PLEASE NOTE: All assignments and homework are found on Net Moeller. This page is only for general info.

Course Components
(1) To encourage students to think broadly and critically about literature by presenting frameworks with which to see connections between pieces and important themes, and with which to view literature from various perspectives. (2) To develop composition skills (academic, professional and creative writing) towards college and/or professional writing (3) To present students experiences in world literature. (4)To provide students with opportunities for creative expression as they examine not only literature but their world and lives in general. (4) To present students practice and other experiences that will prepare them to succeed in the Advanced Placement test in English Literature.

Texts
Themes in World Literature (short stories and poetry)
In Cold Blood, Death of a Salesman, The Stranger, Siddhartha,
Catcher in the Rye, Hamlet, Mother Night, A Farewell to Arms
Something Wicked This Way Comes, The Inferno
Additional texts or handouts (fictional and non) provided by teacher

Grades & Classroom Activities

Final Grade: There will be many activities and assignments throughout the year, each with varying degrees of grade value, and the information provided below is only an overall guide of the type of assignments to expect and the relative grading procedures for each. The semester’s grade will be determined via a combination of all work completed.

Class Participation: All students will participate in class discussions, and discourse amongst the class will be a very large component of this class (20% of the final grade). All students start with an B+ for this score.

Homework & In-Class Assignments: Most all homework and in-class assignments receive a grade (valued 1-10 pts). Incomplete or inadequate pieces of work will receive lower scores. Homework assignments are always due at the beginning of class, in-class assignments at the end (unless otherwise noted). All assignments may be turned in late for partial credit.

Quizzes: Quizzes fall into two categories: Announced and Unannounced at the teacher's discretion. If a student misses a quiz due to an excused absence, he may be asked to make it up on the day that he returns to class (This will usually be done during class if time permits) but some quizzes will not be made up and with no consequence to the student’s grade. Quizes are worth 25 points, unless specified.

Tests: Unit and book tests will be given after the material has been discussed in class. The make up policy for tests is the same as that for announced quizzes. Tests are worth 100 points, unless otherwise specified. Semester exams will also be given.

Essays: Essays that are prepared outside of class may also count as tests. The student will be eligible for full credit on his essays if they are turned in on the due date at the time that they are collected. If the essay is not turned in on time and no prior arrangements were made with the teacher, ten percent of the grade will be deducted for each school day that it is late. Formal essays are worth 100 points, unless otherwise specified.

Special Projects: Special projects may have varying point values.

Extra Credit: Extra credit for extraordinary effort may be awarded at the discretion of the teacher for students who have shown effort beyond what is expected. Opportunities will be offered throughout each semester to support this option.

Cheating/Plagiarism: Plagiarism and more traditional forms of cheating will result in a 0 for any assignment. Period.

Miscellaneous

Absences: Legitimate absences from school are not counted against a student provided a readmit slip is presented upon his return. Any assignment that is due on the absent day must be presented on the day the student returns. The student is responsible for any assignment, test, or material missed during the absence (notes should be sought from classmates and tests must be made up outside of class within three days of return). Students who are in school but still miss class for any reason must turn in the day's assignment sometime during the day. Exceptions to any of these policies may be granted with a note by a parent and at the teacher's discretion. 

Materials: Computer, binders, and planners must be in class daily. All necessary pen, paper, and materials must be present. Because novels are in constant demand and circulation, any lost novel must be paid for before a student will be issued another. Materials to be purchased: Notebook for journal, loose-leaf paper, pens

Classroom: Students must arrive on time and be prepared to begin class by the bell. Laptops should remain closed unless teacher instructs otherwise. No food is permitted in the classroom. All other handbook policies, including dress code and other pertinent policies of behavior, etc. will be enforced. Moeller students.

Contact:
e-mail: ggirard@moeller.org
phone extension: ext. 1922  -- 513.791.1680