AICE General Paper Course Syllabus 2013-2014 Ms. Kolshak Course Description This course promotes the skills of rational thought, persuasion, analysis, interpretation, and evaluation. It encourages the exploration and appraisal of social, cultural, economic, philosophical, scientific, and technological issues. Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of individual, social, and cultural diversity as well as maturity of thought and clarity of expression both verbally and in writing. Through the reading of world literature, outside novels and works, and current media reports, students will develop critical reading and analysis skills. Textbooks and Supplemental Reading Material Textbooks World Masterpieces (issued), Elements of Language (Fourth Course), Vocabulary from Latin and Greek Roots (purchase) Supplemental Materials Four supplementary novels will be required reading for each semester. UpFront Magazine articles will also be read, analyzed, and discussed regularly. Required Daily Supplies English binder with paper, blue or black ink pen, 2 pencil, highlighters, note cards, and novel need to be brought daily. Issued textbooks may stay home as a class set will be used. Semester One Literature Diverse literature from the ancient world and from modern time will be covered. Outside reading I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced by Nujood Ali Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck Unwind by Neal Shusterman Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury UpFront Magazine articles will also be read, analyzed, and discussed regularly. In class play Oedipus by Sophocles Grammar Advanced grammatical skills that include, but are not limited to, sentence structure, agreement, commas with phrases and clauses, quotation marks, word choice, parallel structure, and subordination and coordination will be studied. Composition Major writing projects, writing under pressure, expository and persuasive writing, the narrative process, and literary analysis will be practiced. Students will respond to articles in each issue of UpFront Magazine in a writing activity. Essays written at home must be typed using MLA format. Vocabulary Words in context, selected SAT vocabulary, synonyms, prefixes, suffixes, and roots, will be learned through literary exposure, use of the vocabulary workbook, and creative writing. Semester Two Literature Diverse literature from the ancient world and from modern time will be covered. Outside Reading The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher Alas Babylon by Pat Frank Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen UpFront Magazine articles will also be read, analyzed, and discussed regularly. In class play Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare Grammar, Composition and Vocabulary will continue to be taught and evaluated throughout second semester. English Notebook Your binder is your method of organization in this class. Your notebook must be a three-ring binder with pockets and dividers for handouts and notes. Binder/warm-up checks will be conducted sporadically please come prepared and complete all assigned tasks. The assignment needs to be unwrinkled and neat. Please see attached handout on binder requirements. Grading Policy Late work is only accepted with an excused absence. An AB in GradeQuick indicates that a student was absent/excused and may make up the work. The AB does affect the students grade in the same