Last modified: April 27, 2023
Language Arts 11
Course Description/Overview/Welcome Statement
Teacher: Jennifer Jones Email: jenniferj@provo.edu
Course: Language Arts 11 Website: provo.instructure.com
Course Description: Is a person a product of their environment? What significant incident helped me realize that I am a unique individual? What motivates people to create change? Can human beings create their own futures? Can one person make a difference? What impact does culture have on a person? Is fear always a harmful emotion and what can people learn from their fear? These are some of the questions we will be exploring in Language Arts 11 through literature and writing.
Texts: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass
The Crucible by Arthur Miller
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho
(Choice novels, etc…)
**Please note that all choice novels are self-selected and may contain mature content. If you or your student finds that he or she is uncomfortable with their selection, they may make alternative arrangements with me as long as they come to me ASAP.
Films:
The Great Gatsby 2013 Baz Luhrmann PG-13
Scarlet Letter 1934 Robert Vignola PG
The Crucible 1996 Nicholas Hytner PG-13
***If you or your student has concerns about any of these films, alternative assignments can be arranged.
SUPPLIES FOR CLASS:
· A class folder
· One section in your binder
· Writing Utensils
· Sticky notes, highlighters
***If you have trouble obtaining any of these items, please see me.
Participation: Students automatically receive 5 points per day for attendance. Points can be lost for disruptive behavior, lack of preparedness, cell phone use during class, not working on assignments during class time. Points won’t be deducted for absences.
Attendance: Students MUST come prepared to learn. This means coming to English prepared EVERY day with completed assignments. I will be following the school mandated attendance policy. I will not allow a student to leave my class to go to their locker because they are unprepared.
PARENT/STUDENT AGREEMENT
STUDENT:
I, , HAVE READ MRS. JONES’ DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT AND UNDERSTAND THAT I WILL BE HELD TO THE POLICIES FOUND THEREIN.
SIGNATURE: DATE:
QUESTIONS/CONCERNS:
PARENT:
I, , HAVE READ MRS. JONES’ DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT AND UNDERSTAND THAT MY STUDENT WILL BE HELD TO THE POLICIES FOUND THEREIN.
SIGNATURE: DATE:
PARENT(S) E-MAIL ADDRESS(ES):
PARENT(S) PHONE NUMBER(S):
QUESTIONS/CONCERNS
Learning Expectations
Assignments : Assignments are to enrich the lesson being taught. All assignments have a specific learning purpose. It is important for every student to complete their assignments. Assignments are to be turned in on the day they are due. If a student is absent from school for an excused absence or school sponsored activity for one day, the work that was due on that day is due upon arrival from excused absence. Most missed assignments can be found on Canvas.
Late Work: Assignments that are turned in more than one class day late will only be given 80% credit. Any assignments turned in more than two weeks past the due date will receive a maximum of 50% credit. Please make sure that you turn your work in on time. I understand that there are sometimes extenuating circumstances that get in the way of schoolwork. These should be rare and you need to talk to me to receive credit on the assignment. It is always best if you can talk to me prior to the due date.
Absences: If you have an excused absence, you will be given one week to complete your work and turn it in for full credit. After one week the assignment will be considered late and will be given 80% credit. If you know that you will be absent in advance, please talk to me about the work you will be missing. Always check Canvas for new assignments. It is your responsibility to find out what you missed when you were absent. I can’t keep track of your absences and what you are missing.
Classroom Expectations: You are in high school and should always behave appropriately. Respect yourself and your classmates. Come to class ready to learn and participate. All school rules will be upheld in this class.
Papers: Several papers will be assigned throughout the school year. They involve a great deal of time and work for the student. The final draft of the paper must be submitted through Canvas (see below). Ample notice will be given for due dates and papers submitted after this date will receive a maximum of 80% credit. Since papers are submitted online, absence is not an excuse for missing a due date. The assignment will be left open on Canvas for two weeks after the due date to allow for late work. When the assignment is closed, it will no longer be accepted in any form.
*** In case of serious illness or other extenuating circumstance, please email me and let me know. I always respond to my email within 24 hours during the school week.
Assignments
Argumentative Essay- this is an essay done after reading The Crucible, and several shorter texts.
1st Term
Narrative Essay – this assignment goes with the Power, Protest, and Change Unit.
2nd Term
Image Gallery- group project done during the Power, Protest, and Change Unit involving research. This includes a class presentation.
2nd Term
Alchemist Project – this project involves personal writing, research, and students also have the choice of an artistic response to some of the prompts. The project is available under the files section of Canvas.
3rd Term
Literary Analysis Paper – written assignment for All The Light We Cannot See
4th Term
Articles of the Week – annotated article and written response due on the the Thursday or Friday that we have class.
Ongoing
Choice Book Assignment – student must read a book each term and complete the Choice Book Assignment. A copy of the assignment can be found on Canvas under files.
Due approximately one week before each term ends. Due dates will be written on assignment and available on Canvas.
Book Trailer – this takes the place of the 4th term Choice Book Assignment. Details for the assignment can be found on Canvas under files.
May 11
ACT Prep Essays
Ongoing until March 3.
Tests: Tests are to be given to determine of the student has comprehended the given material. If a student is absent when the test is given, the students need to make up the test before or after school.
Canvas: The website for Canvas is https://provo.instructure.com. Canvas is a program that is used by many of the major universities in Utah and around the country. Many assignments for class will be done through Canvas.
Extra Credit: Extra credit is available to students who have ALL of their regular work turned in. It will only be given near the end of the term on an individual basis.
Assessment of Progress
Grade Breakdown:
A= 94%-100%
A-=90%-93.9%
B+= 87%-89.9%
B=84%-86.9%
B-=80%-83.9%
C+=77%-79.9%
C=74%-76.9%
C-=70%-73.9%
D+=67%-69.9%
D=64%-66.9%
D-=60%-63.9%
F=0%- 59.9%
**It will require effort, but there is no reason that EVERY student cannot receive a passing grade in this class.
Course Materials
SUPPLIES FOR CLASS:
- A class folder
- One section in your binder
- A bound Notebook (not loose-leaf papers) which will be left in class
- Writing Utensils
- Sticky notes, highlighters
***If you have trouble obtaining any of these items, please see me.
Classroom Procedures
Cell Phone Policy: Cell phones should not be out in class except under the following circumstances:
· All work for the day is completed
· Mrs. Jones has given permission
If your cell phone is out or in use (including listening to music) without permission, it may be taken and put into the Cellphone Lock Box.
Calendar of Due Dates for Major Assignments
Assignments
Argumentative Essay- this is an essay done after reading The Crucible, and several shorter texts.
1st Term
Narrative Essay – this assignment goes with the Power, Protest, and Change Unit.
2nd Term
Image Gallery- group project done during the Power, Protest, and Change Unit involving research. This includes a class presentation.
2nd Term
Alchemist Project – this project involves personal writing, research, and students also have the choice of an artistic response to some of the prompts. The project is available under the files section of Canvas.
3rd Term
Literary Analysis Paper – written assignment for All The Light We Cannot See
4th Term
Articles of the Week – annotated article and written response due on the the Thursday or Friday that we have class.
Ongoing
Choice Book Assignment – student must read a book each term and complete the Choice Book Assignment. A copy of the assignment can be found on Canvas under files.
Due approximately one week before each term ends. Due dates will be written on assignment and available on Canvas.
Book Trailer – this takes the place of the 4th term Choice Book Assignment. Details for the assignment can be found on Canvas under files.
May 11
ACT Prep Essays
Ongoing until March 3.
Progress Reports and Report Cards
Report Cards are a reflection of your students effort in my class as well as their attendance. Most assignments can be completed during class time and if a student works during that period, they should have little homework for my class. That is one of the reasons that attendance is important. If they aren’t in class on a regular basis, they miss the personal instruction time and that is difficult to make up.
Connecting Home to School
Parents: Please email me with any questions or concerns you may have. I return emails within 24 hours on school days. jenniferj@provo.edu
Canvas: The website for Canvas is https://provo.instructure.com. Canvas is a program that is used by many of the major universities in Utah and around the country. Many assignments for class will be done through Canvas. Parents can login to Canvas and sign up as an observer for their student’s classes. This allows the observer to get all the information about assignments, due dates, and messages, that their student gets. Observers can also monitor their student’s grades on assignments done through Canvas.
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