Syllabus

Course of Study: English I Honors

David Cousins
david.cousins@dpsnc.net

Hello! Welcome to freshman year English I Honors. This course will engage you in careful
reading and critical analysis of fiction and non-fiction texts. Through the close reading of these texts,
you will deepen your understanding of how authors use language to provide both meaning and
enjoyment. As you read, you will consider a work’s structure, style, tone, and themes as well as
smaller-scale elements, such as the use of figurative language, imagery, and symbolism. You will
learn to complete both on-demand and full-process writing assignments based upon the close
readings of a variety of texts.

Each week we will work with texts and apply an analytical strategy to discuss it. You will be
assessed each week by your ability to demonstrate understanding through discussion or writing.
Homework will be given throughout the quarter as a way to independently assess your progress. Along
with the essay, each quarter there will be a series of quizzes and tests that are designed for you to show
mastery in the content.

Writing in this class will follow standard MLA formatting as well as the standard writing process:
prewrite, drafting, editing, revising, and publishing. The writing process will be executed through our
weekly in-class writing workshops. Each step of the Writing Workshop will be mandatory and tracked
through a Writing Workshop Portfolio.

At Creative Studies we strive to have a fully open and inclusive community. We strive to make all
voices heard, and all ideas relevant. The four pillars of Creative Studies: Creativity, Communication,
Collaboration, Community, com from an ongoing sense of trust and respect. Each week we will be
focusing on a Habit of Mind. These Habits of Mind will be part of our daily routines and be used in
various portions of the class.

Texts by Semester:
First Semester:
-The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
-Waiting for the Barbarians by J. M. Coetzee
-Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Second Semester:

-To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

-Lord of the Flies by William Golding
-The Odyssey

Daily Bell Schedule:

1—9:00-9:52
2—9:55-10:47
3—10:50-11:42
 4—11:45-12:37
5—1:13-2:05
6—2:08-3:00
7—3:05-4:00

Grades by Quarter:
Graded Categories:

Notebook/Portfolio— 2 (2.5 points each)

Homework— 5 (2 points each)
Quizzes— 3 (5 points each)
Class Discussions-- 2 (10 points each)
Essays— 1 (20 points)
Major Assessments— 2 (15 points)

Total Points— 15 Assignments (100 points)

Notebook/Binder Check:
- Correct Tabs ( .5 pt )
- Neat and Organized ( 1 pt )
- Notes and Work present ( 1 pt )

Homework:
- Complete Sentences & Organized Ideas ( 1 pt )
- Textual Evidence ( 1 pt )

Quizzes:
-2 Reading
- Complete Sentences ( 1 pt )
- Organized Ideas ( 1 pt )
- Textual Evidence ( 1 pt )
- Intertext Connections ( 1 pt )
- Complexity of Ideas ( 1 pt )
-1 Grammar
-5-10 questions to equal 5 points

Essays:
Each essay will have an attached rubric to meet the needs of the assignment.

Major Assessments:
-1 Standard
 -Multiple Choice and Short Answer to equal 15 points
-1 Creative
- Each creative assessment will have a rubric to meet the needs of the assignment.

Policies

Attendance Policy:

Class begins promptly. Students must be in their seats and working by the start of class.
Students are to be in class every day on time. Any student who is tardy more than three times a quarter
without an appropriate written excuse will be required to meet one-on-one with the teacher.

A student who is absent more than 4 days in a quarter without appropriate documentation will
be referred to Gryphon Time.

Technology Use Policy:

All students must adhere to the Technology Code signed at the beginning of the school year. The
Technology Code is for student success and safety. Any student who does not adhere to the Technology
Code will be subject to consequences in the policy and eventual loss of computer privileges during class
and required to complete all in class work on paper. This policy will begin immediately.

Academic Honesty:

All students are required to produce and submit their own unique work. Proper citation is
required for use of outside sources. Any plagiarism or copying will receive an automatic grade of zero
(0), an office referral, and requirement of completion during tutoring hours.

Absent Work Policy:

If a student is absent from school, he or she is responsible for collecting and completing any
missing work. All assignments can be found on the online classroom platform or hard copy, and they will
be posted online the day they are assigned. Students will have the number of days missed to complete
all missing work. If a student is absent more than four consecutive days with appropriate
documentation, he or she will need to meet with the teacher to make special arrangements to complete
the work.

Late Work:

Students must turn in their homework at the beginning of class. All classwork is due at the end
of class. Any late assignments will receive 10% deduction for a maximum of 4 days at which time a 30
will be given.

Assignment Correction Policy:

Students will have a chance to make corrections to only essays and quizzes, and major
assessments. Students will have the ability to receive half of the remaining points for the assignment. All
corrections are due one week after the date the assignment is returned. No assignments will be
accepted after the one week time limit. In order to receive credit for corrections, a rationale must be
provided for each individual correction.

Student Behavioral Expectations:

All students at Creative Studies are to adhere to the DPS student handbook. All students are to
follow behavior and academic guidelines set by the handbook as well as the classroom teacher. Any
student who is behaviorally disrupting the class will be subject to the Behavioral Consequence Ladder:

Warning 1—A verbal reminder to get back on task or to stop disrupting the class.

Warning 2—A brief discussion outside of the classroom about the behaviors and the situation.

Warning 3—Student will be directed towards a reflection area for a short period of time. A
contact with parent will be made.

Warning 4—A behavioral referral sent to administration.