Kenwoodacademy.enschool.org



AFRICAN-AMERICAN LITERATURE / ENGLISH IV

2019-2020

A STUDENT GUIDE TO SUCCESS

Ms. R. Greene ~ 773/535-1380 ~ rlbrady@cps.edu

Mrs. Taylor-Young: gctaylor@cps.edu/ 773.535.1223

COURSE DESCRIPTION/ OBJECTIVE

This course is a survey of African-American Literature through short works, poetry, drama, speeches, letters, and novels. It explores the volume and diversity of the contributions of African-Americans. This journey is chronological: pre-slavery, the antebellum period, and the Reconstruction era, the Harlem Renaissance, the Civil Rights Era, the Black Power and Black Lives Matter Movements. As a result of this course, the student will be able to practice skills that are applicable for a structured school setting and post-high school life. In addition to these conceptual skills, the year will focus on the building of written and communication skills, as well as vocabulary.

PRIMARY TEXTBOOK

See Course Semester outline @

Assessments

Summative Writing assessments and tests will be given at the end of each unit. A variety of formative assessments will also be given throughout the year and include, but are not limited to: quizzes, writing assignments, projects, debates, and presentations. You will be assessed on your understanding of content and your development of strong reading and writing skills.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

Students are expected to bring the following materials to class every day:

• Loose- leaf paper (to be used for assignment submission)

• Spiral notebook (only for this class to house in-class note - not to be shared Two-pocket folder to house graded assignemnts, graphic organizers, loose- leaf paper

• Pens (Blue or black ink pens )NO WORK IN PENCIL WILL BE ACCEPTED)

• Text (where applicable)

• USB Flash Drive 16GB (google.docs)

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

• It is expected that Kenwood High School students turn in all assignments on time, completed in its entirety and of the highest quality.  

• Assignments not completed by the due date are automatically late and deductions will be taken on a percentage of its original value. The teacher will not accept your late work after it has been graded as a class and/or reviewed in class. However, if you have an excused absence, submit it the day you return to school with the assignment. We will work together to create a plan to keep you on task.

• If you miss a class for any reason other than an excused absence (i.e. class cut, tardiness), any work (including quizzes, exams and major projects) due that day will be not be accepted. We should have schedule conference to discuss how to get you back on task.

• Make every minute count- Speak strategically and purposefully

• Positive language = positive outcomes - Be resourceful - Safety first

POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES

• Students who respect classroom expectations will have an opportunity to earn leadership roles in class.

• Students who violate classroom expectations will be receive the following notices:

First Offense: Redirection

Second Offense: Verbal Warning

Third Offense: Studetn-Teacher Personal Conference and Parent Call

Fourth Offense: Parent-Teacher-Student Conference and/or Referral

GRADES AND EXTRA CREDIT

Students’ progress toward mastery of skills will be assessed using a variety of methods. Students will complete inquiry activities, quizzes, exams, classroom discussions, projects, panel discussions and written responses. Each assignment will incorporate one or more of the Common Core State Standard(s) related to the task, as well as the relevant SAT Skills. Extra credit opportunities will be given occassionally. Take advantage of it when it is offered. It is offered to enhance lessons in class and not in exchange for missing work.

HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework in this course is about quality and not quantity. In African-American Lit it is an extension of the day’s class assignment. Student should use this time to review the in-class assignment to recheck comprehension of task given. This course is project-driven some of the performances assessments are dense and will assigned well in-advance of their due date. Working toward completing these tasks may extend beyond class time.

Cell Phone Policy

CELL PHONE USE IN THIS CLASS IS PROHIBITED WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE TEACHER.

ABSENCES

If a student is absent from class for any reason, it is the student’s responsibility to check with me to see what work he or she has missed. Fro student’s with an excused absence time will be alloted to make up any missed work that is applicable to the assignment without penalty. When a student turns in work from a day when he or she was absent, it must include the date of absence at the top of the assignment. If you know that you will be absent in advance please inform me so we can develope a plan to keep you on task. If a student needs help learning new material presented when he or she was absent, please see me at a scheduled time.

STUDENT SUPPORTS

I am available on my prep periods (4th and 5th) to help with course material. Please arrange a time for extra support when necessary.

Grading Policy -Grading categories and their weight are as follows:

|Category |% of grade |Description |

|Formative Assessments |30 |Class assignments and activities, informal writing and collaborative activities. |

|Summative Assessments |40 |Quizzes, exams, projects and formal writing assignments |

|Participation |25 |Presentations, formal and informal discussions and appropriate engagement in learning activities |

|Homework |5 |Independent readings and enrichment activities |

Kenwood Academy High School Grading Scale:

100%-90% = A 89%-80% = B 79%-70% = C

69%-60% = D 59%-0 = F

Please note: The African-American Literature/English IV Syllabus is available @

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