Bible as Literature

      Welcome to English! This course will involve a variety of opportunities to learn more about writing, thinking, listening, speaking and reading. Each student will be required to obtain a copy of the Bible. The New American Standard Version  will be the translation for the assignments, tests and class discussions. Please be sure that you bring it with you each day.

WRITING ASSIGNMENTS--       Two or three major projects will be assigned each quarter; at least one in-class essay will be written each nine weeks. The writings will cover various topics that have been discussed in class and read in assignments. All classwork and homework is to be completed legibly in blue or black ink on college ruled paper or if done at home, typed and double spaced. Assignments completed otherwise will not be graded or the grades will be lowered. Always put your name on the paper(s) or there will be no grade.

ABSENCES--       Because of the importance of class interaction, consistent attendance is an absolute requirement for a passing grade. If you are not in class, you cannot participate with the thought processes and dynamics that occur in classroom discussions. Excessive absenteeism will adversely affect your grade.       If you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed so that you can be prepared for the next class session. It would be to your benefit to call a classmate and obtain that information BEFORE you come to class. I will not give you that information during class time. I will be available during break or at lunch if you communicate that assistance is needed.       Unannounced quizzes and in-class writings given during class time cannot be made up by those absent that day as they are spontaneous activities related to class material given that day. These comprise part of the participation grade.       If an assignment was due the day of your absence, the assignment is due at the beginning of the class when you return. Late papers will not be accepted. All homework assignments are to be completed before class and will be collected immediate­ly after the tardy bell. Late papers will not be ac­cepted. However, assignments may always be turned in early. Please note that if you choose to print the assignment in the classroom and the paper is not printed and placed in the assignment folder before the tardy bell, the grade will be lowered by 10%.   Assignments should never be completed by copying another student’s paper. If this occurs, all involved will receive a zero for the paper.                   Students who have an excused absence will have one day per each day absent to make up assignments that were given on the day of absence.

TARDIES      Should tardies become a problem, then “Lunch with Mrs. Rich” will be initiated. This means that you will come in at 12:30 to compensate for the day you were late. Promptness is a sign of maturity and responsibility.

CLASS RULES-- 1. Academic honesty is expected. Cheating and plagiarism are unacceptable. 2. No hats are to be worn in the classroom. 3. Please do not bring drinks or food to class. 4. Respect for others as well as their opinions is expected. 5. Papers without names will not be graded. 6. Late papers will not be accepted. If the project, paper or   essay is worth 50 points or more, the assignment is due on its assigned date regardless of whether the student is present in class or not. If you are on the school grounds anytime during the school day when the assignment is due, whether you come to class or not, the assignment must be turned in to me. 7. If you are legitimately ill, the assignment is due the first day you return to school. 8. If a test is missed due to an excused absence, the test is to be taken during the first lunch you return to school. 9. If you are having difficulties with an assignment,discuss the problem with me before the project is due. 10.Any extra credit points that may accrue, are deleted by library or text book slips indicating over due fines. 11.No electric devices are not to be seen or used during class unless permission is given.

CLOSING COMMENTS--

      If you attend regularly and come to class prepared with homework and materials, you will not fail this class. However, this is a semester class, so both quarters count. It is possible to do so poorly in one quarter that it is highly improbable you will be able to pass at the semester. Please stay up-to-date on the assignments and do not rely on extra credit points, as they are almost non-existent in this class.

Again, welcome! I am looking forward to a great year of learning with you and from you as we explore literature and learn about life.

GRADES

100-----A+	82-80--B-	67-63--D
99-93---A	79-78--C+	62-60--D-
92-90---A-	77-73--C	59-----F
89-88---B+	72-70--C-
87-83---B	69-68--D+

The following California Standards will be emphasized during the senior year:

WRITING: Students will: Write coherent and focused texts that convey a well-defined perspective and reasoned argument. Demonstrate an ability to establish audience, purpose and progression through the stages of the writing process. Utilize rhetorical strategies of narration, exposition, persuasion, and description to produce texts of 1,500 words. Indicate a command of English by using research, organizational, and drafting skills. Students will also write fictional, autobiographical, or biographical narratives, responses to literature, compositions, historical investigation reports and resumes.

GRAMMAR: Students will: Demonstrate an understanding of grammar, diction, and paragraph and sentence structure. Produce legible work that shows accurate spelling, correct punctuation and capitalization, and reflect appropriate manuscript requirements in writing.

READING: Students will: Read a variety of classic and contemporary literature, magazines, and newspapers. Analyze organizational patterns, arguments, and positions. Read and respond to historically or culturally significant works of literature that reflect and enhance studies of history/science, Participate in analyses of recurrent themes.

SPEAKING AND LISTENING: Students will: Deliver focused and coherent presentations that convey clear and distinct perspectives demonstrating solid reasoning. Students will employ gestures, tone, and vocabulary tailored to the audience and purpose. Present oral reports on historical periods, oral responses to literature, and incorporate technological multimedia presentations when appropriate.

An Additional Note for Parents and Students: This is a class that will require the student to read,  think, analyze and interpret (to a certain point) for himself or herself. Written homework will not be as frequent as nightly reading.  I cannot emphasize how important it is for the student to be responsible for the assigned reading in the novel we are discussing in class and the independent (outside reading) book he/she is reading each quarter. The classroom discussions and activities will be richer and provide more insight  if the material has been read before class begins.

I also strongly recommend that each student obtain another student’s phone number so that if he/she misses a class, he/she is able to find out before returning to English the assignments that are due. Regular attendance is mandatory for success in this class. Habitual absences and/or tardiness will affect your grade and your involvement in this class.

Please sign your name indicating you have read and understood the class guidelines and have your parent (parents) or guardian sign it. Please return only the signed sheet byFriday; retain the guidelines for future reference.

Bible as Literature Reading Schedule