Contemporary+Novels

Contemporary Novels Syllabus Menno High School Mrs. Betsy Knodel, Instructor Fall 2011

Course Description: Students will spend the year reading novels from a variety of time periods and authors using various writing styles. Emphasis will be placed on plot, characterization, setting and theme. Advanced analysis and synthesis of material will focus on the theme and application. Approximately three or four novels per semester will be assigned. Writing assignments and projects will be integrated into the curriculum. Grading: Reading Blog – Create a blog or a log where you the daily reading assignments. These blogs or logs are due every Friday. You should have at least one entry per reading assignment in the blog or log per week. Each blog or log has to be at least 100 words in length in order to get a “B.” Any blog or log that is longer than 125 words will get an “A.” Daily Work – This includes any worksheets, hand outs, or other assignments given by the instructor. Writing to Win journals are also considered daily work. Independent Reading – You should read a book for enjoyment on your own and submit a book review on the wikispace for each book you read. You get an “A” for four reviews, “B” for three reviews, “C” for two reviews, “D” for one review, and an “F” for no reviews. Quizzes – Pop quizzes may be given when the instructor feels they are warranted. Pop quizzes will be given over the information on the reading for the day. Projects/Tests - Any activities in class are considered projects. Some projects will involve students working together to collaborate. Students receive a group grade on those projects as well as an individual grade. Rubrics are given for all projects so the students know what they need to do in order to obtain the grade that they want. Tests are given for some of the novels and will focus on the discussion questions that are reviewed in class.
 * Reading Blog – 25%
 * Daily Work – 15%
 * Independent Reading – 5%
 * Quizzes – 20%
 * Tests/Projects – 35%

Absences: Students are encouraged to get their assignments prior to an absence. Notes for the chapters will be uploaded to the wikispace once notes for the chapter have been completed in class. Students are encouraged to check the wikispace for the lesson plans for the day they missed in order to garner the assignments for that day.