English IV College

Literature
Mrs. Maynard
Syllabus

British/ World
Course
OVERVIEW

The fourth and final year of English study sets students focus on British and World
Literature. The course runs in chronological order (for the most part) starting with
the very first works written in English and wrapping up around World War II. During
The second half of the course, students will read great works of World Literature and
mark the influence the British tradition has had on them. This extensive survey will
aid students in developing and refining skills including:
-Identifying, describing, and applying all conventions of standard English
-Analyzing and evaluating the logic and use of evidence in an authors argument
-Relating a literary work to the seminal ideas of its time

In addition to various readings, students will be fully engaged in the writing process.
They must be prepared for writing on demand, informal writing, conducting
research, employing technology in writing, drafting, revising, peer editing
and presenting their work. As part of the study of British and World Literature,
students will find the relevance of classic, universal themes to their own lives. In
doing so they will have the opportunity to craft original and highly marketable
college admission essays, and they will pick up some valuable strategies for both
SAT and ACT exams.
GRADING

Assessment: will be frequent and varied. Students can expect more open
response style essay quizzes than in previous years. Whole class and small group
discussions will be graded. Surprise quizzes will be given after most reading
assignments. Written work must be neat and legible. Students will be asked to
write a number of essays. Remember, grading is about receiving credit for
skills you have mastered, and learning about the areas you need to
improve! Categories are as follows:
Tests/ Projects/ Formal Essays: 50%
Quizzes/Discussions/ Informal Essays: 25%
Homework/ Class work: 20%
Participation: 5% (See Rubric)
Course Grades: Please see the Student Handbook for a full explanation.
Semester 1 First Quarter: 20% Semester 2 Third Quarter: 20%
Second Quarter: 20%
Fourth Quarter: 20%
Mid Term Exam: 10%
Final Exam: 10%
Exam Exemptions: Students with a semester average of 90% or higher and
no unexcused absences will be exempt from mid term and/or final exams.
However, you may take the exam if you want. If you decide to take it, the exam
grade is final, even if it is detrimental to your course grade.
CLASSROOM POLICIES

Absences: Please refer to the Student Handbook for the policy regarding
unexcused and excused absences.

Tardies: Four tardies are the equivalent of one unexcused absence. (More than one
unexcused absence means even if you have a 99% average you cannot be exempt
from the exam. Yikes!)
Late Work: is not acceptable. I can only accept late work if the tardiness of the
work is due to an excused absence. Please refer to the Student Handbook for the
definition of an excused absence. If an extension is needed for a project or
formal essay, students must seek approval in person no less than 2 days
before the due date. All work must be handed in by its author in person. You may
not leave class or interrupt class to print work. Make arrangements ahead of
time.
Excused Absences: In the case of an excused absence, students are to make
necessary arrangements for missed work on the first day they return to class.
Please see me before or after school. You can also e-mail a classmate or me for
missed assignments.
Materials: You must bring a pen to class; you will also need a three ring binder
and paper. Handouts should be hole-punched and maintained in your notebook.
You should also have a pencil for peer editing, white out (if you use it; I dont mind
mild cross-outs), highlighters, tissues if you are sick, and anything else you may
need.
Computer/Internet: Computer and Internet access is required for this course. If
you know you will not have access at home, it is your responsibility to plan ahead
and be at school early or stay late. Many assignments will be due typed, as stated
before. Students will not be allowed to print their papers during class.
Books: All books must be covered and stored securely. Most books are currently in
excellent condition. Any damaged or lost books must be paid for before graduation.
Electronic Devices: IPods, cell phones, and other gadgets are not allowed in class
unless specifically indicated by the teacher. E-Books and readers are allowed in
class but annotations for those books must be completed in a notebook or on paper
Signing In/Out: You must sign out of class every time you leave. Sign back in
when you re-enter.
Plagiarism: will not be tolerated. More information is available in the Student
Handbook and we will discuss it many, many times.
ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS
Class Participation: All students opinions welcomed and encouraged! All are
expected to contribute to our positive learning environment every day. Every
student will have the opportunity to read aloud, work in assigned groups, and
participate in class discussions.
Writing Assignments: Revision and editing of your own work and the work of your
peers will be an important part of the writing process. Your ability to analyze
complex literature will be further expanded. This will help to prepare you for
college. All essays are to be typed and double spaced in a twelve-point
font.

Reading Assignments: The material presented in this course will be pretty

challenging. Reading assignments will be frequent. You are expected to keep
notes, and write questions about all assigned reading. Not understanding the
material is not an option.
Communication: My e-mail address is amaynard@bbrsd.org. I encourage students
to contact me with any questions or concerns. I usually check my email regularly.

Please acknowledge you have read the syllabus by filling out and returning this form
only. Please share this document with your parents/guardians and keep the rest of
the syllabus for your records.
Student name_____________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian name(s)____________________________________________
Home Phone Number______________________________________________
E-mail (if applicable)______________________________________________
Any other important information I should know:

______________________________________
Parent/ Guardian signature

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Date

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Student signature

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Date