Contemporary Literature and Composition

Syllabus 2007-2008

Ms. Nemanich

Email: snemanich@learningcommunity202.org Extension: 5976

Course Description:

This course is designed to allow the student to study contemporary authors form WWII to present. Students will be asked to participate in class discussions, respond to literature in journals, compose a literary analysis essay, write a research paper and present research using a mixture of media. Students will read four novels, various poems and short stories.

Class Supplies:

You are responsible for bringing these items to class every day. Please have these items by Monday, August 27, 2007.

• 1” binder with dividers to organize handouts and class notes
• Lined paper and writing utensils (preferably pens)
• Student agenda/assignment notebook
• PC diskettes (3 ½ floppies) – (can be purchased in the media center) or flash drive
• Highlighters

Course Materials:

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PURCHASING THESE BOOKS (use the ISBN to locate these specific copies).

1. Native Son by Richard Wright ISBN: 006053348x
2. The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver ISBN: 0061097314
3. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer ISBN: 0385486804

Expectations:

1. Be seated by the time the bell rings – students will be considered on time only if they are in their seats and are quiet when the bell rings.
2. Treat others in a respectful manner.
3. Display behavior which reflects integrity.
4. Raise you hand before speaking.
5. See handbook regarding tardies, absences, and consequences for behavioral infractions.

Grading procedure:

• Each assignment has an assigned point value. The grading for each semester is cumulative (you should keep track of your points earned)
• If you do not complete all the units, you may fail and have to retake the semester.
• The grading scale is as follows:

100-90 A

89-80 B

79-70 C

69-60 D

Homework/Participation: 15% Midterm: 5%

Major Essays/Projects: 35% Semester Exam: 15%

Quizzes: 20%

Test: 25%

Regarding Assignments:

• Absolutely no late work will be accepted unless discussed on an individual basis with Ms. Nemanich.
• ABSOLUTELY NO WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED ON FLOPPY DISKS/FLASH DRIVES.
• It is the student’s responsibility to get make-up work assignments before or after class.
• Please schedule missed test and quizzes before of after class/school, no later than one week after missed class.
• Student should keep track of points earned for each assignment.

See the handbook for the policy on academic honesty. It will be followed for plagiarism; therefore do not jeopardize your grade or someone else’s grade by giving your work away or “sharing” an assignment.

Class Expectations for Paper Submission:

1. You must use the MLA head on ALL short writing assignments.
2. Each paper must have a running header with your NAME and the PAGE
3. You must submit ALL ASSIGNED PAPER to turnitin.com. Papers are due to turnitin.com by midnight on the date due. THIS DOES NOT EXEMPT YOU FROM TURNING IN A HARD COPY.