2009-2010 10 Syllabus
- 1. Robinson 209-8507 Room 815, House 4 srobinson@cfsd16.org 10th Grade Western Perspectives 2009-2010 Course Guidelines Course Description Our essential question for this year is “What does it mean to be human?” In order to guide sophomores to their own understanding of this question and their answer for it, we will be reading and analyzing a number of texts from Western perspectives throughout history. Persuasive writing is the second major focus of this course, and as students improve their proficiency with critical thinking and deep analysis, they will also learn a variety of strategies to effectively argue their insights using both formal and informal methods. To further these ends, students are also expected to develop vocabulary, undertake independent research. Primary Textbooks World Traditions in the Humanities The Writer’s Craft Merriam-Webster’s Vocabulary Builder Novels The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, by Mark Haddon Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley Othello, by William Shakespeare Additional novels TBA As students will need to take notes and annotate these novels as we read them, I highly recommend purchasing your own copies. These novels are available online and in bookstores. Bookman’s and other thrift bookstores often have them, as well. Also, I encourage parents/guardians to read along with their student(s) as we progress throughout the year. Not only will this provide students with an additional perspective on the novels, it will also allow parents closer oversight of their student’s daily classroom experience. Classroom Policies Be Respectful. As young adults, you are expected to behave in a manner that proves you worthy of the title. This means treating your classmates and your teacher—and everyone else!—with the respect due to every human being, whatever your personal feelings. Your worlds are growing beyond yourself and your own concerns, expanding to include new communities and responsibilities, and your behavior must reflect this new reality. Be Responsible. This means you will not only be in your desk before the bell rings, assignments and supplies in hand, but that you will honestly account for your own actions, or lack thereof. This includes explanations—not excuses—for late work or lack of attendance, as well as choices made regarding behavior in the classroom. Be Rational. God gave you an awesome brain; use it! Start looking at the world with an analytical mind, constantly considering the hows and whys of every situation. Be attentive to your surroundings, both inside and outside the classroom; you cannot confine yourself to the interior of your own mind and expect to be either respectful or responsible. No human being is an independent agent; begin to observe the way outside factors effect you, and the effect your actions have. Think through the consequences! Late Work ALL WORK IS DUE ON THE DUE DATE. Work turned in late will necessitate a written explanation—not an excuse!—and will only be accepted THREE DAYS after the due date. Weekends count
- 2. as one day. Extenuating circumstances must be accompanied by proof and explained prior to the due date. I will not accept late work more than three days after the due date. Absence Policy Excused absences are the only exception in which work may be submitted late without immediate consequence. If you are absent on the day an assignment is due, you may submit the work the day you return. This applies to tests, quizzes, presentations and papers. Further extensions must be accompanied by an explanation and approved. It is your responsibility to keep up-to-date with any missing work because of absences. Also, please note the school policy on attendance: “Students will lose credit for a class upon the 10th absence whether excused or unexcused. The principal/assistant principal may grant waivers (very few) in case of medical situations. Doctor’s notes do not automatically generate a waiver. Students must apply for a waiver with their House Leader.” Remember: An unexcused absence will result in ZERO credit for any assignments, tests, quizzes, and/or presentations due that day, regardless of when you may later attempt to submit/take/present them. As always, if certain extenuating circumstances are present, like an extended stay in the hospital or a death in the family, arrangements can be made for extensions without consequence. Talk to me! Grading Policy Your grades will be assessed on the traditional 0 – 100 percentage scale. As stated in the Absence Policy, please note that as per district policy, ten absences in one semester will result in a failing grade for the semester. Supplies You are responsible for acquiring and being prepared with all of the necessary supplies. You need to have all of the supplies listed below every day unless otherwise noted by me. Required • AT LEAST two writing utensils o Pens must be either blue or black o Pencils must be sharp enough to write clearly • One package of loose leaf paper • A note-taking and organizational system consisting of either: o A three ring binder (preferably NO SMALLER than 1 inch) with a divider for your daily journal, notes, assignment sheets and tests/quizzes, OR o A notebook with perforated pages with established sections for your daily journal and notes, as well as a folder to store assignment sheets and tests/quizzes • Different colored highlighters (two-three) • Student planner or assignment notebook Suggested • USB drive on which to store all school work for easy “transportation” between school and home • Colored pencils • Gmail account Other supplies, such as poster boards, markers, or index cards, may be required throughout the year and will be assigned with ample notice. I have read and understand all parts of the syllabus for Miss. Robinson’s 10th Grade Western Perspectives class and understand what is expected of me. Student signature/date ____________________________________________________________________________________