Course Syllabus

Name of Course: Senior English elective, CALIFORNIA authors   

Name of Teacher: MR. penna                       

E-Mail Address: mpenna@aptoshs.net      

wEB ADDRESS: www.aptoshs.net/~mpenna      

Voice Mail #688-6565 ext. 669

Room # E205

Preparation Period:  2

 

I

 

 

 Course Description/Outline (reflects needed skills):

 

California Authors is a senior college preparatory course designed to increase the students’ proficiency in the Language Arts. In this class, students will read, study, and discuss stories, novels, essays and poems set in the state of California and authored by Californians. As well as completing reading, speaking and listening assignments, students will write essays in the domains of interpretation, controversial issue, reflection, and evaluation and be assessed for organization, development and expression of ideas, voice, and style and conventions (grammar, usage, and spelling). Having read and written about the environment, culture, and people of California, students will author their own definition of a Californian.

 

II

Materials Provided (name of textbook, other resources, video used, etc.)

  

SUPPLEMENTARY READING:

The Ahlone Way

Californian Authors

Zoot SUIT

CANARY ROW

VIDEOS:

Ishi,

The Last Yahi

Farewell, My Lovely

The Big Sleep or The Maltese Falcon

Tortilla Flat

Zoot Suit

III

Materials Required:

1.  3-ring binder with college rule paper, specifically for English (maintain a binder filled with blank paper)

2.  Writing utensils: pencils, and blue or black ink pen

 

IV

Goals (knowledge to be acquired, technical skills, etc., specific reference to ESLRs and state standards):

 

1.        Students will learn, identify and apply literary terms essential to understanding the literature they are reading. (ESLRs A,B,C)

2.        Students will study, learn, use and be tested on new vocabulary words encountered in the literature study. (ESLRs A,B,C)

3.        Students will practice and improve their writing skills by utilizing a variety of writing strategies and writing types (from short answer to multi-paragraph essays), including pre-writing, peer editing and evaluation, writing portfolios, and in class journal activities. (ESLRs A,B,C,D,E)

4.        Students will utilize speaking and listening skills to participate in the following activities: class discussions, small group discussion, oral reading and oral presentations. (ESLRs A,B,C,D,E)

5.        Students will improve upon and demonstrate research, study and computer skills by utilizing library and computer lab resources for a variety of assignments. (ESLRs A,B,C)

6.        Students will demonstrate responsibility and accountability by being a supportive, productive member of the classroom community. (ESLRs A,B,C,D,E)     

ESLRs are based on the California Language Arts Content Standards and Aptos High Expected School Wide Learning Results. Aptos High ESLRs available @ www.aptoshs.net

 

V

Units of Study (activities):

 

1.     Early California

2.     Culture in California

3.     Discrimination in California

4.     Myth in California

VI

Methods of Assessment (may include tests, portfolios, projects, essays, etc.):

 

INFORMAL ASSESSMENT, OBSERVATION, PARTICIPATION, INDEPENDENT READING, IN-CLASS WORK, HOMEWORK, ESSAY, PROJECTS, FINAL ASSESSMENT

 

VII

Methods to accommodate language learners and other target populations

 

  • Reciprocal Teaching

 
  • Small chunks

 
  • Collaborative Learning

 
  • Narrow the scope of a large book

 
  • Teacher Modeling

 
  • Audio cassette w/ printed materials

 
  • Scaffolding

 
  • Think/Pair Share

 
  • Use of visuals and graphic organizers

 
  • Strategic Grouping

VIII

Units or activities that address language and math standards needed for High School Exit Exam (for classes other than language arts and math)

 

N/A

IX

Class Procedures (missed assignments, make up work assignment format):

 

Make Up Work

 

If you were absent, you will have as many days as you were absent to turn in missing work without losing points. After that, it is considered late work and will be accepted for reduced credit (see policy for late work below). Class work and homework will be posted on the course web page on a weekly basis, class assignments and homework will be recorded throughout the semester. Students who have been absent are responsible for checking the web page, collecting appropriate handouts, and making up their work in a timely fashion.

 

Late Work

 

Late will work will be accepted for reduced credit. In general, all late work will be mark down 50%. However, I will not accept work that is over a month late.  Essentially, if you are trying to turn in a pile of work that you should have done in increments throughout the semester, it will not be graded.  Therefore, please plan accordingly.

 

X

Behavioral Expectations (and consequences):

·         Arrive on time and begin working immediately

·         Bring all necessary materials (including homework) every day.

·         Respect for others is essential for success.

·         Develop the skill of active listening. It is just as vital as stating your views. In fact, it may help you to clarify your own thoughts.

·         Periodic review is essential for understanding new information…READ THINGS MORE THAN ONCE so it becomes embedded in your memory.

·         No electronics, especially ipods and phones

·         Keep food and beverages (except water) unopened and out of sight.

·         Remain seated until the passing bell rings.

·         All other school policies apply.

 

XI

Grading policy:

 

All assignments are scored according to points earned over points possible. All assignments earn points toward quarter and semester grades. the approximate breakdown for final grades is:

90% of the quarter grade will be based on written assignments, in-class assignments, quizzes, homework, unit and reading exams, projects, and independent reading and participation***.

10% of the semester grade will be based on the final exam.

 

Semester Grades:

45% of the semester grade will be based on the first or third quarter.

45% of the semester grade will be based on the second or fourth quarter.

10% of the semester grade will be based on the final exam for that semester.

 

A=90-100%     C=70-79%

B=80-89%       D=60-69%     F=59% or less

 

CLASS PARTICIPATION*** Your questions and contributions related to class work are welcomed and encouraged. unsolicited comments and conversations are not. You will lose participation points per occurrence.  

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I have read & understand the “Course Syllabus” for Californian Authors.  I am aware that Mr. Penna is willing to discuss work or help students by appointment outside of class.  I am also aware that in order to succeed in CA Authors, it will be necessary to read at home on a regular basis and complete assignments based on the reading.  I understand that it is necessary to pass English in order to graduate and that a passing grade cannot always be achieved at the last minute.

 

Parent/Guardian Signature: _____________________________________ DATE: _____________

 

 

Student SignatuRE: _____________________________________________ Period: _____________