World Literature and Composition Syllabus

2020-2021

Instructor:  Tabetha Hammond  

Room:         137 (Virtual)

Email Address:  tabetha.hammond@henry.K12.ga.us

Seize the Day Philosophy: This school year, I will ask you to challenge yourself, and I will push you to take personal responsibility for your education while being inspired to think creatively and critically. In school, like in life, we should strive to become lifelong learners to fulfill our dreams and reach our fullest potential. So every day, you should come into class with the attitude that you are working to fulfill your dreams and improve your life both now and in the future. So, seize the day, and seize the opportunity to the best you can be. If you have that attitude, you will do well in this class.

Course Description:  This is a theme-related, literature-based, integrated course that provides heterogeneously-grouped students with an opportunity to become familiar with a wide range of literary forms, themes, cultures, and periods while developing proficiency in the use of grammar/usage and mechanics in their compositions.  Emphasis is placed on distinguishing aspects of the various genres and elements of literature, with a concentration on short story fiction, poetry, and drama.  Students analyze various works of literature through oral discussion and written compositions. Outside reading novels are also required for this course.  Students will produce various types of compositions and research projects using technology.  The basic tools needed for research writing are introduced, including writing a thesis statement, making an outline, locating resources, preparing a bibliography, paraphrasing resource materials, and documenting sources using the MLA format.  Additionally, teachers emphasize standardized test preparation and vocabulary development.

Important Assessments:  

• End of Course Test (EOCT)    

Grading Scale:

A= 90-100   B=80-89      C=74-79      D=70-73      F=Below 70

Grading Policy:

              Tests/Papers/Major Projects/Quizzes        40%

                     Daily/Homework/Participation/Class Activity packet      40%

                     End of Course Exam                                                 20%

Online Classroom Rules and Routine:

1. Be on time to class, dress appropriately, and ensure your camera is on. 

2. Ensure your Chromebook is charged. Not having it charged is not a viable excuse for missing class. You are encouraged to use a school issued device to ensure your work is graded. Often,  work completed on other digital platforms does not convert to Google classroom. 

3. Ensure that you remove all distractions during our class time.   

4. Missed work and deadlines are your responsibility

5. Ensure you stay connected to Google Classroom. It will be our major source of communicating, both realtime and recorded. 

6. Participate! Participate! Participate! 

 Supply List:

• charged Chromebook 
• Google account (join Google Classroom)
• able to access the online textbook
• patience and flexibility 

Academic Honesty: Cheating/ Plagiarism is considered a serious matter. The parents of a student who has been involved in cheating or plagiarizing will be notified and the student will receive a zero for the assignment.  For this course, cheating is defined as, but not limited to the following:

         Copying anyone’s answers to assigned work. Taking any information verbatim for any source, including the internet, without giving proper credit to the author. Looking onto another student’s paper during a test or quiz. Having available any study notes or other test aides during a test without the teacher’s permission (including cell phones or other devices that have internet access). Collaborating on assignments when independent work is expected.

McDonough High School                                           English Department

Teacher: Tabetha Hammond

By completing the google form link below you indicate your agreement to the following:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1GrWoQM1daTP9Q6jj8dxnnnXtdnTZb_bAjB8PkonXYWY/edit

• I have read and I understand the academic integrity policy.
• I have reviewed the class syllabus and understand the grading policy.  I understand that I will only have until the Unit end date to submit late work. After the unit closes, I will no longer be able to submit missing work.    
• ___/____  Notebook grade/class activity packet  is an all or none on the due date (use the Google calendar in Google classroom) 
• I give permission for my child to view G, PG, or PG-13 movies that are curriculum appropriate. 
• I understand that my student will be expected to use the county-provided computer every day in class. Therefore it must be available and charged. 
• I understand Mrs. Hammond will contact my guardian if I fall behind or fail to participate.  
• I have access to the internet and will access Infinite Campus to check my progress. I understand that teachers will make every effort to post grades within two weeks of accepting the assignment, but that posting grades for larger papers and projects may take extended time beyond the two-week frame.
•  The due dates of most major assignments are given the first week of class in order for students to plan accordingly so “late/missed” assignments should be minimal.  
• OUR DAY TO DAY COMMUNICATION WILL HAPPEN IN GOOGLE CLASSROOM. Every assignment will begin and end in Google Classroom. 
• Google Meet is our platform for direct instruction. I understand the meeting norms and will abide by them, I understand our every day meeting will be recorded and my camera will be on.   

Please feel free to contact me, Tabetha Hammond  tabetha.hammond@henry.k12.ga.us  if you have any additional questions or concerns.

Thank you for the privilege of working with you and your child; I look forward to this year!