Intro to Lit

 

Course Description and Goals: Introduction to Literature examines the question of how written and spoken language helps us communicate with one another. This class will strengthen students’ communication skills in reading, writing, and speaking, as well as vocabulary development and study skills. During this semester, the theme we will focus on the theme of identity, and will engage in a wide range of reading, writing, and discussion-based activities

Instructional Activities: Students will engage in individual, pair, and group work during class sessions. Instructional activities include:, writing exercises, close reading, discussions, journaling, collaborative group work, and grammar and mechanics practice.

Assessment Procedures: Writing, reading, and speaking are assessed using the Oregon Scoring Guides, which can be found on the ODE website. Students are assessed in both formative and summative assessments. Examples of formative assessments include: reading response logs, journals, and homework. These assignments are viewed as learning in progress, and the student will be given feedback to help assure they are understanding and gaining proficiency in the curriculum. Summative assessments allow students to demonstrate their mastery of course material and include essays, projects, and tests.

Grading Policy:

Student grades will be based on the quality of your essays, projects, research assignments, reading assignments, quizzes and tests, Writer’s Journal entries, vocabulary study, discussion and speaking skills, etc. Homework assignments are generally due at the beginning of the period. For work to receive full credit, it must be turned in when called for. Take-home essays must be typed (10% off if not typed). In-class essays must be written in ink (10% off if in pencil). Grades appear on Pinnacle and can be accessed by students and their parents

Grading will be broken down as follows:

100% - 90% = A excellent performance

89% - 80% = B good quality

79% - 70% = C acceptable work

69% - 60% = D poor quality

59% - 0% = F unacceptable work

Our tentative semester schedule:

Short Stories September 9-18th

Of Mice and Men September 18-Ocotober 1st

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee October 5th-October 30th

Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare November 2nd-December 18th

Night by Ellie Weisel Januaray 4- February 3

　

　

Credit Denial Policy:

Credit denial in this course may occur when a student has accumulated 10 unexcused absences and his/her grade has fallen below 59.5%. Students and their parents/guardians will be informed in writing by the teacher of the possibility of credit denial when a student has accumulated 10 unexcused absences and her/his grade has fallen below 59.5%.

Credit denial decisions will not be based on absences due to religious reasons, a student’s disability, or an excused absence, as determined by district policy. Students who receive a credit denial warning are responsible for taking measures to prevent the loss of academic credit. Students who are failing a class at the time of credit denial will have an "F" entered on their transcript. No credit will be awarded for the course. Corvallis School District Policy IKAD.

Plagiarism Policy: The Plagiarism Policy for Crescent Valley High School will be followed in this course. Please see the student planner for details of this policy.

Tardy Policy: It is important to be on time to class everyday. Not only do students miss directions and instruction, coming in late distracts other students. After three tardies, I will assign detentions, usually at lunch in my room.

Attendance Policy: Be here and be on time! When you are not, it has a negative impact on your participation in the class and on your grade. If you must miss a class, be sure you see me the day you return, so I can help you get caught up.

Leaving the Classroom: Leaving the classroom is frowned upon! You’re a mature student, and I assume that you are able to take care of your personal needs during your ten minute passing time. If an emergency arises and you feel you must leave the classroom for some reason, you need to speak to me before you leave. Please do not leave within the first or last 15 minutes of the class.

Late Work Policy:

All graded assignments, papers, and projects are due on the date stated. Assignments are due at the beginning of class. If an assignment is:
    1. Up to one week late = 30% deduction
    2. More than a week late = no credit

Please always place late work in late basket, labeled "late", with due date and date turned in clearly written at top of paper.

Unexcused Absences: No credit will be given for work missed due to an unexcused absence.

Long-term assignments: If you are absent for any reason, you are still responsible for turning in long-term assignments on time and finding out what work you missed. If you are afraid that you might become sick the night before an assignment is due, then complete it early and make sure it is handed in. Take advantage of email, friends, and siblings to deliver assignments. If it is not possible to have an assignment delivered or emailed, please contact me to work out a plan BEFORE the due date (minimum of 24 hours in advance).

Short-term assignments: a student with an excused absence may turn in work within two days of his/her return. Please label "absent", include date due and date turned in, and place in late basket. If you know you will be absent in advance, meet with me before you leave to determine due dates and assignments.

Make Up Exams and Quizzes: In cases of excused absences, you may make up a test or quiz within two days of your return to school. You are responsible for setting up an appointment with me to make up the work. If you do not make an appointment or do not show up, you will receive a zero. Please check the calendar after all absences to learn about missed work, tests, and quizzes.

Missing Work: When assignments are missing, it quickly and negatively impacts your grade. When a student has three missing assignments, they will be assigned to a lunch time study session in my room. I will also call home to alert parents/guardians.

Formal Written Assignments: All essays, papers, and written projects need to be typed, double-spaced with one-inch margins on all sides, and need to include the MLA formal heading. Use Times New Roman font in 12 point at all times. Always attach rough drafts, peer editing sheets, and rubrics to final drafts.

Personal Electronics Policy: The Personal Electronics Policy for Crescent Valley High School will be followed in this course. Please see the student handbook/planner for details of this policy.

Classroom Behavior Expectations: In order to make our classroom a positive place for everyone, I expect students to follow the Raider Way: be respectful, safe, and responsible.

Food and Drink Policy: No food or drink is permitted during class. You are welcome to bring water.

　

　

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Please detach this portion of the Course Description, sign and date it, and return it to the instructor.

　

Student Name___________________________________________________(printed neatly)

　

I have read the Course Description and understand I have read the Course Description and understand

what is expected of me in this course. what is expected of my student in this course.

___________________________________________ ____________________________________________

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