course_syllabus

							  VERNON HILLS HIGH SCHOOL
     Freshman Literature and
     Composition
     Course Syllabus
                                          Mr. Cortez
                                   avelino.cortez@d128.org
                                   (847) 932-2500 ext. 8662

Course Description
Welcome to Freshman English! This course will offer ample opportunities to improve your
reading, writing, speaking, and thinking skills. The focus will be on thinking critically,
expressing ideas, and defending those expressions. We will explore the world, both within
literature and outside it. I hope the contents of this course will become interesting and
meaningful to you and will help you grow as readers, writers, and thinkers.

Course Objectives
    We will work to improve our studying, organizational, and note-taking strategies.
    We will practice and hone our reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.
    We will become familiar with a variety of reading and writing genres.
    We will find ways to make the content relevant in our own lives.

Required Materials
    Current text (purchased from the school library prior to each unit)
    Binder with 5 partitions
    College ruled loose-leaf paper
    Black/blue/red pen
    SSR Book

Course Outline
    Memoir Unit
    Short Story Unit
    Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck
    Greek Mythology
    Lord of the Flies, by William Golding*
    “Twelve Angry Men”
    Romeo and Juliet*
    The Five People You Meet in Heaven, by Mitch Albom*
    Literature Circle Unit (students select text)*
*Denotes texts that students will purchase through the library. Before the start of each unit, there
will be a week-long window during which students may purchase the required text at the library.
They may bring cash or a check made out to “Vernon Hills High School”. Students unable to
purchase a book may qualify for a voucher. Please talk to me or your counselor for more
information.

Course Expectations
Assessment Policy
    To get the most out of this class, it is essential that you turn in homework assignments on
       time. As such, homework may be turned in late for half-credit. You have until the end of
       the unit to do so, though this practice is not recommended—for your sake.
    Completion of all writing assignments and projects is necessary for a passing grade in the
       class. Late writing assignments and projects will receive a deduction of one letter grade
       per day up to four days. After four days, no more than a 50% will be awarded for the
       completed papers and projects. If a child has a scheduled excused absence


Dear Parents,

       I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Avelino Cortez,

and I will be your son or daughter’s junior English teacher. It is sure to be another exciting year

at Vernon Hills High School, and I look forward to working with your child on a daily basis. I

expect my students to put forth their best efforts, and I invite you to expect the same from me.

       Central to every course are its goals. In this syllabus, I have laid out the course outline

along with the classroom expectations. Please look over the document and feel free to contact

me with any questions or concerns you may have. Working together, I am sure we will tap into

your child’s limitless potential and produce a successful year.

       Also, please note in the course outline that students are required to buy a number of texts

throughout the year. Those works will be made available at the school library for a reasonable

price and should be purchased individually before each unit when informed to do so. Students

who have difficulty purchasing a novel may talk to me or their school counselor to receive a
voucher for the required text. Again, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or

concerns.

       Thank you, once more, for reviewing these materials and for your support as your son or

daughter takes one more step towards graduation.

Sincerely,

Avelino Cortez




We have read and understand the expectations for this course.




Student’s Name                               Student’s Signature                          Date




Parent’s Name                                Parent’s Signature                           Date

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