English II Syllabus
English II Syllabus
In addition to reading, you will be writing expository, narrative, persuasive, and argumentative
essays as well as stories and poems. For Bell Ringers, you will also have the opportunity to
express yourself informally; your composition books will serve as a record of your growth and
development as writers and thinkers during your sophomore year. We will not, of course,
neglect grammar study and vocabulary development.
Course Content
• Reading
Reading Across the Curriculum
Reading Strategies
Knowledge of Literary and Non Literary Forms
Influences on Texts
Author’s Voice and Method
Persuasive Language and Logic
Literary Criticism
Words and Their History
• Writing
Writing Process
Modes of Writing for Different Purposes and Audiences
Organization, Unity, and Coherence
Sentence-Level Constructions
Conventions of Usage
Conventions of Punctuation
• Research
• Listening, Viewing, and Speaking
Comprehension and Analysis
Application
Study Skills and Test Taking
Coral Reef High School Aiza Prince
Syllabus and Expectations-English II [email protected]
Course Materials
1. Pen or pencil, highlighters
2. The book and/or essays we’re reading (TBA)
3. Composition book
4. Tablets/laptops
Course Policies
Attendance/Absences/Makeup Work: Your presence (mind and body) in class is essential. If
you must miss class due to illness or other circumstances beyond your control, it is your
responsibility to find out which assignments you missed, (Schoology, a friend in class,…)to
acquire the handouts (if applicable), and to borrow and copy the class notes for the day(s) you
were absent. If an emergency arises (illness or otherwise) and you absolutely cannot complete
an assignment, I will need a note from your parent/guardian explaining the situation. MAKE-UP
WORK WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED ACCOMPANIED BY AN EXCUSED ADMIT.
Late Assignments: Your responsibilities in this class include keeping your own up-to-date
assignment notebook, maintaining pace with the reading, and turning all assignments in on
time. If you do not understand an assignment, ask for help far enough in advance to have time
to finish the assignment. If you are having personal difficulties apart from class, talk to me
before an assigned due date so that we can make other arrangements. LATE ASSIGNMENTS
WILL BE ACCEPTED ON MY DISCRETION.
Classroom Rules/Expectations:
Be Prepared- Be seated & ready to begin class before the tardy bell rings. Have textbooks, class
supplies, assignments, and personal reading books ready.
Be Respectful-Enter classroom quietly-Listen while others are talking-Show respect for school
and personal property-Help others when appropriate-Raise your hand & wait to be
acknowledged before speaking.
Follow All Rules in the Student Handbook-Bring your Agenda to class each day.
Consequences for Misbehavior-1st-Warning, 2nd-Contact Parent or Guardian, 3rd-Referral sent
to administration.
Reading: Keeping up with reading assignments is crucial to your success in this class. If you have
not read the assignment, you cannot thoughtfully participate in class discussion. If you fall
behind in the reading, you will become overwhelmed and set yourself up for frustration when it
comes time to write a paper. Bear in mind that some of the reading will be difficult and you
may not understand it all the first time. That’s OK; I want the reading to stretch your thinking.
Do the best you can to understand; meanwhile, write down questions in your notebook that we
can address in class. Use your class notes and handouts to help yourself understand or answer
your questions and then if you still need help, I am always happy to help anyone who asks for
help.
Coral Reef High School Aiza Prince
Syllabus and Expectations-English II [email protected]
Plagiarism/Cheating: I begin the year with complete trust and faith in each of you. Please do
not abuse that trust by being dishonest. Learning cooperatively is great, and I encourage you to
get together to brainstorm and discuss assignments. When you sit down to complete an
individual assignment, however, let the work be yours alone. If a paper is obviously copied,
whether from a classmate’s work or from the Internet, it will receive no credit.
Grading Policy
Evaluation: For major assignments I will provide the rubrics or explain the expectations that I
will use to assess your work. For general reference, however, here are four similes and a
metaphor to represent my expectations for assignments:
A Like a double mocha cappuccino with whipped cream and sprinkles, “A” work goes above and
beyond expectations. It not only demonstrates an understanding of concepts discussed in class,
but also takes risks and presents additional insights.
B Like a really good cup of coffee, “B” demonstrates understanding of the concepts presented
in class and shows thought and effort, but it doesn’t take any risks or offer fresh insight.
C Like decaf, “C” work is solid, but doesn’t pack the punch of “A” or “B” work. It’s competent,
but not dazzling.
D Like the burnt dregs from a gas-station coffee pot, a “D” paper is there, but leaves a bad
taste. “D” work just doesn’t hang together and probably shows lack of thought and effort.
F Like “The coffee is just water dressed in brown.” “F” work is the result of careless work and
poor planning.
Extra Credit: Extra work, at times, merits extra points. I will offer various extra credit
opportunities throughout the year.
Course Procedures
Format of Papers: I expect all papers written outside of class to be typed using MLA format and
style guide. Most formal writing will be turned in digitally using Schoology or NoRedInk.
Additional Information
I prefer that you ask questions in class. If you do not want to ask a specific question in class,
please see me after class or before school. If questions come up outside of regular school hours
that cannot wait until the next day, you may email me.
Email: [email protected] I will try to respond to an email within one school day.
Technology Use
Students will be issued tablets for 10th grade. Students are allowed to use their personal cell
phones during class if their tablet/device is not working. If a student needs to use their phone
please have them ask me first. Watching inappropriate videos, playing games, and any other
non-educational purposes is not allowed. Not following these rules will result in the phone
being collected and returned at the end of class.
Coral Reef High School Aiza Prince
Syllabus and Expectations-English II [email protected]
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