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Non-Fiction Text Syllabus 2015
Non-Fiction Text Syllabus 2015
Non-Fiction Texts
Course Syllabus (2014-15)
This English elective course will fulfill the first semester English 11 or English 12 credit requirement.
COURSE CONTENTS:
This
course
focuses
on
the
study
and
analysis
of
nonfiction
texts
to
explore
the
ways
in
which
writers
of
nonfiction
have
used
language
to
examine
the
world,
to
move
readers,
and
to
make
compelling
arguments.
Through
current
events
and
other
means,
students
will
evaluate
arguments
using
close
reading
strategies
of
multiple
informational
texts.
TEXTS:
We will be reading novels, shorts stories, memoirs,
poems, essays, editorials, newspapers, magazines, and
historical documents to supplement writing activities
over the course of the semester.
GOALS/OBJECTIVES:
Students will develop skills in
identifying key ideas and details in literary and informational text
integrating knowledge and ideas in discussion and writing
reading complex text using close reading strategies
using technology to conduct research and work collaboratively with peers
develop writing skills using a variety of prompts and exercises designed to challenge assumptions,
encourage critical thinking, and promote effective informational writing
EVALUATION:
Assessments 80%, Assignments 20%
- Assessments include tests, quizzes, papers and projects
- Assignments include daily bell ringers, class work, group work and homework
Each assignment is given a point value based on length and difficulty.
Grading Scale:
A = 100-93% B+ = 89-88% C+ = 79-78%
D+ = 69-68%
E = 59-0%
A- = 92-90%
B = 87-83% C = 77-73%
D = 67-63%
B- = 82-80% C- = 72-70%
D- = 62-60%
Credit for class is earned by Semester grades NOT Marking Period grades
1st marking period grade (40%) + 2nd marking period Grade (40%) + Mid-Term Exam (20%) = Semester Grade
CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES:
Bell Ringers: grammar, vocabulary, and standardized test examples
*If a student is absent or tardy for class, he/she will not receive points for the bell ringers that day
Formal and informal writing
Projects through technology
Lecture with notes
Small and large group discussions
Tests and quizzes
Presentations
Group projects
Individual projects
Mini-lessons
Peer editing
Videos and analysis
Vocabulary journals
ATTENDANCE:
Good attendance and punctuality are essential for success in this course. Attendance is taken within the first 5
minutes of every class, and students are expected to be on time and prepared for class every day. The intent of this
course is not to punish students who are ill or have family emergencies but instead emphasize the importance of
class attendance and provide for greater student accountability for make-up work.
HOMEWORK POLICY:
Much of the homework will be work not completed during class, but there will be some homework assigned on a
weekly basis. This homework will be checked periodically through (and sometimes unannounced) quizzes. If there
are special circumstances please see the instructor BEFORE the assignment is due. Any student not completing
homework/assignments is expected to make up that work before the final assessment for the unit and only will be
able to retake assessments if all assignments are completed. Students need to make up this work before and after
school with Mrs. Horne or at Scholars Club.
BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS:
In upper-level English courses, we strive for RESPECT and RESPONSIBILITY on the part of the students. Cell
phones can be an educational tool and will only be used in the classroom for educational purposes with teacher
approval. I-Pods, or equivalent, are acceptable during independent work time ONLY. All Clawson High School
rules and regulations listed in the student handbook will apply in this classroom.
Plagiarism is unacceptable and will result in a zero for the assignment and/or the semester course. Please use
Purdue OWL resource if you are not sure how to cite information correctly.
Technology Component:
Students will be responsible for completing many assignments on a computer. There will be ample class
time for these assignments to be completed, but there will be instances where a student will need to use
a computer after school hours. Scholars Club (with computer access) is available every Tue-Thu from
2:45-4:15 and computer labs are open in the morning per student request. Having a working home
computer with Internet access is recommended but not required for student success in this class.
_______________________________
Students PRINTED NAME
___________________________________
Parent/Guardian PRINTED NAME
_________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
______________
Date