English 12 AcademicMr. Baker

Welcome! Thank you for joining us.As we begin, let us set the scene for what is to come.

Foundational Tenets1. Your value has nothing to do with how you look or what others think.2. We all have a burden to bear; no one can carry it for you. However, help is available.3. We all move forward together; we all have different speeds.4. This is a place to think and speak without fear.5. It’s not about the grade alone; it’s about twenty years from now.

These principles lie beneath all that happens in the course of the year. Upon this foundation, you will take your skills in English to new heights and your experiences in reading and writing will soar far beyond any you have yet known. And this has very little to do with me, yet everything to do with you. When you pick up every challenge laid at your feet—when you are willing to stretch yourself day in and day out—it is you who will be surprised, frustrated, ecstatic, and weary from all you will do. You will be filled with an unquenchable desire for more. Sound good? (Just say yes).

Duties & Responsibilities To take yourself further than you were yesterday To attempt everything; avoid nothing To work hard and to play hard To search endlessly for the right word To honor each other, both in word and in deed To ask questions, give answers, seek help, offer advice To know yourself and be true to what you knowThese duties and responsibilities, when fulfilled on a regular basis over the span

of the year, will most likely result in an outstanding grade. More important, however, is one’s decision to hold to these principles over the next five or ten or fifty years.

Course DescriptionThis class will challenge students to read critically, think independently, read actively, write compellingly, and collaborate productively. We will focus on two main content areas. The first will be Advanced Composition, which will provide students with opportunities to practice analytical, argumentative, research-based, creative, and reflective writing. The second content area is a survey of World Literature, during which we will analyze literary works from many parts of the world by studying their forms and elements and relating them to themes and issues of their time periods. Students will appreciate universal themes and the distinct features of various world cultures.

Course Expectations and Objectives Make a formal oral presentation in a group

or individually.

Holding to one’s duties is the path of champions.

They all jump at the chance to read!

Examine how values and points of view are included or excluded and how media influences beliefs and behaviors.

Develop expository and informational analyses, and persuasive/argumentative writings.

Revise/edit written work. Write documented research papers. Apply knowledge of word origins, derivations, and figurative language to

extend vocabulary development in authentic texts. Read, comprehend, and analyze the literature of other cultures.

Grading

Classwork/Homework/Sneezes/Other Formative Assessments

10%

Quizzes/Tests/Final Papers/Projects 90%

Late PolicyIn accordance with English Department and

school policy, all assignments are expected to be turned in on time. Major assignments turned in late will lose 10% of the student’s earned score per class day. For example, a paper that earns 81/100 points on the rubric, but is one day late, would receive 72.9/100 in the grade book. After 4 days, an assignment will receive 50% of the earned points. Homework is usually assigned as practice or preparation for a class, and as such may not be accepted after the class it was due. When late homework is accepted, credit will be no more than 50% of the earned value.

ABSENCES/MAKE-UP WORK:Being proactive about make-up work helps to limit the negative effects of

missed class time.  Remember, it your responsibility to make up missed work. When you are absent, but BEFORE you return to class, do as much of the work as you can. You may email me with any questions and arrange a time to meet with me to go over missed materials. If you know you will miss school, see me before you leave to get whatever assignments you will miss.

If you are in school at all on a day an assignment is due, it is your job to turn that assignment in to me. Turn in any assignments that were due the day you were absent. They are due one class after you return. If you miss a test/quiz, you will have one day for each day you were absent to make it up.

Struggling StudentsStudents who are experiencing difficulties with a specific assignment or my

class in general are encouraged to meet with me as soon as possible. I am available before school starting at 7:45 and after school by appointment. Every problem can be solved, as long as you are willing to work with me and communicate in advance. We also have a Writing Center that provides peer-editing for writing assignments from grades 9-12

Materials1. Small three-ring binder with dividers and pockets—filled with lots o’ paper—

college rule.2. Pens (blue/black only) and pencils.

Everyone keeps score in some way . . .

“I love essays!”

3. LCPS issued device

And FinallyIf you have any questions or concerns as we move through the year, please

feel free to e-mail me: ryan.baker@lcps.org. We’ve much to do; the future looks bright. With that, let me say thank you—and good night!

Mr. Baker