English I: Introduction to Literature

Fall 2013-2014

Instructor: Mrs. Johnson Email: vjohnson@strakejesuit.org
Room: 801 (Period 1 on Day 1) Phone: 713-490-8101
Website: www.johnsonenglish1.weebly.com Office Hours: By appointment in the PMC

Course Description:
English I provides students with an introduction to the study of English language and literature at the
high-school level. Through an intensive study of grammar, vocabulary, and academic writing, the course
lays the foundation for the education that the student will receive at Strake Jesuit. In our treatment of
literature, we will give special attention to the beauty of the novels, plays, poems, and short stories we
study, as we come to a greater awareness of ourselves through the study of the other.
Course Objectives:
The student will learn to think critically and communicate effectively through sound arguments in class
discussion and in written work. He will produce strong, persuasive thesis statements supported with
proper evidence and his writing will be formatted in the proper MLA style. He will come to a deeper
appreciation of language and will be enriched with a strong vocabulary. He will recognize the major
conventions of literary genres and literary elements. He will learn to apply the principles of grammar
effectively.
Required Texts:
The Ox-Bow Incident by Walter Van Tilburg Clark
Literature to Go, edited by Michael Meyer
Vocabulary Workshop, New Edition Level E edited by Jerome Shostak
Elements of Language, Third Course
Metamorphoses by Ovid, translated by Charles Martin (Norton)
The Odyssey by Homer, translated by Robert Fagles
Title of Shakespeare text and additional texts forthcoming.
Course Materials
Pen (blue or black ink only), #2 pencil, and highlighter
Notebook and loose-leaf paper
Folder or binder specific to English I
Current text(s)
Strake Jesuit Green Book academic planner
Grading: (rolling average for each semester)
Daily assignments (10%) will involve nightly reading (and note-taking) and often grammar and/or short
written work. Homework will be posted regularly on the course webpage.
Participation (15%) is crucial to your success in this course and will be judged on your preparedness to
discuss readings/homework, your willingness to ask questions about concepts or ideas you may be
struggling with, along with active note-taking and focused attention. Come to class with an attitude of
enthusiasm, ready to engage with the text and one another.

Quizzes and Tests (20%) will cover literature, vocabulary, and grammar covered in class and daily
assignments. Quizzes will occur regularly and may not be announced in advance. Tests will be given with
notice. Take good notes and review them regularly.

Writing Assignments (35%) will vary in length and topic and will be assigned throughout the semester.
Writing assignments will be submitted as hard copies in class AND to Turnitin.com on the due date.
Writing assignments will be completed in the MLA style and graded accordingly.

Final exams (20%) are comprehensive for each individual semester. Literary terms and concepts and
significant grammar that are discussed throughout the year will appear on both exams.
*All homework and papers must be submitted on the assigned date, at the beginning of class. Each day an
assignment is late, the score will drop a third of a letter grade (an A becomes an A-; an A-, a B+, etc.). By
the fifth school day an assignment is missing, it will be considered a zero.
Course Expectations:
Behavior: Respect one another and the instructor. If someone is speaking, whether instructor or
classmate, you are not. Wait for permission to speak by raising your hand. Refrain from foul
language, which displays an uneducated mind and a lack of creativity. As brothers in Christ,
students must treat one another with the utmost dignity. Derogatory remarks of any nature will
not be tolerated and will result in a PH.
Tardy Policy: Arrive on time and ready to learn. Have your text(s), notebook, and pen on your
desk when the bell rings. Students who are tardy and without a pass from a faculty or staff
member will be issued a PH.
Daily Work: Take responsibility for your work. Complete readings before every class with
thorough annotation. Bring your questions to class and be ready to contribute to class discussions.
Do your own work and submit your assignments on time. Listen attentively and actively take
notes. Participate to the best of your abilities at all times. Cultivate a sense of gratitude for your
educational opportunities and privileges.
iPad Policy: All class notes will be taken in a notebook. Students may not open, start, or use their
iPads unless instructed to do so by the teacher. When not in approved use, iPads are to be stored
in students backpacks, under their desks. While approved for use, students will keep their iPads
flat on their desks and in Airplane Mode at all times. Violations of this policy and the policy in
the Student Handbook will result in immediate punitive action, including confiscation. The iPad
is a tool that should enhance learning, not a source of distraction.
Plagiarism Policy: Above all, students are expected to be men of integrity. Plagiarism, cheating,
and academic dishonesty of any degree will result in a zero and will be reported to the Dean of
Students. The school policy on academic dishonesty is clearly defined in the Community Life
document.
Extra-Credit Policy: Extra-credit will not serve as a substitute for the courses primary work and
will not be awarded to students with missing assignments. Any extra credit offered will enrich the
students experience of literature while minimally raising a students grade.
As the instructor of this course, I reserve the right to amend the syllabus at my discretion.