Virginia Warfield http://warfieldfreshmanenglish.blogspot.

com
(503) 916-5160 ext. 171 vwarfield@pps.k12.or.us

Freshman English Course Description and Expectations

2008-2009
Course description:
Freshman English introduces students to the major genres, themes, and approaches that they will
encounter throughout high school language arts. Activities, assignments, and thematic units will
encourage students to make meaningful connections and to extend understanding beyond the text.
They will read a balance of contemporary and classic works, short stories, essays, novels, dramas,
and nonfiction that encourages them to look at the world from multiple perspectives. Students
will improve their writing, reading, speaking, listening, and study skills.

Texts and Units of Study:

 Novels (including, but not limited to The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian,
The Catcher in the Rye, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Black Boy, Ellen Foster,
Secret Life of Bees, All Quiet on the Western Front, Brave New World, Frankenstein,
Kaffir Boy, Independent Novel Choices)
 Short Stories
 Films (Edward Scissorhands, Crooklyn)
 Poetry
 Drama (Romeo and Juliet)
 Mythology (The Odyssey and Greek and Roman Gods/Monsters, World Mythology)

Assessment/evaluation/grading policy:
 Students will be assessed using formal and informal assessments. These may include
tests, essays, informal writing, discussions, debates, homework, and projects.
 All students will be required to keep a composition notebook containing written
assignments, class notes, etc. Notebooks will be periodically collected and graded.
 All late work will receive half credit, and will not be accepted after the quarter grade
deadline. For example, work assigned during first quarter cannot be submitted for a grade
during second quarter. Late work that is incomplete or of poor quality will be returned to
the student and no credit will be received.

If students miss work because of an excused absence, they will have two days for every day
absent from the date they return to class to make up work. After two days for every day absent,
work will be considered late. Work missed from unexcused absences may not be made up.

All assignments will be given a point value. Grades will be determined by the percentage of the
points earned.
100-90% = A 89-80% = B 79-70% = C 69-60% = D 59%-below = F

Academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. For more information on the Grant HS
policy, please refer to your Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.
Virginia Warfield http://warfieldfreshmanenglish.blogspot.com
(503) 916-5160 ext. 171 vwarfield@pps.k12.or.us

Student opportunities to meet state benchmarks for work samples:

Work samples will include:
• Narrative/imaginative writing
• Expository essay
• Impromptu speaking
Passing benchmark on all CIM work samples is required

Behavioral expectations:
Students are expected to:
 Respect fellow students, the teacher and the classroom.
 Come to class on time and prepared every day.
 Attend class regularly. Successful completion of a full-credit Freshman English course is
required for graduation.
 Actively participate in class activities.
 Observe school rules such as no hats or headgear, no cell phones and no electronic music
devices.

Additionally, all school policies and procedures outlined in the student handbook will be
followed.

___________________________date:______________________________date:_____
student signature parent signature

RETURN THIS SIGNED SYLLABUS TO WARFIELD BY MONDAY, OCTOBER 6