, therefore, students will reflect on their own writing by peer conferencing and through individual conferences. Furthermore, Students will read their work aloud and will participate in class discussions in order to improve oral communication and listening skills. A cumulative portfolio will be maintained with several types of writing pieces that represent the ability of each student’s written work. Cooperative learning skills and collaboration with peers will also be further explored with students working in groups for various learning outcomes with a focus on responsibility, tolerance and respect.
Learning Objectives:
· To relate all work back to the essential questions:
“How does environment shape a person?” and “What is the nature of human conflict?”
· To develop an ability to write on demand.
· To expand essay writing skills to include analytical, argumentative, persuasive,
memoir, narrative, and speeches.
· To further develop reading, writing and communication skills.
Classroom Expectations:
· Attendance: Students will attend class and will not exceed the Six-excused absence policy. If absent please make an appointment with me before or after school to get materials. Students will be on time for class within the two-minute grace period. Detentions will be given to late arrivals without passes. After three late arrivals you will be reported to the Dean.
· Beginning of Class: Students will enter the classroom prepared with a positive and respectful attitude towards the learning environment with a willingness to complete the day’s activities and or agenda. Many class periods will begin with a bell-ringer or a journal entry that is relative to the classes learning objectives thus allowing an opportunity to create a piece of writing without judgment. This work will be evaluated with a focus on topic development and the depth of thought.
· Classroom Procedures: Information from class discussions as well as anything posted will be your responsibility. Therefore, take notes.
· Materials: Please have a three-ring binder or a notebook with three sections and bring this to class everyday. Also, make sure to have a pen and pencil with you everyday.
· Homework: If you are absent you should contact one of your “Clock Buddies” or consult the “week at a peek” sheet that will be given out on almost every Monday. Late homework will not be accepted as well as notes from parents unless it is an extenuating circumstance. Remember, this does not include papers or projects.
· Papers, Projects, Major Assignments: All papers must be typed and revised. Hand-written assignments will not be accepted. Papers should be read by a peer during peer editing, myself or by another person (friend, parent) if we don’t peer edit on a particular assignment. Ten points will be taken off for each day a paper, project or assignment is late, no exceptions. A paper may be turned in at any time during the term for a 50%. Please see me if extenuating circumstances do not allow you to get the paper done on time.
· Plagiarism: No credit will be given if any part of an assignment is plagiarized. No exceptions! Parents will also be contacted.
· The Classroom: Respect is very important to any society or environment, and this class is no exception. Treat the environment and all the participants with respect and respect will be returned. Thoughtful deliberation or thinking about what you are about to say before you say it helps ensure the concept of respect. Cell phones, I-Pods or any type of electronic device that disrupts the learning environment is unacceptable. NO food or Drinks are allowed in class except water. No exceptions. Lastly, your seat may be subject to change at anytime without discussion if your proximity to another is disruptive.
· Participation: Students should be aware of how much or how little participation is contributed. Too little will effect your grade, too much may not allow everyone a chance to speak.
Assessments:
1. Writing/Projects: 45% (35% term 1)
2. Quizzes: 15%
3. Homework: 25%
4. Participation 15%
5. Summer reading: 10% (term 1 only)
Texts:
1. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
2. The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
3. A Midsummer’s Night Dream by William Shakespeare
4. The Odyssey by Homer
5. Adventures in Reading Anthology Pegasus Edition
6. Alexander the Grammar By AHS English Department
7. Sadlier Vocabulary Level D 15 Units
Collections of short stories, poetry, and essays from Adventures in Reading and outside sources.
Scope and Sequence:
· Semester 1- Terms 1&2:
Great Expectations, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, short stories, literary devices, grammar, vocabulary 1-7, play writing, speeches, creative writing.
· Semester 2- Terms 3&4:
A Midsummer’s Night Dream, The Odyssey, Poems and narrative, memoir, analytical essay, grammar, vocabulary units 8-15.
A Few Ways which you as parents can help:
· Help your son or daughter edit their essays by letting them read their essays out loud to you or reading their essays out loud to them. Please observe the line between helping and doing.
· If you or your son or daughter has questions about an assignment please contact me at jkendall@arlington.k12.ma.us.
· Ask your son or daughter what they are doing/reading/writing/working on in English.
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