Cloverdale High School
English II, Advanced Standing


Objective

This Advanced Standing English II class will prepare you for Honors English III and IV. In this class, you will improve your writing, reading, study skills, thinking skills and analysis, your ability to speak in front of groups, and your ability to work with others. You will achieve these objectives by studying various forms of literature, including novels, short stories, poetry, essays, drama and films. Also, you will conduct some historical research and read various non-fiction primary and secondary source materials. I expect all assignments to be completed and turned in on the due date. Also, daily participation is required and is a major part of your grade. Keep in mind that this is an advanced class and moves at a fairly rapid pace. I will expect you to keep up with the written assignments, projects and substantial amount of reading.

Requirements

If you meet the requirements listed below, you will succeed in this class.

  1. Arrive in class on time with all appropriate materials for that day's activities. This includes paper, a pen, working folder, necessary books and/or handouts, endless supplies of ice cream for the instructor, etc.
  2. Complete all assignments - this includes both in-class projects and homework. Late policy for daily assignments: no late work will be accepted. Late policy for major assignments: grades will be reduced by 20% for each day they are late, and no work will be accepted after the morning of the third day. Make up work for assignments will only be given if you have an excused absence. Don't fall behind. For daily assignments, you will have three "homework passes" per semester.
  3. Participate productively in class discussions, in-class assignments, presentations and group projects. This is very important!
  4. Grades will be based on written work as well as participation in classroom activities. It is very important that you maintain good attendance and participate in all in-class work.
  5. Finally, although I don't anticipate this will be a problem, disruption of the class in any way will not be tolerated. Disruptions will result in permanent removal from the class.

NOTE:

It is important that you always ask questions when you don't understand something. If you need extra help, feel free to come in before or after school, and I will gladly help you. Also, always feel free to contribute your own thoughts in group projects and class discussions. You all have much to contribute to this class. Therefore, the more you are willing to give, the more we will all learn. I will always welcome your ideas.

Some of the projects and assignments in this class will be connected to your study of history in World Culture. We will also work on two joint projects with the Advanced Biology class. By doing this, I hope to enhance your understanding of all subjects by providing you with more continuity and connections in your learning.

Required Reading

Major Works:

  • To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee
  • A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens
  • Much Ado About Nothing, William Shakespeare
  • All Quiet on the Western Front, Erich Marie Remarque
  • Into Thin Air, John Krakauer
  • The Princess Bride, William Goldman
  • Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury
  • Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck

Miscellaneous:

  • Various short stories, poetry, songs, films, etc. -- mostly in-class assignments.

Writing:

  • Various writing assignments will include: responses to literature, formal essays, poetry, a short story, and responses to in-class writing prompts. There will also be minor (and major) research projects throughout the year.

Projects/Presentations:

You will be required to complete a few projects this year. These projects will be cheerfully presented to the class. These assignments include PowerPoint presentations, formal speeches, presentations of research projects, etc.


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Cloverdale High School
509 N. Cloverdale Blvd. | Cloverdale, CA 95425

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