12th Grade English Language British LiteratureAcademic Year: 2013-2014

Teacher: Kathrin Griggs-Hyacinthe

From Topeka, Kansas

Studied at University of Kansas

Third year at New Horizons, SantiagoSixth year teaching

in the Dom. RepublicFun Fact: I speak Haitian Creole

fluently!

Course Description:Students read an overview of British literature from the Old English period to the Modern, integrating a study of history to better supply a context for an appreciation and understanding of the literature, with emphasis on a variety of prose and poetic genres. Students write critical and argumentative essays, engage in creative writing projects, and make technology-assisted oral presentations.

Student ChallengeStudents will work throughout the year to answer the following: What are the roles of men and women in British Literature through the ages? Must heroes be flawless? How have historic events shaped the literature of a period? Can we learn anything from authors from a time and place that is nothing like the world we live in? How does the author choice of word connect with the theme of a piece of literature? Why are some pieces of literature considered classics?

1st Grading Period Objective:Students will discuss and complete activities based on the summer reading assignment. The class will begin with the Old and Middle English Period. The story of the English Language is the story of three invasions and a cultural revolution, often told through oral traditions and highlighted with epic heroes. The class will explore the archetypes within this genre as well as the emergence of the code of chivalry and the genre of romance.

English Class Expectations:In order for students to grow in their language skills, they must always practice. This practice comes in many forms: speaking, reading, writing, and even thinking. English is the class subject, English is the language of instruction, therefore students are expected to speak only English in the classroom. Point deductions will be made if a student does not follow this rule.

Grading – Point DistributionStudents will be evaluated each grading period based on the following system:CLASSWORK: 30 points

HOMEWORK: 20 pointsTESTS & QUIZZES: 25 pointsPROJECTS: 25 points_____________________________TOTAL 100 POINTS

Homework Policy:Students will be assigned 3-4 homework assignmentsper grading period, outside of the assigned readings. Keeping up with class reading is an implied expectation.When a student turns in HW late, a point is deducted for each day. If the point-value reaches zero, students must arrange a time after school to complete the assignment. Further consequences will follow if this is not done.

Class Supply List:2 Notebooks (exclusively for ELA class)Pencil/Pen/Highlighter/Sharpener/EraserLaptop and chargerReading texts (these will vary each period)Positive attitude and an open mind!

TardinessBeing late to class will not be accepted. If a student is not in his/her seat when the bell rings, that student will be marked as tardy. For each unexcused tardy, a point will be reduced from their conduct grade. All late students must have a school-issued late pass.