ASTEC Charter School Syllabus
Level: 12, Subject: English IV- British Literature
Email: [email protected] 
Planning Period: 6th period; 2:30 – 3:35

1. Overview
Students in English IV continue to increase and refine their communication skills. High school students are expected to plan, draft, and complete written compositions on a regular basis. Students edit their papers for clarity, engaging language, and the correct use of the conventions and mechanics of written English and produce final, error-free drafts. Students are expected to write in a variety of forms, including business, personal, literary, and persuasive texts. They will also complete the Senior Research Project this year. English IV students read extensively in multiple genres from British literature and other world literature. Periods from British literature may include the old English period, Medieval period, English Renaissance, 17th century, 18th century, Romantic period, Victorian period, and Modern and Post-modern period. Students interpret the possible influences of the historical context on a literary work.

1. Course Outline Below are listed major units, which will be studied in this senior level course to prepare the student for college freshman level work. 
   

College Preparatory Vocabulary (SAT Starters)Composition:   Senior research project (required),Theme and character analysis essays, Expository style, Descriptive style, Persuasive style, Summarization, Paraphrase form Vocabulary and grammar will be taught as they relate to writing. Reading comprehension, editing, and revision skills will be taught as they relate to the writing process.
Literature: The Anglo-Saxon tradition,Medieval British works\Renaissance Period, Poetry from various eras,The novel,The play,Free reading,Vocabulary and grammar will be taught as they relate to literature. Reading comprehension skills will be taught as they relate to the varied literature forms.
Materials:
Issued textbook /assigned paperback novels (You must bring the literature we are studying!)Three-ring binder filled with college-ruled paper and the organizational skills to maintain it.

•  Black or blue ink pens; pencils a Zip drive to save student computer assignments 
• 2 pocket folder with college-ruled paper and 
  
• A commendable work ethic and intellectual curiosity
  
• The senior research project will require additional supplies. A list of needed items will be given at the time of the assignment. While it is not required, owning a copy of any novel we study makes annotating (highlighting passages and making notes in the margins) easy. 

Attendance, Lateness Policies:
 Attendance is crucial to the learning process.
If a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to obtain information regarding the missing assignments in a timely manner. Students should be in the classroom working on the Bellringer Activity before the tardy bell rings. Instruction begins when the bell rings. Tardy students will owe me time after school! (no other options)
Missed Exams or Assignments Policies:
 In the event of an absence, you are responsible for arranging to make up work you have missed. Talk with me before or after class about missed lessons and handouts the day you return to school. Turn in any assignments you have from days before your absence. The approved school policy for make up work applies.
Academic Dishonesty Policies:*A note about plagiarism:
Mrs. Kastl’s plagiarism policy is as follows:
 1st offense: a grade of zero; 2nd offense: a grade of zero and a notice placed in permanent file.
Do not plagiarize. Do not copy words or ideas from Internet sources, books, scholars, fellow students, or any other sources without giving proper credit in a parenthetical citation/bibliographical entry. “Or ideas” are italicized. The Internet has made plagiarism—i.e., cheating---particularly easy and an epidemic, but several sites exist for educators that make catching those who plagiarize just as easy. It is unethical and dishonorable to cheat.
Assessment/Grading:
Twelfth grade English- all out-of-class papers are considered formal and must be typed. These papers are assigned two major grades: one for content and one for grammar. Content evaluates whether or not the correct format has been used and support given. Grammar is based on the schedule below. Use a standard format: double-space, 12-pt. font that is easy to read, and one-inch margins. If the paper is not submitted as stated above, the assignment will be returned and considered late. Papers should be on white paper with black ink. Proof read papers to correct spelling and grammar errors. No late papers accepted, unless you use your late coupon. Not turning in one paper will reflect quite harshly on your grade. You will not pass if you do not do the required writing. Please allow at least two weeks for the grading of essays and tests. Reading and evaluating essays is no small task. I will report/record grades as quickly as possible.Errors will be graded accordingly:
10 points off for fragments, rambling or run-on sentences
5 points off for spelling errors, which include typing errors
5 points off for first person (I, we, me, us) and second person (you, your)
5 points off for numerals 1, 22, etc. should be spelled out (one, twenty-two)
5 points off for contractions (won’t, can’t) that are considered informal
1 point for all other errors 
Each quarter’s grades normally consist of at least one prepared essay, two tests, one-two journal assessments, one-two creative projects, some senior benchmark tests, and one or more discussion participation grades. A quarter grade will be averaged using the following percentages:
 Writing Assignments = 40%, Tests/Projects = 40%, Quizzes/Discussions = 20%, Daily assignments =20% (Starters)
Other: I expect my students to . . .
Do their best on each and every assignment.

• Do their own work so that I will never have to question honesty and integrity.* 
  
• Be open to the ideas in literature, have a sense of humor, and embrace the spirit of any unit.
• Be courteous to me and to each other at all times. There is never an excuse for rudeness.
• Raise hands silently rather than interrupting a classmate or me. (An oldie, but a goodie!)
• Budget time well in and out of class so that assignments arrive completed and on time.
  
• Request a pass to the restroom between activities rather than interrupting during instruction. (Only 10 passes per semester)
  
• Keep gum, food, drinks, headphones, cell phones and pagers out of my room. ($1.00 fine for gum, food, or drinks and time after school)
  
• Use combs, brushes, make-up, and such items only in the restroom. This is not cosmetology.
  
• Abide by all rules and regulations in the ASTEC Handbook.
  
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