AMERICAN LITERATURE
FALL SEMESTER
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS: LITERATURE AND INTEGRATED STUDIES
VOCABULARY WORKSHOP: LEVEL E
THE BLUEST EYE
ENGLISH WORKSHOP
During the course of this semester, we will read American short stories, essays, poetry and plays which we will explore from a literary and historical context. We will also write analytical essays based both on the class reading and outside reading. The purpose of the class is to improve reading and writing skills, to expand vocabulary, and to improve analytical and creative responses to literature. As part of the requirements of this class, the student will be required to do the following:
1. Independent reading in a novel of her/his choice; however, the novel (a work of fiction) must be by an American author of recognized literary merit, must be at least 200 pages in length and must be approved by the teacher. The student must keep a reading log of her/his outside reading which will be explained in greater detail by the teacher. Near the end of October the student will turn in a three to four page literary analysis, the specifics of which will also be explained in greater detail. Don't despair; Ms. Bridges will explain it all to you. Start looking for your book now!
2. The student will also be required to keep a separate notebook for English. (Be sure to get a small, light weight notebook - your backpack is going to get heavy!)
Most importantly: KEEP ALL HANDOUTS AND RETURNED WORK, CLASSWORK, HOMEWORK AND TESTS IN THIS NOTEBOOK! At the end of the semester, the notebook will be checked for organization and completeness. This is a major grade! The teacher also really appreciates creativity so feel free to put your poetry, drawings, etc. in your notebook. Let it express who you are!
3. Also very important! Your journal! The student is expected to start each class period with a journal, the topic of which may either be the student's choice or she/he may use the suggested topic on the board. The teacher will collect the journals periodically and this does count as a major part of your grade! The journal should be kept in your notebook.
4. Homework will be assigned Monday through Thursday. No homework will be given on Friday.
5. Tests will be given about every week to two weeks and ample warning will be given for each test.
6. Students will be responsible for make-up work. No make-up work will be given for truancies. The student will be allowed one day after her/his return from a nontruant absence to turn in late work. It is the student's responsibility to keep track of the work and to turn it in the day after her/his return.
7. Chronic absences and tardies will affect your grade; an average of one to two absences per week can have an adverse effect on your grade. One absence per week adds up by the end of the semester - so think twice about that three or four day weekend each week. It may lower your grade and result in less than adequate marks in cooperation and work habits.
8. Class participation is also a major factor in your grade. The class can only be fun and effective if you are there to make it happen!
9. In the beginning of the semester class participation, classwork and tests are heavily weighted:
Classwork is worth about 45%
Tests are worth about 45%
Class participation is worth about 10%
Near the end of the semester the notebook, the journals and the literary analysis - which are all very important - will be factored into the final grade:
The last two marking periods:
The journals are worth approximately 20%
The notebook (which is all of your work all semester) is worth approximately 50%
The literary analysis is worth about 20%
Class participation is worth about 10%
90% - 100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
Below 60% = Fail
Extra points are given for creativity. Class participation is a must and will be factored into the grading. Being alert and participating could be the deciding factor in a borderline grade.
If there are any questions please feel free to call me at 323-461-3891 or better yet, e-mail me at jkatbridge@aol.com. You may also check the agenda for this class at hollywoodhighschool.net and click on the weblog on the homepage. Then click on teacher, click on J Bridges and that will direct you to my weblog with that week's assignment.
Sincerely,
JUDITH (Kate) BRIDGES
***********************************************************
I have read this with my child and understand the
requirements for this class.
Parent's signature:____________________________
Student's signature:___________________________
FALL SEMESTER
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS: LITERATURE AND INTEGRATED STUDIES
VOCABULARY WORKSHOP: LEVEL E
THE BLUEST EYE
ENGLISH WORKSHOP
During the course of this semester, we will read American short stories, essays, poetry and plays which we will explore from a literary and historical context. We will also write analytical essays based both on the class reading and outside reading. The purpose of the class is to improve reading and writing skills, to expand vocabulary, and to improve analytical and creative responses to literature. As part of the requirements of this class, the student will be required to do the following:
1. Independent reading in a novel of her/his choice; however, the novel (a work of fiction) must be by an American author of recognized literary merit, must be at least 200 pages in length and must be approved by the teacher. The student must keep a reading log of her/his outside reading which will be explained in greater detail by the teacher. Near the end of October the student will turn in a three to four page literary analysis, the specifics of which will also be explained in greater detail. Don't despair; Ms. Bridges will explain it all to you. Start looking for your book now!
2. The student will also be required to keep a separate notebook for English. (Be sure to get a small, light weight notebook - your backpack is going to get heavy!)
Most importantly: KEEP ALL HANDOUTS AND RETURNED WORK, CLASSWORK, HOMEWORK AND TESTS IN THIS NOTEBOOK! At the end of the semester, the notebook will be checked for organization and completeness. This is a major grade! The teacher also really appreciates creativity so feel free to put your poetry, drawings, etc. in your notebook. Let it express who you are!
3. Also very important! Your journal! The student is expected to start each class period with a journal, the topic of which may either be the student's choice or she/he may use the suggested topic on the board. The teacher will collect the journals periodically and this does count as a major part of your grade! The journal should be kept in your notebook.
4. Homework will be assigned Monday through Thursday. No homework will be given on Friday.
5. Tests will be given about every week to two weeks and ample warning will be given for each test.
6. Students will be responsible for make-up work. No make-up work will be given for truancies. The student will be allowed one day after her/his return from a nontruant absence to turn in late work. It is the student's responsibility to keep track of the work and to turn it in the day after her/his return.
7. Chronic absences and tardies will affect your grade; an average of one to two absences per week can have an adverse effect on your grade. One absence per week adds up by the end of the semester - so think twice about that three or four day weekend each week. It may lower your grade and result in less than adequate marks in cooperation and work habits.
8. Class participation is also a major factor in your grade. The class can only be fun and effective if you are there to make it happen!
9. In the beginning of the semester class participation, classwork and tests are heavily weighted:
Classwork is worth about 45%
Tests are worth about 45%
Class participation is worth about 10%
Near the end of the semester the notebook, the journals and the literary analysis - which are all very important - will be factored into the final grade:
The last two marking periods:
The journals are worth approximately 20%
The notebook (which is all of your work all semester) is worth approximately 50%
The literary analysis is worth about 20%
Class participation is worth about 10%
90% - 100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
Below 60% = Fail
Extra points are given for creativity. Class participation is a must and will be factored into the grading. Being alert and participating could be the deciding factor in a borderline grade.
If there are any questions please feel free to call me at 323-461-3891 or better yet, e-mail me at jkatbridge@aol.com. You may also check the agenda for this class at hollywoodhighschool.net and click on the weblog on the homepage. Then click on teacher, click on J Bridges and that will direct you to my weblog with that week's assignment.
Sincerely,
JUDITH (Kate) BRIDGES
***********************************************************
I have read this with my child and understand the
requirements for this class.
Parent's signature:____________________________
Student's signature:___________________________
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