Matteo+Reneiro

T English Literature & Composition Syllabus 2008-2009 Mr. Reniero (rainy-arrow) 608-848-6839 (voicemail) matteoreniero@yahoo.com

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” Benjamin Franklin


 * Course Description**:

English 11 is a semester-long course on world literature that challenges students’ reading and analytical skills with texts from other literary traditions. We will read classic works from such authors as Boccaccio (one of the sources of inspiration for Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales), Michelangelo, Baudelaire, Hauptmann, Kafka, Pirandello, and Brecht. The students will concentrate their critical efforts on unveiling the authors’ perception of reality and their portrayal of humans in relation to their surroundings (whether physical or psychological). The course is designed to foster the love of inquiry and to stimulate and promote the development of higher thinking skills in students. Students will do so in a variety of ways: through group work, individual writing (papers, reflective journal with quotes from the texts themselves). Students will also be responsible for an individual, final project that requires research and the use of internet resources. This assignment will help them develop, work on, and refine their critical writing skills, as well as their ability to critically discuss literary works within the appropriate historical background.


 * What I Expect of Students:**

I expect students to regularly attend class, to complete and turn in homework in a timely fashion. I also expect students to work with me and one another cooperatively as well as to come to class prepared to share ideas, reflections, and opinions in a democratic process of discussion. Needless to say, I expect students to do so in a mutually respectful and democratic fashion.


 * What Students Should Expect of Me:**

Students should expect me to conduct myself with humanity but also with the utmost professionalism. Hence, they should always expect me to treat them with respect, to show dedication and commitment while assisting them in and facilitating their learning process. In other words, students should expect me to come to class timely and prepared to “teach”. They should also expect me to use fairness and to be unbiased when assessing their academic progress or when addressing their individual and unique learning needs.


 * Attendance Policy:**

While regular attendance (and class participation along with it) is required of all students, it is also true that emergencies can occur. Hence, it is my habit to deal with absences and tardiness on an individual basis. I would like to stress, however, that a consistent presence in the classroom can only boost a student’s grade, because it results in increased class participation and the ability to contribute to classroom discussion. Assignments are due on the date noted, unless otherwise arranged in case of a student’s justified absence. In all other cases, late work rules shall apply.


 * Late Work Policy:**

Homework is due at the beginning of the hour unless otherwise noted. Four percentage points will be deducted for every day a certain assignment is late. For every week the assignment is late, one grade will be deducted (A+  à A, A  à  A-, A-  à  B+, etc.). As already specified under “attendance policy”, however, I reserve the right to be flexible in applying this policy, based on the existence of valid extenuating circumstances.


 * Classroom Behavior and Attitude**

The following behaviors promote a climate of cooperation and mutual respect and foster an environment conducive to learning; hence they are expected of all students:

·  Effective, productive, meaningful, and mutually respectful communication; ·  Orderly transition in or out of class; ·  Alert postures and feet on the ground; ·  Behavior that is considerate of others;

NOTE: Please no gum, soda, or electronic devices in the classroom.


 * Required Materials and Supplies:**

- Blue or black pens (no other colors please) - Loose paper or a journal with perforated edges to use for assignments - Assigned textbook or reading material - Flexibility, open mind, and willingness to do the work.

Please note: studies show that a good night sleep can help with alertness and increased ability to concentrate.

Grading Scale:

A+ 98-100 C+ 77-79 A 93-97 C 73-76 A- 90-92  C- 70-72 B+ 87-89 D+ 67-69 B 83-86 D 63-66 B- 80-82  D- 60-62 F Below 60

Each assignment is given a point value. In general, the more engaging and time consuming the assignment, the more points assigned. Final percentages are determined by the number of points a student has divided by the total number of points available during the semester. Each quarter is worth 40%, with the semester exam worth 20% of the final semester grade.


 * Bathroom Policy**:

Simply put, be responsible and mature and you will be treated as such. If you have to go, just take the pass and go.


 * Plagiarism:**

Plagiarism, the intentional or unintentional copying of an author’s original work, is absolutely unacceptable in any form. I expect your work to truly and authentically represent your thinking process and critical work.
 * Please see student handbook for Academic Honesty policy.


 * Finally**

I am really excited to have you in my class. I enjoy “learning” with young adults like you, who share a love for the letters. To all of you parents: I truly look forward to working in partnership with you, to ensure your children’s academic path to excellence! Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions or concerns.

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Please sign this portion of the letter, detach it, and return it to me by Friday, September 7, 2008 to make sure you’ve read it and agree with what is written.

Student Name (Please Print) Parent/Guardian Signature Date_

I would also like your email address to use on an AP parent listserv. This will be used to send out periodic (about once a month) newsletter-type reminders about what we’re doing in class, important dates, and general comments. I will not use this listserv to discuss particular students, and your individual emails will not be included when I send out group emails. Thank You! Include me on the listserv. My e-mail is _. Phone # __ (note: Please tell me if this is the preferred manner to contact you. Otherwise, I will use email ype in the content of your new page here.