Language Arts 4 - College Prep (Period 1)

CLASS INFORMATION

Teacher: Ms. Tara Filowitz          Email: [email protected]   

Room: 501                                         Phone: (714) 996-4970 ext. 10501

Period: 1 & 3                                    Class Website: https://filowitzla4.edublogs.org

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Welcome to the fourth and final year of Language Arts! The fourth and final required language arts course, this college preparatory class combines the study of literature and pre-college skills with analysis and other communication skills.  Course content and assignments will encompass the California English Language Arts Common Core Standards.

This course will cover the study of plays, vocabulary, literature analysis, composition and writing, analysis of media and technology, along with research methods and study skills. The aim of this course is to equip students with the writing, reading, listening, and speaking skills they will need to be successful beyond high school.

COURSE OUTLINE

1. Writing: The major focus of composition at this level is the Senior Thesis: a 5-7 page research paper using analytical and persuasive techniques to discuss a current issue. In addition, students will be writing in-class essays regularly. 
2. Literature: The major works studied by seniors include, but are not limited to:

III. Vocabulary:  Students will receive a new vocabulary list every week and be tested on the words the following week, unless otherwise stated.  Cumulative exams will be given every 5 weeks and students have ONE WEEK to make up a missed exam.

CLASSROOM RULES/POLICIES

1. Class will adhere to all school-wide standards listed in the Valencia High School Student Handbook.
2. Students will adhere to “The Do’s and Don’ts of Ms. Filowitz’s Classroom” – all classroom rules, policies, and procedures explained (in detail).
3. I ask that students please consider the classroom a sacred space where personal drama and conflict be left at the door. In our learning environment, students will respect each other and the space.

ADDITIONAL REMINDERS

We will analyze diverse works of world literature, focusing on literary devices, criticism, and conventions as we relate themes of literature to our lives and society.

We will demonstrate the ability to think critically in preparation for college and the world of work through writing, discussions, cooperative learning, internet research, and presentations.

Students are expected to adhere to all school policies and procedures, which will be strictly enforced.  Classroom rules are designed to create a positive learning environment for all students. 

1. No Cell Phones or Electronic Devices
2. Dress Appropriately (I keep the classroom COLD)
3. No Bullying – students must feel comfortable and safe is they are going to be able to learn and grow. Everyone will be respected.

If you are dissatisfied with something in the class make it a point to talk to the teacher privately about it at an opportune moment rather than argue or complain.  Anyone can whine, but leaders initiate change – I am open to allowing you to be leaders, however the class must have structure and constant backtalk distracts from the content. 

GRADING

Final Grade:       90-100% A

                                80-89%   B

                                70-79%   C

                                60-69%   D

All assignments will be graded on a point value system established by Ms. Filowitz. Long term assignments will have the point values outlined prior to students starting the assignment.

CLASSWORK/HOMEWORK POLICIES

1. All assignments must be in black or blue ink and neat, legible, and clean. Assignments must also  include the proper MLA heading in the upper left-hand corner:

Student (Student’s full name)

Ms. Filowitz (Teacher’s name)

Language Arts 4  Period # (Class and Period)

2 September 2015 (Date)

*NOTE: THIS FORMAT MUST BE FOLLOWED EXACTLY! Use the sheet I give you for reference. 

2. VHS plagiarism policy will be strictly enforced (see Student Handbook).

3. Make-up work can be submitted upon student’s return to school. Late work will be accepted within the parameters specified by the teacher per each assignment, and only for partial credit. Students who are absent must be proactive about obtaining the work they have missed – ideally, checking the class website prior to returning to class.  Students who feel they have extenuating circumstances (extended illness, illness/death of a family member, etc.)  are encouraged to see me before the assignment is due – I am often able to accommodate requests, as long as they are not presented last-minute.  Students who will be missing school due to school business/field trips and were told due dates for assignments MUST TURN in assignments the day they are due to receive full credit – this can be done via email, turning in work before school, or giving work to a friend who will be in class to turn in for you.  All assignments are due at the very beginning of class.

*NOTE: Assignments emailed to Ms. Filowitz AFTER the period in which the assignment is due, will be considered LATE.

*NOTE: If students are having printing issues, they should email me the final copy of their work. As long I receive an email, the assignment is still considered on-time. Students will still need to print out a hard copy of their assignment and can do so using the school library if their home printer is not working.

4. Students should expect daily homework. There will be some weekend and/or long-range assignments, but these will be limited and students will be given ample notice.

MATERIALS NEEDED

• Language Arts BINDER (or section in a binder)
• Pencils/pens (BLUE/BLACK INK ONLY!)
• College-ruled, spiral notebook 
• Highlighters – various colors 

** This is a language arts class, you will be writing and reading EVERY DAY. Please come prepared with paper, writing instrument, and your copy of the text we are studying.

ACADEMIC HONESTY

Plagiarism, the use of another's ideas or words without properly crediting your source is unethical, academically dishonest, and illegal.  In many colleges, plagiarism can result in a student being expelled from school.  Be certain that you know what constitutes plagiarism.  It will not be tolerated in this class and will result in an automatic zero (0) on the applicable assignment.  The penalty for plagiarism is an automatic “zero.” This applies to all work submitted in-class, work done at home, and independent reading.

Assessment Rules & Procedures

• No talking at any time (even after test has been completed)
• No wandering eyes
• No restroom breaks (during quizzes/tests of course)
• Cell phones face-down on desk

Students will earn an automatic zero (0) if classroom procedure is not followed.