Welcome to My Class - My Syllabus

Welcome to my class. I truly hope you will enjoy what we do. I am working hard to make sure that we satisfy all our requirements in an interesting manner. This year long course has seven main units. We will cover the first four this semester:

Unit 1- Many Selves, Many Voices – using poetry and an interview to become aware of the variety of voices writers and speakers use, and how these voices reflect a cultural context and a sense of the speaker’s individuality.

Unit 2 – Looking Forward & Getting Ready for the Next Step - using non-fiction and technical documents to explore the next step you may take, whether it is going to college or starting a career. We will be writing college entrance essays, cover letters for business purposes and creating a resume.

Unit 3 – Stranger in the Village – using essays to understand how encounters with others expand our own potential for self-expression, and understanding the risks associated with being either a “stranger” or a part of the “village.”

Unit 4 – A Medley of Voices – using a novel by Zora Neale Hurston to understand the connections between language and character, and to analyze historical/social//cultural contexts in literary works.

Students in English 12 will be expected to:
Attend class and be an active participant.
Read and interpret from a wide variety of genres.
· Write—notes, poems, essays, research papers and stories, —in response to what is being read and discussed in class.

Students and parents should understand that English 12 is designed to challenge every student. However, the extent to which an individual student is challenged will be dependent on the effort that the student puts into the class.

It is our desire that you become engaged in the coursework and that it becomes the subject of conversation between you and your instructors, your classmates, and your family.

I want you to succeed in my class. Even if you don’t feel like you’re “good” at writing or reading, you can still get a good grade in my class. So, you say, how do I do that? Here’s the drill:


· COME TO CLASS EVERYDAY! Having an interesting mix of students makes the class more fun. I want to see your smiling face every school day.

Absences & Tardies: I will be enforcing the school attendance policies. If you have excessive tardies (this means a lot of tardies or you are VERY late to class) I may require you to make-up that time during the access portion of the schedule or I may require you to clean desks during part of your passing period.

· BE PREPARED! For my class you will need your brain, a well fed body, a good attitude, respect, and the following supplies:
· Pens: All assignments must be done in pen or typed/word processed.

· 1 Three Ring Binder with Paper

· 1 Two-Pocket folder, preferably one that is punched and can travel within your notebook.

· Your Planner: This should be used to record assignment, especially homework due dates. It also serves as your hall pass.

· Markers or Colored Pencils that have been sharpened: (Optional) We will be doing some fun things in class that you require a nice visual presentation. Be sure to put your name on your markers or colored pencils.

· Post-It Notes: ( Optional, but Useful) You will need the small ones that you can write on. (1 3/8 x 1/7/8 or 2 7/8 x 2 7/8)

· A Highlighter

A Jefferson County Pubic Library Card: You can gain access to all of the databases that the Jeffco Public Library has if you have a library card. I would like you to tell me your card number and the name on the card so that you can access the databases even if you don’t have the card with you. If you do not have one you can get one by going to any Jeffco Public Library or by applying online at www.jefferson.lib.co.us. If you apply online you will need to pick it up within three days from when you applied for it.

Grading Criteria:
All assignments are given points. Grades are awarded based on points earned.

90% = A 80% = B 70% = C 69% = F

In keeping with the English Department Policy, no “D” grades will be awarded.

Okay, enough said? Feeling overwhelmed already? Stop and breathe. I am strict, but also fair. It is important to me that you know what is going on and expected in my class. I hope to see your face beaming with pride in your own excellent work and feel good about how well you have prepared yourself. Need help with any of this stuff? See me. I am always here before school, during the access period or you can schedule time with me as well.