Course Syllabus

English 10HP

Mrs. Chapman

Santa Monica High School

My name is Mrs. Chapman, and I would like to welcome you to English 10HP and a new school year. Over the upcoming year, we will be delving into the lives and cultures of different characters, traveling around the world without ever leaving the classroom, and using writing to discover who we truly are. We will be focusing on many different cultural, economic, political, psychological and classical aspects of the literary cannon. This is an “honors” class, and you will be expected to perform in a highly academic manner. This class will prepare you for English 11AP and will strengthen both your writing and reading skills, but it will require hard work, critical thinking and open class discussion on your part. Please take the time to read over this syllabus with your parents/guardians and return it signed tomorrow.

Classroom Rules

1. Always show respect for your classmates, teachers, and administrators in the classroom and on campus. Respect the opinions of others, and they will respect yours.

2. Come to class on time and prepared. This is an English class, and we will be writing. This means you will always need paper and a writing utensil.

3. During discussions, please show patience and raise your hand.

4. Cell phones, iPods and all other electronic equipment must be turned off and left in your backpack during class time.

5. All students must remain in their seats until dismissed.

6. You may eat and drink in class as long as you pick up after yourself. Please note that if trash is left behind, this rule will quickly become no food or drinks in the classroom.

Consequences of Behavior

If a student does not follow the rules, he/she prevents others from learning, and I will be forced to take the following actions:

1st action: Student will receive a verbal warning.

2nd action: Student will discuss behavioral expectations with me.

3rd action: Parent/Guardian will be notified.

4th action: Student will be referred to an advisor.

*This procedure does not apply to more serious offenses such as cheating or fighting.

Assignments, Tests, and Grades

Grades will be given based on the following breakdown -

Writing 40%

Tests/Quizzes 25%

Homework/Projects  15%

Participation/Classwork 10%

Final 10%

*Late work will be accepted the next day for half credit. Work received more than two days late will earn no credit. (This does not apply to absences cleared through the attendance office.)

Materials

All students will need an English section in their three ring binder to file handouts, worksheets, and class notes. In addition, each student will need a spiral notebook for just this class (this may be left primarily in the classroom). Writing utensils, loose leaf paper, and binders/notebooks must be brought to class daily.

All novels read in this class will be checked out from the textbook room. However, if you would like to purchase your own copies of the novels (which is recommended for the more challenging works such as Pride and Prejudice or The Odyssey), we will be reading Black Boy, Pride and Prejudice, The Odyssey, Catcher in the Rye and Macbeth.

Information on the class, nightly homework assignments and upcoming events can all be viewed on the class website: http://amychapman.blogspot.com

Please feel free to contact me with any questions and concerns by emailing me at achapman@smmusd.org or calling the school at (310) 395 – 3204 ext. 154.

“The man who does not read books has no advantage over the man that cannot read them.” --Mark Twain