Mrs.

Teetor
Wheatmore High School

English II
Syllabus Fall 2018
Course Description
Welcome to English II! We have a very busy, yet exciting semester ahead of us! In tenth
grade, students study literature from around the world; units will focus on literature of a
particular region. Each unit allows for close study of literary works, as well as
consideration of historical and cultural context. The units focus not only on geographical
regions, but also themes and literary forms that pertain to them; this helps students
grasp the relationship between local concerns and universal questions. Shakespeare and
research will also be integrated into the course. Students will showcase their knowledge
and improved skill level on the End of Course state test at the end of the semester. The
English II curriculum is directly aligned with the English Language Arts Common Core
Standards, emphasizing skills in Reading (literature and informational texts), Writing,
Language, as well as Speaking and Listening. The standards are available online:
http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy.
Classroom Environment and Expectations
As a student of Wheatmore High School, you are required to uphold and follow all of the
rules and expectations as stated in the student handbook. It is my expectation that you
attend class each day, arrive on time, and are prepared with the required materials and
assignments. You are to put forth 100% at all times; only quality work will be accepted
in this class.
Homework: Homework assignments are designed to enhance daily activities and
discussion; late work will lose its educational value and serve little purpose, so it is
important that you complete your assignments on time. Homework assignments are
considered late if you have not completed them at the beginning of class. As stated in the
WHS Student Handbook, 30 points will be deducted to all late work; 10 more points will
be deducted for each day after. The assignment will not be accepted after 3 days.
Absences/ Makeup Work: Because of the complexity and pace of the course, it is
imperative that you attend class every day. It is your sole responsibility to obtain your
makeup work and to turn it in within 3 days of your absence(s), as stated in the student
handbook. Makeup work, including tests and other assessments, that is not turned in
within 3 days of your absence(s) will not be scored and will result in a zero.
Readings: If you are absent, it is your sole responsibility to make up any readings that
occurred in class during your absence.
Plagiarism/ Cheating: Plagiarism and/or cheating will not be tolerated. Although some
assignments and/or assessments will be quite difficult, they are for your benefit. The
goal of this course is to develop you into better readers, writers, and thinkers; copying
someone else’s work will not help strengthen these abilities. If you cheat or plagiarize,
you will receive a zero for the assignment and an office referral to administration.
Class Rules and Expectations: All rules in the student handbook must be followed,
including: no electronic devices (unless I have approved it for an activity), be on time, be
prepared, and, most importantly, be respectful to myself and others. Due to the nature
of the course, we will discuss many controversial issues; it is important that everyone
feels comfortable participating in these types of discussions. Respect is a key
element in the success of this class.
Grading
Tests 40%
Quizzes 30%
Classwork 20%
Homework 10%

Materials
3-ring binder (this may be shared with another class)
Loose-leaf paper and/or notebook
Pens
Pencils

Tentative Schedule:
Russian Unit (1 week)
Short Stories:
“How Much Land Does a Man Need?” Tolstoy
“The Bet” Chekov
Critical Reading Strategies (1 week)
Critical Reading Baseline Test
Critical Reading Strategies
Research (1 week)
Finding credible sources, paraphrasing, and developing a Works Cited.
Apartheid and Holocaust research and presentations
African Unit (3 weeks)
● From the Sundiata (epic)
● A Long Way Gone (memoir)
● African Poems
● African Short Stories
● Art Analysis
● Mandela Speech-informational
Holocaust/ Genocide (3-4 weeks)
Background on Holocaust
Night by Elie Weisel (memoir)
Holocaust poem
Compare/Contrast with A Long Way Gone
Shakespeare Unit (2 weeks)
Much Ado About Nothing (play)
Asian Unit (2 weeks)
Study of Hinduism and Buddhism
Poetry
Indian Fables
Review for EOC (1-2 weeks)

Please let me know if you have any questions. My email address is

mteetor@randolph.k12.nc.us.