Course Syllabus

Hello students and parents! 

I'm Casey Zvanut (zuh VAN it) but you can call me Mrs. Z if that's easier. I've been an educator here in Union County for 24 years. I've taught just about every grade and level in that time, and I'm so excited to be working with you this semester!

English I is largely considered a "survey course" in which students concentrated on different genres, such as the epic, the drama, the short story, etc. English II is considered a "world literature" course where we build on the skills in the 9-10 band of the standard course of study, but with a view of exploring world texts. In other words, we examine and compare perspectives from around the world through various pieces of literature in a variety of genres. After English II, students move into "American Lit" and finally "British Lit." 

Please peruse the standards for English II on this document. 

English II Honors Syllabus

“That is part of the beauty of all literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you’re not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong.”  ~F. Scott Fitzgerald

Course Overview and Expectations

In this course, students will carefully read and critically analyze works of world literature to provide a foundation for their education. Through these readings, students will learn how an author creates meaning and enjoyment for the reader. As they read, students should consider a work’s structure, style, and themes as well as the elements of literature, such as tone, diction, symbolism, and imagery, used by the author.  Students will engage in class discussions and written responses throughout the semester.

Materials

• Chromebook
• 3 ring binder w/ loose leaf paper
• Folder for handouts
• Pens and pencils
• A brain that thinks original thoughts!!!

Grading Breakdown

• Practice Items - Mostly classwork; about 10-25 points per assignment
• Comprehension - Quizzes and tests; 30 - 80 points per assignment
• Published Works - Papers and Projects; 100+ points per assignment

Extra credit 

• Offered periodically as an extra part of a given assignment or hidden in class notes or on the Canvas page. Points earned are added to assignments within the term. There is no extra credit offered to individuals or by student request.

Absence & Late Work Policies

BOE Policy 4-1c states that students have two days for every day absent to make up missed work in a class. This is how that works: 

• You miss Tuesday, and we do an in-class worksheet. You return to class Wednesday and receive the worksheet. The completed worksheet is due by the beginning of class Friday.
• There is an announced test on Thursday. You are aware of the test throughout the week. You are absent Thursday. You will take the test on Friday when you return to class. Work done in class while you are making up the test can be completed on your own time, and you will have 2 days to make it up. Weekends do not count. 
• Late assignments are penalized 5% per day it is late, with the lowest late penalty grade being a 60%. If you turn in work missed for an absence, late penalties are waived as long as the work is turned in during the make up window. 

 Canvas Navigation and Daily Breakdown

From the home page, you will navigate to the appropriate month and work from the calendar page for that month. Each day contains an overview of activities and links to resources / assignments. I may plan out the week in advance, but please do not try to complete assignments early, as they may change or be dropped or moved depending on many, MANY factors. 

Classroom & School Rules

• You are tardy if you are not in the classroom when the bell rings. This includes a bathroom run after you have dropped your stuff at your desk. We will follow the student handbook procedure for tardies. 
• You are absent if you miss 15 or more minutes of class. 
• Phones should remain in your bags and you should not be using earbuds in class unless we are doing sustained individual work (like drafting an essay) . If you persist in trying to use your phone or listen to music when not sanctioned, I will take your device and hold it until the end of class. 
• Cheating and plagiarism (using a person's words or ideas without giving proper credit) will result in a zero for the assignment and an office referral. Using AI improperly is a violation of our honor code. 
• Refusal to follow classroom rules will result in an office referral. 
• Only one person can go to the bathroom at a time. You must complete the bathroom pass form before you can go. 

EOC Overview

This course has a state final exam. The EOC for English II consists of 60 questions. These include multiple choice, technology enhanced questions, and constructed response questions. 

Students officially have 150 minutes to complete the exam, but in reality, they have up to 4 full hours to take it. To prepare for this exam, we will do some EOC-style questions as part of daily drills, and we will work on constructed response writing throughout the semester. 

Units of Study

1. Short Story collection - reviewing lit terms & establishing my expectations for analyzing literature
2. Antigone - Covering elements of tragedy & the concept of justice
3. Fahrenheit 451 - Understanding historical and social context and its influence on art; Looking at the conflict between conformity and diversity; Analyzing imagery
4. Night - The structure of memoir and personal narrative; Research human rights violations around the world; Analyzing motif
5. Much Ado About Nothing - The structure of comedy; Analyze characterization
6. Poetry Collection - Examining structure, poetic devices, how to analyze poetry