Northwest Rankin High School

English II Course Outline

 

Course Description

English II is designed to infuse the study of mechanics and grammar into a comprehensive study of language and literature.  Students who complete this course should be able to communicate effectively, to think creatively, and to solve problems.  To ensure achievement of this goal, written and oral communication skills, listening skills, critical thinking skills, individual and cooperative learning strategies, research skills, reading skills, and their application through hands-on activities are emphasized throughout the teaching process.  Students' responses should show progression from concrete to abstract thinking.  This course is designed to promote an appreciation of language and literature.

 

Course Competencies

  1. Produce writing which reflects increasing proficiency through planning, writing, revising, and editing and which is specific to audience and purpose.
  2. Communicate ideas for a variety of school and other life situations through listening, speaking, and reading aloud.
  3. Read, evaluate, and use print, non-print, and technological sources to research issues and problems, to present information, and to complete projects.
  4. Work individually and as a member of a team to analyze and interpret information, to make decisions, to solve problems, and to reflect, using increasingly complex and abstract thinking.
  5. Complete oral and written presentations which exhibit interaction and consensus within a group.
  6. Explore cultural contributions to the history of the English language and its literature.
  7. Discover the power and effect of language by reading and listening to selections from various literary genres.
  8. Read, discuss, analyze, and evaluate literature from various genres and other written material.
  9. Sustain progress toward fluent control of grammar, mechanics, and usage of standard English in the context of writing and speaking.
  10. Use language and critical thinking strategies to serve as tools for learning.

 

Course Procedures

q       Assignments should be completed in black or blue ink or pencil (as directed by your teacher) and only on loose-leaf paper.

q       All assignments should be headed using MLA format.

MLA Format:

1.        First and Last Name

2.        Teacher’s Name

3.        Class Period

4.        Date

 

 

 

Major Projects and Assignments

q       Bell Ringers – Each class period will begin with a bell ringer. 

q       Daily classwork and homework – Grades will be taken each day on material that is covered in class.

q       Research paper – MLA format

q       Tests and quizzes – Tests will be designed according to the state test format.  Test questions may be open-ended, multiple choice, fill in the blank, or essay.

q       Projects and presentations – Each student will be assigned a minimum of two oral presentations and one project.  All projects and presentations will be graded according to a rubric based on the Senior Project guidelines.

q       Novels – Students will be required to read the following: Summer reading- And Then There Were None and the novel Lord of the Flies.  Selected works- The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Our Town, selected short stories, poems, and non-fiction.

 

Assessment Plan

Grades will be determined using a point system.  Homework, classwork, bell ringers, and quizzes will carry a smaller point value than major tests.  Oral presentations, essays, and projects will carry a higher point value.  Final research papers will count 400 points.  Students’ averages are determined by dividing points earned by total possible points.  The total points earned by the end of the term will count 80 percent of the students’ final average, and the final exam will count 20 percent. 

 

In addition, the following will help you determine how that work will be graded.

 

 

Grade

Scale

DeSCRIPTION OF WORK

 

A

95 – 100

Consistently demonstrates an exceptional level of quality and effort.  Having all work in on time and completed to exceed expectations.  Mastery in evaluating, analyzing, synthesizing, and applying the principles of Accelerated English II.

 

 

B

85 – 94

Consistently demonstrates proficient knowledge with a good effort and quality of work.  All assignments are complete and on time.  Demonstrates the ability to evaluate, analyze, synthesize, and apply the principles of Accelerated English II.

 

 

C

75 – 84

Demonstrates proficient knowledge and the ability to apply and analyze Accelerated English II principles.  Work shows effort.  A few assignments may be missed or late.

 

 

D

70 – 74

Work shows minimal effort and some assignments are late.  Demonstrates a basic understanding recalling or comprehending the principles of Accelerated English II.

 

 

F

Below 70

Understanding  is below basic in relation to the principles of Accelerated English II.  Work is of poor quality and does not meet standards or expectations.

Extra Help

Teachers are available each morning before school and after school each day to help you with any problem you may be having in this course.  In addition, occasionally there will be a time set aside during Activity Period that you may come in for missed assignments and help.  Free tutors are also available from organizations such as National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Beta Club.  Teacher will have a copy of this information.