Course Description There are four basic components to the Freshman English: literature, grammar, vocabulary, and composition (writing). The primary goal: to make you intelligent, active readers and effective writers and communicators.
I. Reading Skills & Literature The objective of the literature component is to encourage further interest in reading while introducing basic literary concepts. You will be reading several novels and plays as well as classic short stories. You will often have a short essay assignment, group project or comprehension test pertaining to the reading and will always be expected to discuss the work in class on the assigned day.
II. Grammar Fundamental grammatical concepts, including punctuation and word usage, will be reviewed throughout the year in conjunction with your own writing. We will use Khan Academy and you should consider this your daily habit.
III. Vocabulary Vocabulary words are all taken from the assigned stories, novels, and plays in order to help you better understand the readings. These words are also chosen for you for a number of other reasons: First, these are commonly used words in high school and college-level reading and in works of contemporary (as well as older) literature. Second, these words all commonly appear on the PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams that you’ll all be taking during your Junior year. You need to know the definitions of these words and how to use them – not just for vocabulary tests, but forever.
IV. Writing The writing component is intended to introduce you to the basic skills of writing summaries, synopses, and different types of paragraphs and essays (e.g., narrative, descriptive, expository). The ultimate objective is to prepare you to write a well-organized, thoughtful, five paragraph essay, essential to success in high school and college.
Class Participation You are expected to be prepared to participate in class discussions each day, typically on the assigned readings. This is an important component of this class. This includes punctuality, attendance, preparedness, contribution to discussions, attentiveness, and respect. If you are well-prepared and regularly participate, making substantial contributions you can earn a 100% on your class participation grade.
Google Classroom and Class Website: Assignments and homework will be found on google classroom or mrgoetz.weebly.com.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism will result in a “0” as your grade for any assignment. Period. Plagiarism will result in a “0” and a referral for disciplinary procedure.
According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, to “plagiarize” means · to steal and pass off the ideas or words of another as one's own; and · to use another's work without crediting the source.
Another important point is that as you progress in your education the standards become higher. As a high school student (and later, in college) you are expected to have your own ideas, to read information and explain it in your own words. If you complete an assignment by copying material, you are not showing that you understand something, only that you can repeat what someone else has to say. This does not show that you understand.
Absences & Make-Up Work: Any assignment that is due on the absent day must be presented on the day you return. You are responsible for any assignment, test, or material missed during the absence (notes should be sought from classmates, online, and tests must be made up after class).
Very important: It is your responsibility to make up all quizzes, tests, and exams you miss. These will NOT normally be made up during class time, since this would mean that you will miss even more of the class.
You must come to each class with 1) notebook, 2) pencil or pen, and 3) positive attitude.