General Literature
2007/2008
Mr. Keefe
Course Description:
This year students in English 10 will read many types of literature including short stories, novels, poetry, drama, and non-fiction. We will explore the elements of both fiction and non-fiction and students will be expected to analyze and demonstrate an understanding of their reading in numerous ways. The core text is a collection entitled Elements of Literature. Students will also spend time writing and examining the traits of good writing. They are expected to practice writing techniques and experiment with a variety of assignments. Frequently the writing assignments will go hand in hand with the literature that we read. As Sophomores, students will continue to work toward meeting the expectations of the District≠s Graduation Demonstration Exams in reading and writing as needed. In addition, students will be evaluated on a set of state standards throughout the year. The following is a list of skills and knowledge that students are expected to acquire by the end of the semester:
1. Understand and identify the elements of literature in works of fiction.
2. Identify and elaborate themes in literature.
3. Analyze and interpret poetry and drama.
4. Analyze, interpret, and evaluate samples of non-fiction writing.
5. Research information in order to better understand readings.
6. Write papers and present reports that clearly demonstrate knowledge of literary works and express an informed opinion about these works.
Tentative Semester Schedule: (Changes may be made to this schedule as the year progresses)
Date Theme Reading
Jan./Febr. Overcoming Hardships A Choice of Weapons/Short Stories
March Adventure/Fantasy The Hobbit/Short Stories
April Drama Three Plays About Criminals
May Coming of Age Catcher in the Rye/Short Stories
Grading:
Your grade will be determined by a number of factors including quiz scores, written assignments, activities, and projects. The following scale will be used:
100-90=A
89-85=B+
84-80=B
79-75=C+
74-70=C
69-65=D+
64-60=D
59-0 =F
Classroom Rules:
1) Be Safe
2) Be Responsible
3) Be Respectful
To view Classroom Expectations click here!
Supplies:
Students will be provided a three ring binder with paper to keep in the classroom. All assignments and handouts will be arranged in order in this notebook. Students will also be given a two-pocket ≥homework≈ folder to use with all of their classes. This they will take home each day and bring back daily to each of their classes.
Homework:
Occasionally, students will be assigned homework. Any assignment that is not completed in class will be considered homework and due the next day.
Planner:
Students are expected to bring their planners everyday to class. Not only is your planner your pass, but it is also a textbook for this class. We will use information from the planner for some of our lessons. In addition, students will record daily assignments in their planners as part of the daily routine.
Student ID:
Students are expected to comply with the school and district policies regarding the wearing of their ID≠s.
Absences:
It is the student's responsibility to make-up any work they miss. They can get their assignments from other students in the class or see the teacher before or after class, or after school. Assignments will also be listed on my web page at http://teachers.lps.org/tkeefe
LHS Tardy Policy:
1st tardy-conference with student-sign tardy referral 2nd tardy-conference with student-student writes a plan 3rd tardy student signs tardy referral-contact parents 4th tardy-student signs tardy referral-lunch detention 5th tardy-student signs tardy referral-referred to administrator
Recycling:
All students are expected to help maintain a clean and safe learning environment. Part of this responsibility involves recycling materials. There are two brown wastebaskets in the classroom for trash. Use them only for materials that cannot be recycled. Several blue containers are clearly marked for recycling paper, magazines, bottles, cans, etc. All students are expected to use these appropriately. Remember, when recycling bottles and cans empty them of all liquid first. When recycling paper, do not crumple.
General Literature Assignments
You can contact me at tkeefe@lps.org
To Access Your Child's Grades click here Grades