Syllabus

** British Literature Syllabus ** **2011 - 2012**   **Ms. Beck** In this class, we will examine the facets of the human condition and how the confines of British society play a role in the human experience. We will explore literary traditions, historical connections, gender issues, national identity, and the changing social structures of Great Britain from the earliest days of the Isle to its modern period. You will be asked to consider your connection to these issues as well as British literature’s connection to other literature you have studied in the past. This course will focus on developing and enhancing your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills; we will also strengthen your comprehension, analytical, and critical thinking skills through in depth study of various forms of literature, essay composition, grammar, and vocabulary study. British Literature is a vital step to transition your skills to a higher level that will take you into your college years.
 * __Course Description:__**


 * __Course Objectives:__**
 * You will develop your reading skills by analyzing, reflecting, thinking critically, and writing about various pieces of literature.
 * You will develop your writing skills by building on previous instruction in essay writing. We will focus on thesis development, using multiple texts to support arguments, proper MLA citation techniques, and development of style.
 * You will develop your speaking skills through presentations, projects, partner/group discussions, and class participation.
 * You will read a novel independently and take notes, analyze, write essays, and work on creative projects in conjunction with the novel.
 * You will develop your vocabulary and grammar skills through weekly practice and quizzes.


 * __Course Requirements and Policies:__ (See last page for more specific classroom rules.)**
 * Bring all materials to class everyday. Trust me… you don’t to be without them on any given day! MAKE SURE YOUR IPAD IS CHARGED!!!!!
 * Please be on time. We have a lot of material to cover and it will be in your best interest to be in class when the bell rings. Excessive tardiness may also affect your participation score.
 * Respect your classmates, yourself, and me.
 * Keep an open mind! You never know what you may learn if you only are willing to listen to others and attempt to understand a different point of view.


 * __ Attendance Policy from 2011-2012 Student Handbook __**
 * The FJA Student Handbook states, “Absences exceeding eight per semester will result in the reduction of one half grade (i.e. A- to B+). In P/F classes absences exceeding eight per semester will result in a failing grade. Prolonged absences due to exceptional circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Deans. Every three tardies accumulated within a semester will be considered an absence. To avoid being considered absent, students arriving late for any class are required to receive a pass from the front desk. Students arriving later than 10 minutes from the start of class will be considered absent.”
 * When students are absent it is their responsibility to make up the material they missed. When absent, students should consult the unit calendar and their online classroom to determine what they missed. Students have as many days as they were absent to make up their missing work.
 * There is a locked door policy. When the bell rings the classroom door will be shut and locked. Students who are tardy must go to the front desk and get a tardy pass and then wait at the door until the teacher is ready to let them in. Students will not be admitted not be into the classroom without a tardy pass.


 * __ Cheating & Plagiarism from the 2011-2012 Student Handbook __**
 * The Frankel Jewish Academy is dedicated to the highest moral and ethical standards. Students plagiarizing or cheating will automatically receive a failing grade for that assessment and are subject to further disciplinary action as determined by the administration. Violations invite progressive discipline.
 * Consequences for Cheating and Plagiarism are:
 * ** First offense: ** Student will redo the assignment for credit to be determined by the teacher and the Dean.
 * ** Second offense: ** Student will receive a zero for the assignment and will be required to redo the assignment for no credit. Student will be placed on probation.
 * ** Third offense: ** The student will receive a suspension of at least one day up to expulsion.
 * This policy includes, but is not limited to, class work, homework, and formal assessments. All students involved in cheating will be penalized. Cheating can be defined as any act of academic dishonesty such as copying assignments, plagiarism, talking or using unauthorized materials during a test.
 * Please see the following website for details about the definition of plagiarism: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/589/03/


 * __iPads__**
 * The use of iPads in the classroom is a privilege and not a right and must be used in accordance with the school’s acceptable use policy. iPads may only be used with the teacher’s permission otherwise the device must be turned off and stowed away. On days when the iPads are being used in class, it is the student’s responsibility to make sure that the iPad is charged and operational. Students who forget to charge or bring their iPad to class will lose participation points for that day. Students who violate the acceptable use policy will be subject to the progressive discipline policy as stated in the 2011-2012 student handbook.
 * Frankel Jewish Acceptable Use Policy http://www.frankelja.org/pdfs/Summer/Acceptable%20Use%20Policy.pdf

The FJA Student Handbooks states, “The use of cell phones in school will be allowed as follows: Before or after school hours, during lunchtime, and during passing time. Students are encouraged to secure their cell phones in their lockers during class time. Students are not permitted to use cell phones during class time. Use is defined as a cell phone that is out, a cell phone that is on, a cell phone that rings or makes an audible noise or vibration, or a cell phone that causes any type of classroom disturbance. Prohibition during class time includes times when students may be out of the classroom itself (e.g. retrieving items from a locker, getting a drink, going to the restroom, etc.) Class time includes minyan, Town Hall, study hall and PAL. A teacher may allow a student to use a cell phone during class time to fulfill a specific educational purpose. Students may not use a cell phone in any area where other students or staff have a reasonable expectation of privacy. This would include restrooms and locker rooms. Students who violate the cell phone policy invite progressive discipline.”
 * __CELL PHONES from 2011-2012 Student Handbook__**


 * __Course Materials:__**
 * Text/novel we are reading that day
 * Notebook
 * Folder //or// a three-ring binder for handouts
 * Writing utensil

We will cover the following pieces of literature this year: - “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” - “The Faerie Queene” by Edmund Spenser - “The Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare - __Pride and Prejudice__ by Jane Austen - __A Tale of Two Cities__ by Charles Dickens - __Alice in Wonderland__ by Lewis Carroll (Possible – depends on our schedule) - __Gulliver’s Travels__ by Jonathan Swift (Possible – depends on our schedule)

You will have a variety of different assignments throughout this course. The following forms of assessment will be used throughout the course to comprise the assignment portion of the grade: novel and play analysis, essay writing, projects, homework, quizzes, presentations, and participation. Grading is done on a total points system for all assignments. The semester grades are determined as follows: -Assignments 60% -INS 20% -Midterm/Final 20%
 * __Grading Policy:__**

- Late work will lose 10% per day for a maximum of three school days. **After three days, the assignment will receive NO credit.** - If you are absent, you will have the number of days you were out to make up the assignment for full credit. For example, if you were absent for two days, you will have two days to complete the work. After that the work will be considered late. - It is **your** responsibility to check the Online Classroom or with me about any missing assignments. - If you have questions regarding grading, missing assignments, or any other related issues, please come to see me in private. Please do not ask me questions regarding your grade during class.
 * //Late Work://**

If you would like to meet with me, I am available to meet with you before school, at lunch, or on my free hours. I am not available after school; however, if we cannot find a time to meet during the day, please see me first and we will arrange a time.
 * __Contact Information:__**

Email is the best and easiest way to get a hold of me; my email address is kbeck@frankelja.org.

I am looking forward to a GREAT year! Here we go again!