Syllabus
College Preparatory English 2016-2017
Course Description
Course Goals
Develop a command of grammar and usage through an in-depth review of rules and conventions of the English language.
Use the writing process to develop a writing portfolio of formal writing.
Gather, research, integrate, analyze, and synthesize ideas and information utilizing a variety of print, non-print, and technical resources to create a 5-6 page research paper on an historical topic.
Analyze, interpret, draw conclusions, and demonstrate understanding of British literature through independent reading and literary discussions.
Implement grammar and correct usage through writing.
Read, interpret, and discuss literature and its elements while making connections to British history and the development of the English language through class assignments and projects.
Read, interpret, and analyze information texts/nonfiction writing.
Utilize reading strategies to develop and enhance reading skills in order to better comprehend, evaluate, and respond to literature.
Develop vocabulary usage and understanding through vocabulary exercises.
Communicate and collaborate effectively with peers through formal and informal group projects and exercises.
Develop 21st century skills including communication, collaboration, problem-solving, critical thinking, research and information fluency, digital citizenship, and technology operations and concepts.
Writing Projects
Academic Resume
Memior
College Application Essay
Definition Essay
Comparison/Contrast Essay
Cause and Effect Essay
Argumentation Essay
Summary/Response Essay
Research Paper
Literary Analysis
Multi-genre Project (includes three pieces of writing)
Book Reports
Students will be required to read five books (British literature) from the list below. Students will be assessed on each book through group discussions, multiple choice and essay questions, and/or formal presentations.
Silas Marner
1984
Brave New World
Robinson Crusoe
Lord of the Flies
Wuthering Heights
And Then There Were None
Great Expectations
Oliver Twist
Frankenstein
Murder on the Orient Express
- Hound of the Baskervilles
- Pride and Prejudice
- Jane Eyre
- Return of the Native
- Heart of Darkness
- Tess of the D'Urbervilles
- Picture of Dorian Gray
- Macbeth
Vocabulary
Portfolios
Students will develop a digital writing portfolio throughout the school year. A digital writing portfolio is a collection of all writing, projects, and reflections and will be organized in a digital format.
The purpose of the portfolio is to enable students to see their own progress and writing development throughout the year as well as showcase their work. Students will also receive a grade at the end of each semester for the organization and development of their digital portfolio.
Materials
One pocket-folder for handouts
Earbuds or earphones
Course Outline
August 18-19: Introduction to Course Syllabus and Course Requirements; Diagnostic Grammar and Usage Pre-test
August 22-26: Vocabulary Unit 1 packet; STAR test; Introduction to Google Classroom; Social Media Release/Parental Consent; Academic Resume
August 29-September 2: Vocabulary Unit 1 quiz; Academic Resume
September 6-9: Vocabulary Unit 2 packet; ACT Practice Test (ACT Test Date: September 10); Memoir/ “Favorite Mistake” Essay
September 12-16: Vocabulary Unit 2 quiz; Memoir/ “Favorite Mistake” Essay
September 19-23: Vocabulary Unit 3 packet; College Application Essay/Linkedin
September 26-30: Vocabulary Unit 3 quiz; Book #1 Assessment; College Application Essay/Linkedin
October 3-7: Vocabulary Unit 4 packet; Definition Essay/Classification and Division Essay
October 11-14: Vocabulary Unit 4 quiz; Definition Essay/Classification and Division Essay
October 17-20: Vocabulary Unit 5 packet; ACT Practice Test (ACT Test Date: October 22); Comparison/Contrast Essay
October 24-28: Vocabulary Unit 5 quiz; Comparison/Contrast Essay
October 31-November 4: Vocabulary Unit 6 packet; Comparison/Contrast Essay
November 7-11: Vocabulary Unit 6 quiz; Book #2 Assessment; Cause and Effect Essay
November 14-18: Comprehensive Vocabulary Exam Units 1-6; Cause and Effect Essay
November 21-22: Vocabulary Unit 7 packet; Argumentative Essay
November 28-December 2: Vocabulary Unit 7 quiz; Argumentative Essay
December 5-9: Vocabulary Unit 8 packet; ACT Practice Test (ACT Test Date: December 10); Argumentative Essay
December 12-16: Vocabulary Unit 8 quiz; STAR test; Argumentative Essay; Digital Portfolio
December 19-21: Book #3 Assessment; Semester Exam; Digital Portfolio
January 4-6: Summary/Response Essay
January 9-13: Vocabulary Unit 9 packet; Summary/Response Essay
January 17-20: Vocabulary Unit 9 quiz; Introduction Research Paper; Topic Selection; Introduction to Databases; LCL field trip;
January 23-27: Vocabulary Unit 10 packet; Research Paper Thesis Statement; Open Educational Resources and Library Work; Preliminary Bibliography
January 30-February 3: Vocabulary Unit 10 quiz; Outline/Revised Thesis Statement; Digital Notecards
February 6-10: Vocabulary Unit 11 packet; ACT practice test (ACT Test Date: February 11); Digital Notecards
February 13-17: Vocabulary Unit 11 quiz; Book #4 Assessment; Rough Draft
February 21-24: Vocabulary Unit 12 packet; Peer Revision/Final Draft
February 27-March 3: Vocabulary Unit 12 quiz; Introduction to Reading Literature (Jigsaw presentations)
March 6-March 9: Vocabulary Unit 13 packet; Beowulf; Multi-genre project
March 13-March 17: Vocabulary Unit 13 quiz; Beowulf; Medieval Ballads; Multi-genre project
March 20-March 24: Vocabulary Unit 14 packet; Canterbury Tales; Multi-genre project
March 27-March 31: Vocabulary Unit 14 quiz; Book #5 Assessment; Canterbury Tales; Multi-genre project
April 3-April 7: Vocabulary Unit 15 packet; Hamlet; Formal Academic Discussion
April 10-April 13: Vocabulary Unit 15 quiz; Hamlet; Formal Academic Discussion
April 18-April 21: Comprehensive Vocabulary Exam Units 1-15; Hamlet; Formal Academic Discussion
April 24-April 28: Hamlet; Formal Academic Discussion
May 1-May 4 (May 5-Senior Breakfast/Senior Assembly): Hamlet; Formal Academic Discussion; Digital Portfolio
May 8-May 12: Digital Portfolio; STAR test; Comprehensive Grammar/Usage Post-test
Classroom Norms
Class will begin and end on time.
We will value instructional time. We will be engaged learners!
Everyone in class will be prepared.
We will respect each other. We will engage in open and respectful communication and collaboration.
We will have a positive mindset. We will learn from our mistakes.
- We will celebrate each other’s successes. We are a TEAM!
Late Work & Absentees
Late work that results from student neglect will not be accepted. When a student has an excused absence (such as illness), he/she will be given two days for each missed day to get make-up work turned in without penalty. A pre-arranged absence (including college visits) or an absence due to a school activity requires students to communicate the situation with me prior to the absence; work is still due on the assigned day. (There may be instances that are unique, and students are encouraged to discuss any absence with me so that they are able to complete work and receive credit.)
Absentees:
It is the student’s responsibility to acquire make-up work. Assignments will be posted on my website. www.DrWatkinsCHS.com
Plagiarism
Dr. Watkins
Email: jwatkins@chillicotheschools.org
Website: www.DrWatkinsCHS.com
Location: Chillicothe, MO, United States
Phone: 660.646.0700
Twitter: @DrWatkinsCHS