English II Syllabus
Mrs. Stephanie Rothman
Room #522
E-mail: stephanierothman@browardschools.com (preferred method of communication)
MHS phone: 754-322-1400 ext 3136
Course Description
The English II course provides an opportunity to develop further reading, writing, listening, research, and analytical skills. Vocabulary, research, the writing process, and the understanding of themes, motifs, and archetypes will be emphasized. Comprehension and learning in this class are part of units of mixed-genre selections.
Major Instructional Goals
Students will be given opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to:
• Generate writing for various audiences and purposes including expository, literary analysis and creative, using research, appropriate organizational patterns with adequate support, varied and standard English vocabulary.
• Develop their vocabulary through a study of prefixes, root words and various work analysis strategies.
• Read, comprehend, analyze, and respond to literature in a variety of genre for information and pleasure.
• Develop and present effective and responsible oral communications or exhibitions for a variety of audiences and occasions.
• Listen critically, comprehend, question, and analyze.
Reading List
Antigone
Of Mice and Men
Farewell to Manzanar
McDougal Littell textbook selections
Sonnets/Poetry/short works selected by teacher
Author Study: Alice Walker
Required Papers/Projects
Project on Of Mice and Men
Project on Author Study
Project on Antigone
Persuasive essay
Expository essay
Comparison/contrast essay (research requirement)
Textbook
The Language of Literature—10th Grade
Writing and Grammar-10th Grade
Materials
Suggested:
• Access to the Internet
• Access to Microsoft Word/PowerPoint/Keynotes
• Access to a Broward County library/MHS library; library card
• Flash drive (to save and transport digital files)
Classroom Management:
Rules and Attendance
If students are not in class, then they are not learning. The Broward County attendance policy will be followed, and grade incentives will be rewarded to those who attend class regularly. You are graded for each day you are in class and how well you are following the rules. The rules are simple: No gum in class, no walking around without permission, come to class everyday and on time, respect yourself and others, and you are responsible for getting information even when you are absent, and for your own grades.
If students know in advance that they will incur an excused absence—due to medical appointments, field trips, sports, or other activities— they should turn in work before the absence. Students are expected to check my web page for due dates daily, and upon entering the classroom check class agendas and objectives every day. In addition, students are expected to be present when projects and papers are due. Students are required to participate during class; this is not time to finish other homework. Some days will include collaborating in groups, which effect grades; but more importantly, how students spend their time in class demonstrates their character as committed learners.
Make-up/Late Work
Students will be allowed to makeup work in accordance with school board guidelines – You will have 2 days to make up all the work you missed. If the work is not made up within those two days, you may not make them up and will receive a zero for those assignments.
Find yourself a “homework buddy” at the start of the semester: The buddy’s job should be to obtain extra copies of handouts, homework instructions, etc., and to place them in a homework file in the classroom. Buddies are expected to assist, but any pertinent questions should be addressed with the teacher. If students need any help or clarification, it is their responsibility to ask. (A note: I am more forgiving when students make the effort to plan, implement, and complete work on time than if they wait until there is not an opportunity to do so.) Any late work (if accepted) will result in half-credit for the assignment and will not be accepted more than one week after the due date. In addition, students should not turn in major projects or essays to substitute teachers.
Plagiarism
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Students are required to submit their own work and cite their sources. Any some cases, turnitin.com will be required for submission of compositions. Any students who plagiarize as a substitute for doing his or work will receive a “0” for the assignment.
Grading Policy
A specific number of points will be assigned for all assignments, test, projects, writing, and in-class work. The number of points earned will be recorded, totaled, and the percentage computed. The percentage will then be used to determine the grade using the following scale:
93%-100% A 90%-92% A- 87%-89% B+ 83%-86% B 80%-82% B- 77%-79% C+
73%-76% C 70%-73% C- 67%-69% D+ 63%-66% D 60%-62% D- 59%-0% F
Extra Credit
Extra credit is not available in this course.
*I reserve the right to make reasonable changes to this syllabus as the year progresses. Students will be informed of any updates to the syllabus verbally and a copy of the revised syllabus will be posted on my web page. Thank you. Have a great year!