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D. Gordon's Webpage American Literature Newnan High Course Overview | Grading Policy | Makeup Policy | Classroom Guidlines | Vocabulary Homework | Reading Counts | Exams | Extra Credit | Contact Information | Websites | Calendar American Literature and Composition: Course Overview This American literature and composition course is a junior year study of literature, writing, grammar, and usage. We will use the Glencoe American Literature textbook. This anthology, which chronologically covers literature from the time of the early Native American to the present, includes selections of nonfiction, poetry, short stories, and drama.
All grades are averaged with the same weight except the nine weeks exam (20% of the nine weeks average) and the End of Course Test (15% of term average). However, if we spend more time on a project, the project may count twice, three times, etc. For example, the Reading Counts book project will be a major grade. A participation grade will also be averaged in before the end of the nine weeks. At the end of the nine weeks, a few grades will be dropped. Graded items may consist of vocabulary quizzes and tests, worksheets and exercises, projects, writings, notebook checks, literature quizzes, etc.
After a student brings an excused admit slip, the student should make up work within 5 days of the absence. After a student's fifth absence in a term, the student will not be allowed to make up work without a principal's permission. Zeroes will be given for any work not made up. I am usually available for makeup work before school between 8:05 - 8:25 and after school from 3:30 - 4:15. I have after-school duty until 3:50 every other week; however, students can makeup work with me while I am on duty.
Vocabulary quizzes are on Tuesdays and vocabulary tests are on Fridays. Students should define their vocabulary words each week and have the definitions in class for Tuesday quiz. Students may use their definitions on the Tuesday quiz but should study and know the definitions well by Friday.
Each week, students will have a homework assignment from www.myskillstutor.com (log in information below). The deadline for completion of each week's homework is Monday. For each week's assignment, students must have at least five lessons (but not quizzes, pretest, posttest) with scores 70 or above. user name = student number password = student number site = newnan02 Students should define their vocabulary words before Tuesday of each week and study them well each night before Friday's test. Often if students do not finish a writing assignment (and sometimes other assignments) during class, they are allowed to finish at home; however, the student is responsible for making sure the assignment is turned in the next day. Late work is -20 points per day late and may not accepted at all. Students should review class notes and worksheets nightly. Additional homework will also be given from time to time.
Each nine weeks we will read a library book for a major project. Students must choose a novel from the RC list, bring it to class, and sign up before the deadline. Students should choose books that are not also movies or part of a class set. Students will take a 30 question test on their novels in class. In addition to the test, students will have an art project on their books the first nine weeks and a written project the second nine weeks.
Students are required to take an American Literature and Composition End of Course Test. This exam covers all aspects of 11th grade language arts and will count 15% of the average for this course. During the last week each nine weeks, we will have a nine weeks exam, which will count 20% of the nine weeks average. This exam is usually 200 true/false, matching, or multiple choice questions. The exam generally consists of approximately 50 literary terms, approximately 75 literature questions from reading selections, and approximately 75 grammar/usage/miscellaneous questions. Each student should keep an extensive and well-organized notebook since the student's notebook is his/her study guide for the exam. To receive a diploma, students must also pass the Georgia High School Graduation Test, which includes a Language Arts section.
If a student is working throughout the term in this course, he or she should be able to pass; therefore, extra credit is not generally offered. However, students may receive up to five extra 100's for reading after school. any student wanting extra credit should stay after school at the teacher's convenience for an hour to do additional reading for an extra 100. To receive credit, the student should be obviously reading for one hour and should be able to correctly answer questions or do a worksheet or essay to show evidence of this reading. The deadline for cmpleting extra credit for the first nine weeks is Thursday, October 2, 2008 and the deadline for the second nine weeks is Thursday, December 11, 2008. No extra credit will be counted after these deadlines. I can best be contacted by email at donna.gordon@cowetaschools.net. If you would like a conference, you may set one up by contacting the Guidance Office at 770-254-2880. Mrs. Fincher is the 12 grade counselor, and Mrs. Shea Lasiter is the 11th grade counselor.
English and Language Arts Websites http://schoolnotes.com/30263/dgordon.html (D. Gordon's homework, reminders, etc., which may or may not be up-to-date) www.myskillstutor.com (weekly homework) log in information: user name = student number password = student number site = newnan02 www.usatestprep.com (EOCT and GHSGT practice tests) log in information: user name = newnanga password = newton19 www.satonlinecourse.com (Register for free course for SAT practice.) http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/677/01/ http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/quiz_list.htm http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/330/grammar/index.htm
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