Reynoldsburg High School, 2006-2007
Instructor’s Name: Todd Alexander Prerequisite: English 11 Enriched with an A/B average or an approved Application; or an A/B average in A.P. Language & Composition
Sections: 245-01, 245-02, 245-03 Room#: 3 Credits Toward Graduation: 1
Cell phone number: (614) 832-5035 E-mail Address: talexander@reyn.org
High School Office Phone: (614) 866-6397 (please leave voice mail on my cell #)
Instructor’s Web Page: http://www.oocities.org/motrcyclman
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
Advanced Placement Literature and Composition engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. Writing assignments aim to increase students’ ability to explain clearly and elegantly what they understand about literary works and why they interpret them as they do. Students enrolled in this course are required to take the Advanced Placement exam in May.
Students will be required to purchase paperbacks which will range in cost up to $35. The cost of taking the A.P. exam is approximate $85, to be established by The College Board, usually by the end of September.
ABOUT THE TEACHER
Todd Alexander graduated from Grandview Heights High School in 1983, and the University of Indianapolis in 1987. From 1987 to 1997, Todd had a successful career as a marketing director for two FM radio stations in Indianapolis. In 1998, he taught American History and Economics at Springfield High School in Toledo while beginning work on his Master of Arts degree in English at the University of Toledo. In 2000, he graduated with a 3.97 g.p.a. from the University of Toledo, and began teaching there and at Owens Community College. He completed his licensure to teach high school through a Master’s program at the University of Toledo while teaching college. After returning home in 2002 to Columbus, where both his brothers and their families live, Todd is happy to be in his fifth year teaching English at Reynoldsburg High School.
CURRENT TEXTBOOKS
Provided by Reynoldsburg High School:
The Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces, 7th ed./Vol. 1. W.W. Norton & Co., 1999.
The Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces, 7th ed./Vol. 2. W.W. Norton & Co., 1999.
Elements of Literature, 6th course: English Literature. Holt, Rinehart, 2003.
Texts Provided by You (or your parent/guardian):
There will be additional novels which students will need to purchase, as outlined by the Reynoldsburg Board of Education. Costs will be approximately $35 for all these. It is highly recommended that students keep these texts for future educational and reading purposes. The name, author, approximate price and ISBN numbers of those already selected are:
Title: Author: Price: ISBN#:
Grendel John Gardner $9.85 0679723110
Pride & Prejudice Jane Austen $2.97 1593082010
1984 George Orwell $7.95 0451524934
Based on what authors the students have experienced already and what there is time to accomplish, this list will definitely include others. Parents and students will be notified in writing of the titles as they are selected.
GRADING POLICY:
Grades for each six week period are determined on a percentage basis approximating the scale here:
Papers/Writings 50%
Tests over Readings 25%
Reading Quizzes 15%
Class Participation 10%
Papers will be graded using a scale similar to that of the A.P. Literature & Composition exam, a five point holistic grading scale which is specific enough to permit the student to recognize and correct errors. In addition, students will conference with the instructor at least once during the year regarding their writing and reading habits. Students can also expect to have their work read onto a cassette tape at least one time this year.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS AND PROCEDURES:
Students are required to read as part of their homework and to be prepared to answer questions, both orally and in writing, regarding the reading assignments. Students are expected to attend class daily with their book, something to write on, and something with which to write. Students will be required to maintain a journal at home and in class that will need to include discussions and concerns regarding the day’s reading, vocabulary words, and interpretations and comments regarding the day’s reading.
Students are permitted to leave their seats during group or classroom activities, but otherwise are expected to remain in their seats during class. Restroom facilities are available for use based on the student having their personal identification card from Reynoldsburg High School. Only one pass per classroom is permitted, so only one student at a time may leave the room. No passes will be issued to the restroom during the first ten minutes of class.
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS
Class time will consist of discussion, workshop techniques, and lectures. The instructor may act as a discussion leader using various teaching strategies such as problem-solving discussion, role playing, small group discussion, debate, individual or group presentations, peer evaluation and editing. Multiple multimedia resources will be viewed, heard, and used in class. In-class writing is an integral part of the course, and certain class periods or parts of class periods will be set aside to allow time for responses to be written in class. Ultimately, students learn from the instructor, from one another, and from their experiences in class. Attendance, therefore, is necessary for class comprehension.
GENERAL POLICIES
Attendance is important to your progress, so come on time and be prepared to discuss the assigned reading material. More than 24 absences during the school year will result in automatic failure, as outlined by the Reynoldsburg Board of Education. If you are ill or a family emergency prevents you from attending a class, it is your responsibility to notify the school PRIOR to the missed class and make arrangements to obtain any material or information missed.
Assignments are due on the day specified. At your instructor's discretion, late work may or may not be accepted due to extenuating circumstances, and/or may be subject to a lowered grade.
Participation in class discussions is vital. The variety of comments and questions from all students will make the course fun and productive. Helping to stimulate each other's ideas is always conducive to a positive working environment. Ultimately, we teach each other.
ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE:
If you are in need of additional help, Mr. Alexander has parts of fourth through seventh periods flexible and can adjust to meet with you before or after school as well. Please feel free to ask (I love to conference regarding papers and readings! Literature IS my life!).
PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism -- presenting the ideas or words of another writer as your own -- can happen intentionally or unintentionally. Either way, it is a problem students will want to avoid by familiarizing themselves with the standards and conduct common in the English language. Prior to the first paper, those standards will be reviewed, and students will be expected to document any/all sources appropriately. If a student has trouble determining whether or not a source needs to be cited in their writing, check with your instructor. Plagiarism can lead to serious consequences, including the failure of the assignment. At the college level, failure of the entire course is required for acts of plagiarism. Since this is the equivalent of a college-level course, plagiarism will be dealt with severely.
DISABILITIES
If you have a disability or acquire one, you may be entitled to receive individualized services and/or accommodations intended to assure you an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from this class. To receive more information regarding disabilities, please contact your teacher the first week of school or as soon as possible.
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES:
Feel free to request a parent/teacher conference at any time you have a concern. My schedule is flexible and I am always willing to meet with parents. In addition, parents may visit the classroom at any time simply by letting the main office or myself know when you will be in the building.
The Board of Education has established set times to be published and distributed locally. However, I would be glad to meet with anyone regarding their son or daughter at other times as well. Please call my cell phone at (614) 832-5035 to arrange a meeting.
DISCIPLINE PLAN
Each student is expected to conduct themselves according to the guidelines presented in the Student/Parent Handbook for Reynoldsburg High School. In addition to those guidelines and disciplinary actions, students are expected to act responsibly in class. Failure to act responsibly or to perform according to civil standards will result in:
" First offense, a verbal warning from the teacher.
" Second and third offenses, a detention after school and the parent will be contacted.
" Fourth offense, Wednesday school, and the parent will be contacted to discuss the student's ability to continue in an Advanced Placement course.
" More than four offenses, and it will be necessary for your teacher to meet with you, your administrator and parent in a conference to discuss serious penalties or removal from the Advanced Placement course.
Of course, any offense which is dangerous to a student, teacher, or other person, or which is extremely disruptive to the class will result in the student being immediately removed from the classroom and sent to the Dean of Student's office.
Todd Alexander's
English Support Page