Class+Policies


 * __British Literature Class Policies__**

Mrs. Izzo Email me

British Literature gives an aerial view of human nature as it has evolved (or hasn't) since 400-500 C.E. In this course, at times, you will be studying literature that is centuries old. But the challenges and conflicts presented will seem much like the ordeals humans face today.
 * __Overview__**

__**Class Rules****:**__
 * 1. Be a kind and decent human being **
 * 2. Expect the best of yourself. **


 * __Grading and Aspen: This year, I am revising my grading to reflect a nationwide and statewide transition to Common Core State Standards and Standards Based Grading. Your assessments will fall into the four major categories related to ELA: Writing (25%) of grade, Reading (25% of grade), Speaking and Listening (25% of grade) and Language (25% of grade).__ **

Your grade in class will be determined on a point system, in which tests, essays, and most presentations count 100 points each. Quizzes, essay revisions, and other small research assignments will range from 10-50 points, depending upon the time and effort required for the assignment. Homework is generally used as a formative assessment in order to determine whether you understand the material we're covering. Your grade will also be affected by your participation, as explained below.
 * Each quarter, you will have multiple assignments in each category. **

I require that you check Aspen every week. Be. proactive in monitoring your grade. If your parents have questions, it’s important that they speak with you, and that you come to me first to discuss those questions. High school demands that you start taking responsibility for yourself and developing strong relationships with your teachers. So, unless there’s an unusual situation, the conversations regarding your progress in class should take place between the two of us.

In addition, some assignments will be such that they will have a participation grade attached, and we'll work on appropriate rubrics for those as the assignments crop up.
 * Speaking and Listening Grade ** : In addition to mini assessments during the quarter, just before midquarters, I will assess your Speaking and Listening on a 100 point scale. You earn an “A” (Exceeds Proficiency 90-95) by always being prepared with materials and assignments, by participating constructively and consistently, and by going above and beyond in some way during the quarter (i.e., tutoring others, delving into a topic in greater depth, demonstrating leadership, etc.). You earn a “B” (Proficient: 80-88) if you usually are prepared and you usually participate. You earn a “C” (Emerging Proficiency 70-78) if you forget material/assignments, you do not participate consistently or constructively, and/or you are frequently absent without clear medical excuse. The midquarter grade is to give you an idea regarding how I see your performance in class. The grade will be adjusted up or down just before the quarter grades are due. If you’re worried because you are afraid or uncomfortable participating, see me, and we’ll work on goals that will help you earn a proficient grade (B).

__Assignments__
 * I do not have a working printer in my room and can’t print anything out for you. If you have an assignment due (and I've asked for a hard copy rather than an upload to Google Docs), do not try handing me your flash drive or your laptop and telling me that’s where the assignment is. Do not tell me you left it at home but it’s done. Do not come late to our class because you had to print your paper. The point is for ME to have your assignment, at the beginning of class when I collect it, and unless it’s physically there, on paper, for me to grade, it’s late. (See Late Work).**

Having said that, most of our assignments will be uploaded to Turnitin or google docs and graded electronically. I will let you know when I want a hard copy in class.

__Safekeeping of Assignments__
 * You are always responsible for maintaining an electronic copy of any essays I assign.**

__Absences__
 * Most of you have a demanding schedule, so I don’t expect missed work to be made up the day you return, unless it was due on the day you were absent. Just check my website to find out what assignments you missed and make arrangements with me to have those assignments made up within three days of your return. If you go beyond those three days, you will receive a 50 for the assignment once it is handed in. You will not be allowed to take a zero on any major assignment. You must do it and you must hand it in, even if it's three months late.**


 * If you are absent the day a major assignment (essay, project, etc.) is due, you must nevertheless upload that assignment to google docs and invite me as a collaborator by the time our class would have met on the due day so I know you’ve completed it.**

__Late Work__ You did your work but you’re sick **– See Absences, above.**
 * You will lose ten points off your grade for every day late, including weekends.**

__Plagiarism__
 * Plagiarism consists of taking credit for any words or creations that are not fully yours without giving full credit to the creator of the work. Plagiarism in my class results in a zero on the assignment and a meeting with your parents and me. I will also put a letter in your guidance file regarding the incident. Don’t do it. If you are tempted to plagiarize because you didn’t do your essay and you’re worried about your grade in class and you’re staring at a blank screen at 2am, don’t do it. I’d rather you come to me and tell me you’re going to be late than that you lie to me and cheat. Take that extra day, get some help from me, and lose just ten points….or, cheat, and lose the trust of many people around you. Which sounds better?**
 * You should also review the school's Academic Integrity Policy.**

Again, because most of our assignments are uploaded to Turnitin, you likely won't run into this issue.

__The Fine Print__ This is a course for junior and senior students who have mastered the language arts skills taught previously and who wish to pursue an in-depth study of British literature. The content of this course will include selections of major and minor British authors from the Anglo-Saxon period to the twentieth century. Students will read at least six of the following works: //Beowulf, The// //Canterbury// //Tales, A Man for All Seasons, Robinson Crusoe, Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Frankenstein, Macbeth,// and //Hamlet//. Furthermore, the students will write a term paper and read three additional works by British authors. A variety of assessment techniques, which include quizzes, written exams, group work, role-playing, essays, projects, and a culminating activity will be utilized. Whenever applicable, department rubrics will be used to assess expressive writing, informational writing, responses to literature, oral presentations and projects. This course is recommended for the college-bound student.
 * 147 BRITISH LITERATURE – Honors Full Year – 1.0 credit**