Syllabus+for+IBS+English+11

 **IBS English 11**
 * Syllabus**
 * 2009-2010**
 * Mrs. Petra**

IBS English 11 is the first year of a two-year course which aims to promote an appreciation of the wealth and subtleties of the language and to lead to an awareness of linguistic structures. It seeks to facilitate the clear expression of ideas, to aid clear, precise, presentation of argument and to assist in the understanding of both oral and written discourse. The program encourages the development of an appreciation of literature and knowledge of the culture of the student’s own society and of other societies.

At the end of the course a student will be expected to: · Demonstrate an ability to express ideas with clarity, coherence, conciseness, precision and fluency in both written and oral communication; · Demonstrate a command of the language appropriate for the study of literature and an appreciation of the need for an effective choice of register and style in both written and oral communication; · Demonstrate a sound approach to literature through consideration of works studied; · Demonstrate knowledge of both the individual works studied and the relationship between the groups of works studied; · Demonstrate an appreciation of the similarities and differences between literary works from different time periods or cultures; · Demonstrate an ability to comment on the language, content, structure, meaning and significance of both familiar and unfamiliar pieces of writing; · Demonstrate an ability to structure ideas and arguments, both orally and in writing, in a sustained and logical fashion, and support them with precise and relevant examples; · Demonstrate some awareness of the effects of styles and techniques employed by the authors; · Express a personal response to literature and demonstrate the ability to approach works in an independent fashion; and · Utilize the writing process to write an extended piece of prose on standard formal English.

The course is divided into four major units, each of which corresponds to an IB assessment. Each unit will last approximately one semester during which students will engage in discussion and writing in response to each text.
 * Organization:**

In addition to IB assessments, students are given a variety of opportunities for discussion, writing practice and evaluation. Grades for the course come from many sources and will include both oral and written activities. Oral participation will count for 20% of your quarterly grade. Assignments are designed not only as a means of measuring growth and progress but also as preparation for the IB assessments.
 * Assessment:**

In my classes I expect students to show respect for the teacher, to each other, as well as the school setting and its rules. Please come to class prepared and ready to work. Keep an open mind---we will read a number of different texts, some which may be easy, and some which may be difficult, some which may be familiar and some which may seem completely foreign to you. Keep an open mind, but be prepared to offer an educated and informed opinion. Do your best and be positive.
 * Expectations:**

· Nightly reading and writing · Annotating, note-taking, diagramming, drawing, writing formal and informal responses. · Blogging and oral recordings · Have something to say about what you read; ask questions. · Homework is due at the beginning of the class period. The assignment should be placed in the homework bin at the front desk by the time I finish taking attendance. This does not allow time for printing typed assignments in class, so be sure to print at home. Assignments not turned in on time will be given a grade of zero. · NC policy-“No credit/No Penalty” 24-hour grace period: For those times when you are unable to complete an assignment due to unforeseen circumstances, you will be given a limit of 2 NCs per quarter (no “roll overs”). When using your NC, please inform me at the beginning of class. You must turn in the work 24 hours later, at the beginning of the next class. You must label the assignment with an NC at the top of the page. The NC is not applicable to major papers/projects. See the student handbook for the late paper policy. · Please use the MLA format for all typed assignments.
 * Homework:**

Attendance is important. Please be “present” and prompt. If you are absent, please check the “make-up” bin next to my desk. You will find a sheet with your name and the details of the work you missed. Any handouts will be attached to that sheet. It is your responsibility to pick up your assignments and handouts. You may also check the wiki for homework assignments. You will have one day’s grace for each day absent. For extended absences, such as off-island trips, please notify me in advance so we can make arrangements for your assignments. If you are absent on the day an assignment is due, please make every effort to have the work delivered to me either in hard copy form or by email. When submitting your NCs or make-up work by email, be sure to submit them as Word attachments.
 * Absences:**


 * Supplies:** 6 folders, thesaurus and dictionary, index cards

You may contact me by email: epetra@stjohnsguam.com
 * Contact info:**