Honors English 3-4

							                              Honors English 3-4
                                   Sylvia James
                    sjames2@sandi.net, 619-525-7455 ext. 4852
                               Home (619) 583-8281
               Office Hours in Room 852: Monday-Thursday, 11:05–11:35

Philosophy
“Education either functions as an instrument which Is used to facilitate integration of
the younger generation into the logic of the present system and bring about
conformity or it becomes the practice of freedom, the means by which men and women
deal critically and creatively with reality and discover how to participate in the
transformation of their world.”
Together, we will create meaning from the words of Paolo Freire by answering the basic
IB question—So What?

Course Texts
Anthology and various novels listed on separate page.

Course Description
This advanced English course engages college-bound sophomores in the careful reading
and critical analysis of classic and contemporary World literature. Through the active
reading of a rigorous selection of texts, students will deepen their understanding of the
ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers.
Writing assignments focus on the critical analysis of literature, including expository,
analytical, and argumentative essays. Toward that end, writing instruction focuses on
developing coherence, unity, precision, structure, and stylistic maturity.

By the end of this course, students will be able to analyze various elements of Greek,
Elizabethan, and Modern drama; analyze various elements of other literary genre, such as
epic and lyric poetry, short fiction and non-fiction, satire, novels, and essays.

Course Level Outcomes and Assessments
Students will read, reflect upon, analyze, and discuss a variety of literature; assessments
include journal entries, timed essays, group and individual participation and
presentations. Students will write for a variety of purposes; assessments will include
essays, expository, narrative, persuasive, analytical and creative compositions. Students
will apply writing conventions in formal and informal compositions; writing is assessed
for conventions, sentence complexity, standard usage and mechanics. Students will
practice using the format, rhetorical strategies, and style of IB/PSAT tests, both multiple
choice questions and essay prompts, and will be assessed through practice scoring essays.
Embracing Our International Focus
A myriad of readings will provide students with an opportunity to study cultures and
philosophies. Works in translation will be studied.

School Theme: Environment
Through the analysis of non-fiction pieces that focus on the environment, students will
explore issues that affect their lives.

Standards
Honors English (Advanced/Pre-IB, MYP) standards meet or exceed the
English/Language Arts standards established by the state of California.

Grades
A formal points system will be posted on WebGrade. Final grades will comprise of
homework, writing assignments, oral presentations, tests, projects, and discussions.
Progress reports will be issued every six weeks

Classroom Expectations
In reality, I could list a set of rules and expectations here, but community rules and norms
tend to evolve over time. There are a few points that are not negotiable:
Tolerance. Recognizing that other people have different values, beliefs, appearance and
desires is a hallmark of maturity. I will not tolerate language or actions that exclude or
demean.
Plagiarism. If you plagiarize an assignment, you will receive a zero. If you plagiarize
twice, you will receive a failing grade for the semester. If you are confused about what
constitutes plagiarism, please ask or check the handbook.
Class Attendance. Coming to class is an excellent idea. Attending my class means being
physically and mentally present—be involved! Please be on time. Failure to do so will
lead to dire circumstances.

Literary Works
Classical Foundations
Central Work(s): Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, The Deserted Crone by Zeami, Book VII of
The Republic by Plato, passages from The Ramayana, passages from the Bible, and passages from the
Quaran.
Isolation & Solitude
Central Work(s): Poetry of the Harlem Renaissance
The Unexamined Life
Central Work(s): Intruder in the Dust by William Faulkner, and Othello by William
Shakespeare
Transformations
Central Work(s): passages from The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, Short Stories
Inner Conflicts
Central Work(s): Of Love and Other Demons by Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Tess of the
D’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
Perspectives at Odds
Central Work(s) Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
The Journey Inward
Central Work(s): passages from The Inferno and Haroun and the Sea of Stories by
Salman Rushdie