Name of Course: English 1 Acc.

Name of Teacher: Mr. Dudek

E-mail Address: sdudek@aptoshs.net

Voice Mail: 688-6565 ex 690

Room: E-212

Preparation Period: 4

Course Description/Outline (reflects needed skills)

Prerequisite: contract signed by student and parent/guardian and completion of required summer reading.

Accelerated English 1 is a rigorous college preparatory course designed to challenge students to work to their full capabilities and increase higher-level proficiency in language arts skills. It differs from regular English 1 in that the required reading, writing, and literary analysis is greater in quantity, frequency, difficulty, and students are required to do more independent work. Students will develop an appreciation of literature through in-depth study of a variety of classical and contemporary literary works with emphasis on style, genre, point of view, and various literary devices successfully employed by distinguished authors to communicate their important insights to the world. Students will respond to these studies through homework, discussion, analysis, creative works, individual and group projects, reports, and presentations. They will learn how to prepare for and respond to timed in-class essay questions of the kind given in SAT and AP English exams. In addition, Accelerated English 1 will emphasize the discovery and use of vocabulary as found in the assigned texts to increase comprehension and broaden student ability to communicate expressively. The greater goal is to help each student develop the close reading, analytical writing, critical thinking, and complex speaking skills vital to a successful and happy life in the modern world.

Materials Provided

TextbookS: The Language of Literature

Language Network

Supplementary Reading:

The house on mango street

Heroes, Gods, and Monsters (required)

Romeo and Juliet (required)

To Kill a Mockingbird (required)

Great Expectations

Lord of the Flies

Films: West Side Story

To Kill A MOCKINGBIRD

Lord of the Flies

III

Materials Required

1. You will need a notebook with 60-80 sheets of 8-1/2” x 11” college-ruled, white, 3-hole punched, binder paper. ALL student work and handouts are kept in the course portfolio for the entire semester. See “Anatomy of a Course Portfolio” handout for further details.

2. A few pencils, pens (dark blue or black ink only) for your work and a red pen or pencil for in-class corrections.

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

1. Goals are based on the California Language Arts Content Standards and Aptos High Expected School-Wide Learning Results. Aptos High ESLRs are available at: www.aptoshs.net/resources/standards . CA Content Standards are available at http://goldmine.cde.ca.gov/ci/reading.html .

2. Students will develop the ability to:

· Analyze and assess a variety of literary works in a variety of literary genres including short story, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama.

· Organize and synthesize their analyses in cogent, cohesive, and concise responses and essays.

· Demonstrate the depth of their comprehension by summarizing and paraphrasing the content of a variety of literary works.

· Formulate and write intelligent, well-structured responses to course assignments.

· Defend their conclusions and ideas through relevant references and quotations from text.

· Relate concepts that arise from class assignments and discussions with elements of their own life and society.

· Present classroom projects comfortably before their peers, individually and in cooperative study groups.

· Cooperate with others in meaningful projects where the goals of the group take priority over the desires of its individual members.

Units of Study (activities)

· The Power of Storytelling

1. Crisis and Conflict

2. Suspense and Surprise

3. Writing Workshop: Personal Narrative

· Passages

1. Journeys of discovery

2. Rites of Passage

3. Writing Workshop: Comparison and Contrast Essay

· Voices of Experiences

1. Speaking Out

2. Facing Limits

· All in the Family

1. Family Ties

2. Writing Workshop: Response to Literature

3. Declarations of Independence

· A World of Mysteries

1. Criminal Minds

2. Writing Workshop: Short Story

3. Illusion and reality

· The Classic Tradition

1. The Odyssey

2. Writing Workshop: Research Paper

3. The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet

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

· Homework

· Tests & Quizzes

· Discussion

· Written Work

· Oral & Written Presentations

· Essays

VII

Grading Policy

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

· Homework, Essays, Reports, Presentations = 40%

· Class work, Participation, Quizzes = 40%

· Tests and Final Exam = 20%

Class Participation (discussions, reading aloud, oral reports, presentations, etc.) is not optional.

VIII

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

1. Students who have been absent should contact another student in the class about missed work or check the “Assignments” box of my Web page; however, the most important part of an assignment may be related to in-class discussion and interaction, and that can’t be made up. Please remember your commitment to the contract for this class. Four absences per semester may result in your being dropped from the class.

2. Students must make up missed quizzes, timed writing, or other assignments as soon as possible or face a severe reduction in their grades.

3. Students are expected to complete every assignment on time. Development of analytical skills depends on careful, thorough, and timely execution of ALL assignments.

4. Late work will be accepted only for an excused absence as defined by California Education Code 46010.

5. Assignments are posted on my Web site at the end of the day. Work turned in late because of an unexcused absence will be returned sans grade.

6. A late homework assignment loses 50% of possible points after one day. No credit is given for work turned in more than one day late. However, you may avoid any penalty if you e-mail an assignment to me on or before the due date and turn in your hard copy on the first day of your return.

7. An assignment that has been graded and returned to the class is no longer available for make up.

8. All homework is to be typed in MLA format on letter-size bond paper in a 12-point plain font. You may type on both sides of the paper. A printable version of the MLA writing format is available in the Resources/Links section of my Web page.

9. Extra Credit Work is available to students who have completed all regular assignments. Its function is to complement or perfect a grade not to supplement or make up for missed assignments.

Behavioral Expectations (and consequences)

The guidelines for behavior and attendance established by Aptos High, PVUSD, and The State of California will be followed in the classroom. Steps for mitigating and discouraging behavioral problems will be followed accordingly.

· Arrive on time and begin working immediately

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

· Respect for others is absolutely essential for success. We are all the same in many different ways. An open mind is a key to learning; a closed mind is a coffin.

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

· Periodic review is essential for outstanding performance and understanding newly acquired learning. In other words, read things MORE THAN ONCE. It takes repeated exposure to embed new knowledge in your memory.

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

· Remain seated until the passing bell rings.

· Your queries and contributions related to class work are welcomed and encouraged. Unsolicited comments and conversations are not. You will lose five participation points per occurrence.

I have read & understand the Course Syllabus for

Mr. Dudek’s English 1 accelerated class

Parent/Guardian Signature _______________________________ Date _________

Student Name (print) ______________________________________ Period _______