British Literature and Composition (English 7H/8H) is a 2-semester course for academically talented students that leads to an understanding of our heritage through a study of British literature and the great books of the world. College preparation and essay writing are emphasized.

This course meets the University of California "b" and "g" requirements.

MATERIALS

Students are expected to bring required materials to class every day. By bringing the required materials, you are setting yourself up for success!

GRADING CRITERIA

All work is due at the VERY beginning of the period (unless otherwise noted). Attach a late homework form to all late work. You have the same number of days to make up work as you were out. It is your responsibility to make arrangements with me for quiz/test make up. If you have a question about your grade, please set up a time with me after class, during lunch, or before school. I do not discuss grades during class time.

Grade Scale

(top and bottom two are + or -). 100-90% = A, 89-80% = B, 79-70% = C, 69-60% = D, 59-0% = F.

Grade Weights

Essays/Projects = 40%, Tests/Quizzes = 30%, Final = 10%, Classwork/Homework = 20%.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Acts of academic dishonesty will NOT be tolerated.

Identical/nearly identical work will result in loss of credit for both students.

The definition of Academic Dishontest Behavior includes, but is not limited to:

• Cheating on any tests: any giving or use of external assistance relating to an examination, test, or quiz without express permission by the teacher.
• Fabrication: any falsification or invention of data, citation, or other authority in an academic exercise.
• Unauthorized collaboration: collaboration on an assignment between a student and another person, if such collaboration is not permitted.
• Plagiarism: any use of another's ideas, words, or work as one's own. Plagiarism includes misuse of published material and the work of other students, as well as unintentional failure to quote or credit sources, due to careless handling of notes.

1st offense: Zero credit, no make-up on assignment

2nd offense: Final course grade of "F" and "academic dishonesty" notation on discipline record

3rd offense: Return to school of origin

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

By the time you get to high school, you have had a lot of school experience and should know how to behave in a classroom situation. You should have the ability to self-monitor and control your actions and will be expected to do so in class.

REMEMBER:

1. Be Polite
2. Be Prepared
3. Be Positive
4. Be Punctual

Cell phones must be off, not in vibrate or courtesy mode during class. In case of emergency, family members should contact the GMCHS office and NOT the student's cell phone. Laptops are permitted only for taking notes and other educational activities that have been assigned.

First offense: cell phone/laptop confiscated; student retrieves at the end of the day

Second offense: cell phone/laptop confiscated, parent retrieves

CONTENT OVERVIEW

Please note this is an overview only. Content covered in this course may include, but is not limited to the following:

Major Works: Beowulf, The Hobbit, Caterbury Tales, Othello, Hamlet, Pygmalion, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. In addition, we will cover a wide variety of short stories, poetry and nonfiction.

Composition: Expository, Narrative, Research, Poetry, Vocabulary Development, Mythological and Biblical Allusions, Words in Context

Projects:  Chaucer's Tales (presentation), British Author (presentation), Senior Exhibition (Presentation)