Name of Course: English 2

Name of Teacher: Sam Edwards

E-Mail Address: sedwards@aptoshs.net

Voice Mail # 458

Room # E-201

Prep Period: 1st

I

 Course Description/Outline (reflects needed skills): English 2 is a Sophomore class. The course has four main areas of study: Literature study, Literary terms, Vocabulary, and Writing skills. For the Literature study component there are three district-required texts: The Diary of Anne Frank, Julius Caesar, and The Pearl. In addition we will read other short novels (most of which are below in the list of units of study) , short stories, poetry, and non-fiction pieces as they relate to our themes. We will learn, identify and apply a number of Literary Terms related to the genres we will study this year--fiction, drama, poetry, and non-fiction. Our Vocabulary study will stem directly from the texts we read to increase comprehension, and activities, particularly built around the study of linguistic roots, designed to prepare you for the increasingly important standardized tests. Finally, Written Assignments will vary in length and style, and will equal roughly half your grade for this course.

Naturally, as a Language Arts class, we are engaged in the 1,000,000 challenge. As we weave through our seven literary works that are the centerpiece of our curriculum, the words will mount like rabbits. This goal will be furthered as we read numerous supplemental articles or works attending to our two major themes of, "insiders and outsiders," and, "the nature of power." In addition, outside the curriculum books relating to the themes may be required, depending on time allotment.

II

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

  1. Of Mice and Men, The Language of Literature, which is the Anthological text and contains both Antigone and Julius Caesar which we'll study, the aforementioned required works, and other literary works deemed fit by the instructor.
  2. Dictionaries, worksheets, and other appropriate materials
  3. Videos: Film renditions of the studied major works, unless a thematic substitute is used in place. 

III

Materials Required

1. A journal type notebook for written entries and class notes

2. A three ringed binder with lined paper, 2 pens, and a pencil

3. An actively engaged brain, and basic social manners

IV

Goals (knowledge to be acquired, technical skills, etc., ESLRs must be referenced, standards alignment)

The main purpose of this course is to deepen your understanding of our world through reading, writing, and speaking. Additionally you will:

1. Think, discuss, and write about personal and social issues as they relate to the units of study (ESLRs A & B)

2. Offer and accept feedback from peers and teacher, as well as self reflect (ESLRs B, C, & D)

3. Demonstrate the responsibility and accountability needed to succeed in this course and life (ESLRs C & E)

4. For alignment with state standards, see web link to Standards Addendum

V

Units of Study (activities)

1. Of Mice and Men, and "The World According to Mr. Ed": journal entries, writing assignment

2. Vocabulary development: root study, synonym study and thus denotative and connotative distinction

3.  The Diary of Anne Frank: Through guided reading, quizzes, journal entries, and testing, address the main themes of this important social work. 

4. Freud/Poe: Library research, in-class presentation

5. The Pearl : literary study, worksheets, class activities, final exam

6.   Antigone:  Mythology study, journal entries, writing assignments, tests

7.  Julius Caesar: journal entries and exercises, test, writing assignment

8. The Bean Trees, and Where the Coyotes Howl and the Wind Blows Free:   In-class exercises, journal assignments, final exam




 

VII

Methods to accommodate language learners and other target populations : Exploration of etymologies/ roots coming from mutual language base; multi-sensory presentations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VIII

Units or activities that address language and math standards needed for High School Exit Exam (for classes other than language arts and math): Not applicable

 

 

 

 

 

IX

Class Procedures (missed assignments, make up work assignment format): Late work is docked a point per day, excused absences are taken into account.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

Behavioral Expectations (and consequences): RESPECT for: Teacher, peers, classroom, and self; requiring listening when speaker has the floor, insult abstinence, properly utilizing trash receptacles and writing surfaces, and doing your best. Consequences: warning, private conference, phone call home, referral

 

 

XI

Grading policy: Writing assignments= roughly 40%; daily classwork and homework (often journal)= 40%; Final exam=20%

I have read & understand the "Course Syllabus" for...

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