American Literature and Composition X

2007-08 Course Syllabus

 

Mr. Brookes                                                                 

Room 215                                                                           

(720) 423-6195                                                                 

Email: jason_brookes@dpsk12.org

 

Course Description:

 

American Literature and Composition X is a required course for graduation and the accelerated class will enjoy a higher level of analysis and more in-depth study.   Because each student must succeed in the class in order to graduate, the course is designed to be comprehensive and it is expected that all students will participate regularly and work diligently.

Throughout the different units entitled: The American Dream, American Forums, The Pursuit of Happiness, And Justice for All, and The American Journey; students will explore a variety of literary genres including: short story, novel, poetry, non-fiction, drama, biography, and autobiography and film. There will be a heavy emphasis on writing, which will include: paragraph development, literary response, expository essays, short narratives, and a mini research paper. The course will also include an emphasis on vocabulary enhancement and students will continue to practice and develop appropriate grammar and mechanics. In addition, students will also work cooperatively and practice public speaking and presentation skills. Last, but not least, the completion of homework assignments is a requirement of this course.

 

Curriculum Content Standards and outline of course:

 

http://curriculum.dpsk12.org/standards/read_writing.pdf

 

Materials:

 

Assignment/ Composition book

Blue or black pen

Hi-liters

Computer disk or flash drive (preferred)

 

Student Responsibility:

 

As students, you are expected to demonstrate a positive work ethic. You will be expected to follow through on all assignments (homework, daily, long term), meeting deadlines. You are expected to know and follow all school and classroom policies (as per student handbook). As responsible members of the classroom community and members of assigned work groups, you are expected to attend classes and be punctual. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get the worked missed even for an excused absence. Exchange phone numbers with a reliable classmate and get missed assignments from that person. I will be available to help with work before and after school. (And by appointment at lunch) There is also after school tutoring available in room 320 every day but Monday.

 

Daily journal writings, vocabulary and/or comprehension quizzes, done at the beginning of class, along with your attendance and class participation, will count for 20% of your overall grade. A missed journal writing or quiz may not be made up, so it would be prudent to attend every day and be on time. One cannot learn if one does not attend and participate regularly, so students with excessive absences may fail the class.

 

Attendance & Tardy Policy:

 

Regular attendance has a direct effect on student progress and achievement and every student is expected to attend class regularly and punctually. Failure to do so will result in punitive action as described in the student handbook.

 

CELL PHONE AND ELECTRONIC DEVISES:

Students are not allowed to have any cell phones and electronic devises in classrooms at South High School.  This means they are NOT to be displayed or turned on while class is in session or during instructional periods.  Students who need to make contact by cell phone my do so between classes, at lunch, and after school. If your student is caught with one of these devises in class it will be taken by the teacher and given to a dean or administrator.  A parent contact will be made.  On the second infraction the devise will be kept pending a parent conference with a member of the administration.

 

Grading:

 

Reading, writing, and thinking are critical life skills. We will use the readings to generate critical thinking skills and writing assignments. Because I emphasize writing, the writing assignments will be worth 50% of your grade. The major tests, projects and presentations will be worth 30% of your grade, and daily work 20%.

 

It is imperative that assignments be turned in on time. Daily work is due at the beginning of class; late daily work, one day only, will receive half credit. Essays have a specific due date. Points will be deducted for each calendar day that the paper is late. Essays over one week late will receive no more than 50%, even on a rewrite. Essays may be emailed to me but must be produced using Microsoft Word.

 

 All essays must be word processed with 1” margins, 12pt. Times Roman font, left aligned, and double spaced.

 

Grading scale:

100-90% A

89-80%   B

79-70%   C

69-60%   D

59%--      F

 

 

Please sign and return this page only:

 

I have read the class syllabus and requirements. I understand what is expected of me in this class and agree to follow all rules and policies.

 

 

 

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Print student name                                                            student signature

 

 

 

 

 

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Parent/Guardian name                                                      Parent/Guardian signature

 

 

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Phone number                                                                    Date

 

 

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Email address