Syllabus

English 1 (Honors & CP) - Fall 2020

Erich Schliebe

Course Description:

English 1 is a broad survey of literature which serves as an introduction to the skills needed to be proficient and critical readers, writers, and thinkers. You will explore texts in multiple genres: novels, essays, short stories, poetry, criticism, historical documents, drama, and film. This course will help you become more literate, thoughtful citizens.

Overall Expectations:

You will be expected to work hard in this class. There is a lot to cover and focused effort on your part will be crucial to success. Please be prepared, having done the required reading and coursework, for each class. We will learn together and from each other, so respect for your fellow classmates is necessary. You will be expected to follow all rules and regulations as specified in the River Mill Academy Student Handbook.

The Honors section of this course will feature assessments slightly augmented or modified from the CP section. All students, regardless of section, are expected to try their best.
Remote Learning Expectations:
While school is conducted virtually, you are expected to conduct yourself as if we were in a traditional face-to-face classroom. This pertains to dress, behavior, effort, etc. Simply put: if it is unacceptable on campus, please don't do it while remotely learning.

Tentative Sample of Major Texts to be Covered:

A Raisin in the Sun - Lorraine Hansberry

The Odyssey - Homer

Romeo and Juliet - William Shakespeare

To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee

Lord of the Flies - William Golding

Required Materials: School-issued texts (Please keep these in good condition) Computer and internet access (Let me know if there are any technology problems.) Anything else that will make you an organized and effective learner.

Grading:

Grading will follow the 10-point scale as outlined in the student handbook. Scoring rubrics will be provided for all major projects. Grading will be broken down in the following manner: Tests - 25%, Projects - 25%, Quizzes - 25%, Homework/Classwork/Participation - 25%

Plagiarism:

While this class will feature some collaborative learning and group work, unless explicitly stated, all work submitted for grading must be of your own doing, demonstrating your own thinking. Cutting and pasting from the internet will not be allowed. Simply rephrasing articles or notes found online will also not be tolerated. Instances of plagiarism will be dealt with as outlined in the student handbook. If you have questions about what constitutes plagiarism, ask me before turning in an assignment.

Late Work:

Due dates for projects and papers will be posted on the calendar located on the class website. The work assigned in this class is time-sensitive, builds upon itself, and is important to your learning. It is not busy work. Therefore it is very important that you complete assignments in a timely manner. Please make every effort to turn in work when it is due. If you think you will have difficulty meeting a due date, please see me beforehand.
Ten points will be deducted for each day, up to three days, an assignment is late. After three days, late assignments cannot be accepted for credit. Also, familiarize yourself with the student handbook section concerning work missed due to absence. It is your responsibility to submit work in a timely manner - I will not chase you down to complete delinquent assignments.

Extra Help:

I am often available after class for extra assistance. Please see me to set up time if you are interested.