Course+Info

SOPHOMORE ENGLISH **COURSE INFORMATION**

 * Course Description:**

Building on the skills mastered in English 1, sophomore students will continue to read, analyze texts, write, give oral presentations, and research. In addition, students will work towards developing their own voice by building vocabulary, developing critical and higher-order thinking skills, and analyzing the rhetorical strategies of other writers. In turn, students will learn how to develop their own convincing arguments.

We will explore national and global issues, social and human justice, the impact and power of the media, and man’s moral and ethical obligations, if any, in all of it. These themes go hand-in-hand with the core curriculum of our course, and bridging the gaps as well as finding the parallels between the two will make up the overarching goal of the year.

Texts: • //A Raisin in the Sun//, Hansberry • //Of Mice and Men//, Steinbeck • //House on Mango Street//, Cisneros • //A Midsummer Night's Dream,// Shakespeare • //Farewell to Manzanar//, Houston • Selected short stories • Selected expository/non-fiction pieces • Poetry
 * Curriculum:**

California State Standards: • Language Arts • Writing/ Composition • Oral/ Speech Communication • Technology

ESLRs (Expected School-wide Learning Results)


 * Grading:**

Grades will be based on the following categories each semester:

Homework/Class Work 30% Quizzes/Tests 20% Papers/Projects 20% Participation 15% Portfolio 15%


 * Participation:**

Active participation is an important part of this class. Participation credit can be earned through questions and comments in class discussion and by helping with classroom tasks. Participation and involvement in group projects will also be evaluated. (20 pt. grade each GP; 60 pts. for semester)

CA Language Arts Standards: Reading Comp. 2.4 & 2.5
 * Silent Sustained Reading:**

Individual Reading Credit: 2 points for each 20 minute reading session; approx. 70 pts. for the semester. • We will read for 20 min. at the start of class every Tues. & Thurs. • You must read silently for the full time to receive credit (2 pts. for each reading session; pts. totaled appx. every three weeks). • Points will be deducted if you are talking, sleeping, or doing other things during reading time. • Missed reading time must be made up. Two ways to make up time: Read in class at lunch/after-school or bring note from parent/guardian saying s/he saw you read for missed time.


 * Plagiarism/ Cheating:**

Plagiarism means copying someone else’s writing and ideas and turning it in as your own original work. This includes copying from a friend’s paper, books, newspapers, magazines, on-line sources, or any other print sources. You will sign a contract that states you will not cheat. Plagiarism and cheating will NOT be tolerated! Penalties range from receiving no credit for the assignment, receiving a “0” (zero) for the participation category at the end of the semester, to being dropped from the class with an “F” (see contract).


 * Late Work Policy:**

• Homework may be turned in one day late for half credit. • Ten percent will be deducted for each day late on all essays and major assignments. • A one day extension will be given for an excused absence. • Work due on the day of a truancy will receive a zero.


 * Standardized Tests and Written Examinations:**

Students will participate in standardized tests and written exams this year, including the required California State Test (CST), California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) and district writing benchmarks.

Vickie Park: vpark@tcusd.net, vickiepark@gmail.com Tutoring available after school Mon, Wed, Thurs, 3:00-4:30p.m., or by appt.
 * Teacher Info:**