Course Expectations

Course Expectations

Course Expectations for English 12H: The Search for Identity

Mr Reynolds

"We tell ourselves stories in order to live." - Joan Didion

Course Description

Welcome to English 12H! This course explores fiction, poetry, philosophy and drama, with an emphasis on themes of identity in these genres. Major texts include O’Brien’s The Things They Carried, Sartre’s No Exit, and Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Essential questions include, “How do writers help us know who we are, as individuals and as a human race?” and “How can I independently apply my understanding of how to analyze literature to a new set of texts?” In response to the latter question, we will spend a great deal of time on a year-long independent research and writing project. The senior thesis is an opportunity to pursue an individual interest within the field of literature. I look forward to accompanying you on this journey! In class, we will explore Didion's notion of the large role stories and ideas play in shaping our perspectives and lives. We will work together to increase our understanding of literature and writing in relation to society and ourselves.   

Respect/Classroom Environment: We must respect one another and our opinions in order to foster a cooperative environment. Be a positive influence in class, for such an attitude demonstrates self-respect and pride and sets the tone for the class. We must have an environment in which all ideas and opinions are valued.

Thesis: As a graduation requirement, each student must produce a 12-15 page literary research paper. This paper must have an arguable statement supported by researched evidence. All thesis topics must be approved by the instructor. Each student must complete all steps in the process of writing this paper in order to graduate. Each step will be graded, and two copies of the final thesis must be turned in with a thesis folder including all required research/writing assignments.

Attendance: Please make yourself aware of the school’s attendance policy. It is your responsibility to be aware of assignments even when you are not in class. If your absence is excused, you must check with a classmate or me to see what work you missed (The class blog is a handy reference here!). You have twice the number of days you are absent excused to make up missed work.

If you are absent excused on a day of a deadline, a quiz, or a test, you are responsible for the material (such as a paper or note cards) on the day of your return. If your day of return is the drop day for class- you must still check in with the teacher. You must also schedule a make-up quiz or test on the day of return. If you are in the school building for any reason on the day of absence, you are still responsible for the work due that day.

Please note: The policies found in your student handbook pertaining to tardiness, cell phone/technology use, cheating, and plagiarism will be STRICTLY enforced. Please read these sections and familiarize yourself with the terms and consequences.  

Homework: Be prepared to complete homework every night in preparation for class.  You will also be working on your thesis most nights. Nightly homework is not accepted late. You may email assignments to me to make a deadline, but you must also submit a paper copy to receive full credit.  

Grading: A point system will be used. Longer written assignments and in-class timed writings will be worth the most points. Homework assignments, graded discussions, reading check quizzes, and journal entries all count toward your quarter grade.

Your average at the end of the quarter is the total points earned/ total points possible.  Attitude, participation and effort are all important considerations when determining your final grade.

Students will have the opportunity to rewrite an assignment. The student must confer with the teacher and receive permission for the rewrite. The student will receive a new grade up to a B for a paper with significant revision.  

Deadlines: We cannot stress enough the importance of meeting deadlines, especially with regard to the thesis. This is a step-by-step process and if you fall behind, you may be quickly overwhelmed. Assignments will be marked down 10 points per day past due. After 50%, the grade goes to zero. The thesis outline will be marked 50% if one day late or more. You must see me ahead of time if you have a situation which affects your ability to meet a deadline.  

Please note: Assignments may be handed in to the teacher personally or to the teacher's mailbox in the English office. If an assignment is left on a desk or table, it is not turned in.