Course Information
Course Description
English II introduces literary global perspectives focusing on literature from the Americas (Caribbean, Central, South, and North), Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Throughout our study of world literature, we'll explore the texts through the lens of "change."
Learning Goals
Reading
Writing
Students in English II Honors will compose writing that varies in text type and purpose. Using the writing process, students will complete the following writing assignments: Cause & Effect Essay, Literary Analysis Essay (2), Definition Essay, Argumentative/Persuasive Essay, Research Writing and Presentation, Timed Writing (2).
Units of Study
Classroom Expectations
Students in English II Honors are expected to be well-behaved and to come to class prepared to work and learn. This means:
Grades
I use the LRHS Grading Scale:
Final Grades for English II Honors are calculated as follows: Q1 = 37.5%, Q2 = 37.5%, English II EOC = 25%. Quarterly grades are calculated using weights for assignment categories:
Late Work: 10% deducted from total score for each day late. After a week, 60% max. In the case of an excused absence, students have 2 days after their absence to turn in any work missed. If a student is absent more than one day, the student will receive 2 extra days per absence to submit their work (ex. If you are absent 3 consecutive days, you will have 6 days to submit all of the work you missed).
Academic dishonesty (cheating and/or plagiarism): If a student is caught plagiarizing, parents and counselors will be notified and s/he will receive a 0% for the assignment, with the opportunity to re-do the assignment for up to 60% credit.
Grade Recovery: If a student is dissatisfied with his/her performance on a major assessment (test, paper, project), s/he will be given the opportunity to re-do the assignment for a higher grade.
For essays, students will have the option to make corrections and improvements on their graded drafts to improve their grade. Essay corrections are due two weeks after students receive their graded draft.
On tests and quizzes, students who score below a 70% are eligible for grade recovery. Students must retake the test or quiz within two SMART Lunch sessions of receiving their score. Tests and quizzes can only be retaken once.
Supplies
I recommend that all students bring the following to class to be completely prepared:
Please let me know if you are unable to get these supplies for class. I have a few extras for those in need.
English II introduces literary global perspectives focusing on literature from the Americas (Caribbean, Central, South, and North), Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Throughout our study of world literature, we'll explore the texts through the lens of "change."
Learning Goals
- To develop students’ knowledge of global literature and its cultural, political, and philosophical contexts
- To enhance students’ ability to understand and analyze literature and to think critically about its contexts
- To enhance students’ ability to think critically about literature and effectively write and speak about literature
- To develop an appreciation for the diversity of beliefs, ideals, perceptions, and values represented not only by the core texts, but also by the diversity of the individuals in the classroom
Reading
- A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen
- Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
- Night by Elie Wiesel
- Oedipus Rex by Sophocles
- Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
- Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel
- Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
- Various short stories, poems, and supplemental non-fiction texts
Writing
Students in English II Honors will compose writing that varies in text type and purpose. Using the writing process, students will complete the following writing assignments: Cause & Effect Essay, Literary Analysis Essay (2), Definition Essay, Argumentative/Persuasive Essay, Research Writing and Presentation, Timed Writing (2).
Units of Study
- The Tragic Hero: Resisting Change (Oedipus Rex, Antigone, Julius Caesar)
- Conflict & Cultural Change (Things Fall Apart, Night, Revolution is Not a Dinner Party)
- Changing Expectations (A Doll’s House and Persepolis)
Classroom Expectations
Students in English II Honors are expected to be well-behaved and to come to class prepared to work and learn. This means:
- Sitting in your assigned seat and working on the Do Now when the bell rings
- Coming to class with necessary materials and an independent novel to read during down time
- Raising your hand to contribute to the discussion or ask a question
- Working cooperatively with others and working well independently when assigned to do so
- Showing respect to yourself, your school, your classmates, and your teacher
Grades
I use the LRHS Grading Scale:
- A = 90% - 100%
- B = 80% - 89%
- C = 70% - 79%
- D = 60% - 69%
Final Grades for English II Honors are calculated as follows: Q1 = 37.5%, Q2 = 37.5%, English II EOC = 25%. Quarterly grades are calculated using weights for assignment categories:
- 60% -- Major Assessments (Tests, Papers, Major Projects)
- 30% -- Minor Assessments (Quizzes, Minor Projects)
- 10% -- Classwork and Homework
Late Work: 10% deducted from total score for each day late. After a week, 60% max. In the case of an excused absence, students have 2 days after their absence to turn in any work missed. If a student is absent more than one day, the student will receive 2 extra days per absence to submit their work (ex. If you are absent 3 consecutive days, you will have 6 days to submit all of the work you missed).
Academic dishonesty (cheating and/or plagiarism): If a student is caught plagiarizing, parents and counselors will be notified and s/he will receive a 0% for the assignment, with the opportunity to re-do the assignment for up to 60% credit.
Grade Recovery: If a student is dissatisfied with his/her performance on a major assessment (test, paper, project), s/he will be given the opportunity to re-do the assignment for a higher grade.
For essays, students will have the option to make corrections and improvements on their graded drafts to improve their grade. Essay corrections are due two weeks after students receive their graded draft.
On tests and quizzes, students who score below a 70% are eligible for grade recovery. Students must retake the test or quiz within two SMART Lunch sessions of receiving their score. Tests and quizzes can only be retaken once.
Supplies
I recommend that all students bring the following to class to be completely prepared:
- 3 ring binder with dividers or folders and loose-leaf paper
- 1 notebook for journals
- Pens (blue or black only) or pencils
- Highlighter
- Note cards
- Post-It notes
- Agenda or planner
Please let me know if you are unable to get these supplies for class. I have a few extras for those in need.