English 11 Academic Advanced

2014-15 Syllabus

Andrea Davis ~ Room 232
EMAIL: adavis@k12albemarle.org
WEBSITE: http://adavis11aa.weebly.com/
PHONE: 975-9300 x60232

Course Overview: English 11 is detailed focus on American Literature, from pre-Revolutionary
War to Modern Times. Students will explore universal things and to seek answers to critical
questions such as Why does literature matter? How do cultural changes affect style of
literature and art? How does historical context influence an authors subject? On the quest to
answer such questions, we will plan on studying numerous pieces of literature.

Objectives: You will quickly discover that most of what we do more than covers all the
objectives of the SOLs; they are available on the VDOE website. We will be taking both the
Writing SOL in March and the Reading SOL in May.

Other course objectives include becoming a stronger and more persuasive writer, a more
analytical and involved reader, an eloquent and impassioned speaker, and furthering critical
thinking skills.

Texts: We will read selected works from the Albemarle County Public Schools approved tenth
grade level textbooks and ancillary materials. Our novels and plays may include (time
permitting): The Crucible (Miller), The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Twain), The Great
Gatsby (Fitzgerald), and The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass (Douglass). Students
will also be expected to read at least one book of their choice each quarter.

Grading: I adhere to the AHS ten-point grading scale and use a total points system for
calculating grades. Writing comprises approximately 60%, and homework, class work, quizzes,
tests, and projects comprise 40% of the class grade. Interactive notebooks will also make up a
significant portion of various categories, since much of our work will be incorporated into this
format. I encourage you to keep an eye on the grade book in PowerSchool to see where your
English grade stands and what you may be missing.

Make-up and Late Work: Students are responsible for completing all assignments when
absent. I will be collecting student essays through Gmail/Google Drive this year rather than
taking hard copies. This means that students will be responsible for finishing essays by the
assigned date and time, regardless of their attendance at school on the due date. Late work will
result in a small grade penalty although consistent late work can make a more significant
impact on the total grade average.

Communication: Parents/guardians are urged contact me with any concerns or information you
feel I should know, preferably by email. I will return emails and phone calls within two school
days. Major assignments are posted on the class calendar on the website (link above).
Procedures and Expectations: We will apply all AHS procedures, rules, and expectations to
our classroom to ensure a wholesome educational environment. We will adhere to the cell
phone, tardy, and attendance policies as outlined in the student handbook. Cell phones are not
must be in your bag or backpack during class. We will be polite, considerate, respectful,
cooperative, and kind. Disregarding procedures may result in ineligibility for extra credit for the
quarter, or further disciplinary action.

Honor policy/plagiarismAbsolutely no summary tools (Cliff Notes, Spark Notes.com, etc.)
not provided by the teacher are permitted, in accordance with school policy. Any work that is
plagiarized from these sources will be given a zero with a discipline referral to the
administration. I am available and happy to help a student tackle a difficult text when needed!

The Patriot Writers Studio: Albemarle High School recently opened an exciting new space to
help students grow as writers. This writing center will have student tutors available throughout
the day to help brainstorm, revise, and generally improve their peers writing. They will also
help explain difficult writing concepts with one on one help. Appointments may be scheduled by
students if they feel they need extra help; I may also require that students schedule time with a
tutor to revise essays before they are turned in.

Supplies and Materials:

Required Supplies:
One two-subject Spiral Notebook
Colored Pencils
Glue stick(s)
Pencils and Pens
Loose Leaf Paper

If you would like to donate something to the class, I would truly appreciate:
Dry erase markers
Tissues
Loose Leaf Paper
Fiction or non-fiction books youre not using a good library is a growing one!


Please fill out, detach, and return the bottom of this sheet to me.

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I have read these classroom guidelines for Honors 10 English and agree to abide by them.

Student: __________________________ Signature _________________________________

Parent(s)/Guardian(s)

Name: _______________________________ Signature ________________________________