Course Syllabus
Honors English, Grade 10
2013-2014
Instructor:
Nathan Vrona
Classroom: E218
3700 South Arizona Avenue
Chandler, Arizona 85248
480.883.5202
Office Hours in E218
3:10-4:00 Monday and Wednesday and
by appointment
Phone:
E-mail
Vrona.Nathan@cusd80.com
TEXTS:
Interactive Reader: Critical Analysis Great Source Education Group. 2000.
Literature. McDougal Littell 2009.
The Lively Art of Writing. Lucile Vaughan Payne.
Writers Inc. Great Source Education Group. 2008.
Self-selected books
DESCRIPTION:
This is a rigorous pre-AP class, which focuses on developing strong reading comprehension and writing
skills. Through exposure to diverse texts, students will analyze the writing of various authors; write in a
variety of genres; read, analyze, and synthesize pre-selected and self-selected works of fiction and nonfiction, poetry, and drama; and analyze different artistic mediums.
GOALS:
1. Students will comprehensively read and analyze diverse literary genres.
2. Students will write in a variety of formats for diverse audiences and purposes.
3. Students will compose essays that demonstrate understanding of a writing prompt,
exploration of an idea, mastery of English grammar, and writing skills and style, using
appropriate grammar and writing style.
4. Students will synthesize information from a variety of texts, both print and non-print.
5. Students will take the PSAT Exam.
6. Students will “exceed” the AZ State Standards as measured by AIMS.
REQUIREMENTS:
-Students must be self-motivated, possess strong reading and writing skills, and participate in class
discussion and activities.
-Students must do their part in helping to create a classroom environment that promotes learning. This
includes, but is not limited to, arriving on time, showing respect for everyone in class, doing your own
work, and keeping the classroom a place that is safe and free from ridicule.
-Students will be required to complete assignments and honor due dates.
SUPPLIES: Two-Pocket Notebook with metal fastener, blue and/or black pens, #2 pencils, three
highlighters: yellow, pink, and green; college-ruled lined paper; flash drive.
EVALUATION:
Portfolio / Essays
Practice / Homework
Summative Assessment
Formative/Quizzes
35%
15%
35%
15%
FINALS
Quarter One – 40%
Quarter Two – 40%
Final Exam (no final exemption) – 20%
Course Syllabus (cont.)
Quarter One Essential Questions for Discussion: What is a tragic hero? Can a hero be human?
Where do we find tragic heroes in literature and life? When is sacrifice necessary? When does ambition
lead to tragedy? What should be a government’s role in society? What is the role of a leader? What
makes an effective leader? A dangerous leader? A worthwhile leader? What happens when members of
a society are at odds with the rulers of that society?
Quarter One
Academic
Vocabulary;
Literary
Vocabulary;
Grammar and
usage
Reading
Writing
Summer Read: The Outliers
Drama: Antigone; Julius Caesar
Novel: A Tale of Two Cities
Poetry / Short Stories / Essays / Text Excerpts
Elements of Literature/Terms
Tragedy and the Tragic Hero
Archetypes
Historical and Cultural Aspects of Literature





6-Traits: Ideas/Content,
Organization, Word Choice,
Sentence Fluency, Voice,
Creative Conventions
Narrative
Research
Expository
Persuasion / Argument
Essential Questions of Learning: What is critical reading? How do I achieve a level of critical and
analytical reading? What is effective writing and how is it achieved?
Quarter Two Essential Questions: Are humans basically good or evil? Is survival a matter of chance?
What is the relationship between our actions and the consequences of those actions? What is our
responsibility to ourselves, others, our country, and the world? How do pride, jealousy, revenge, and/or
loyalty affect our choices? How does society’s view of others impact our own view of others? What is the
price of knowledge? When does knowledge become dangerous? What is a monster?
Quarter Two
Academic
Vocabulary;
Literary
Vocabulary;
Grammar and
usage
Reading
Writing
Drama: Othello
Novel: The Count of Monte Cristo or Frankenstein
Poetry / Short Stories / Essays / Text Excerpts
Elements of Literature/Terms
Historical and Cultural Aspects of Literature
Research

6-Traits: Ideas/Content,
Organization, Word Choice,
Sentence Fluency, Voice,
Creative Conventions
 Narrative
 Research
 Expository
 Persuasion / Argument
Essential Questions of Learning: How do I apply critical reading strategies to complex text in order to
enhance understanding? How do I successfully incorporate the six traits into powerful writing?
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Course Syllabus (cont.)
Quarter Three Essential Questions for Discussion: On what basis should we judge others? What is
the American Dream? When is crime justified? What are the qualities of a friend? What is the difference
between the letter of the law and the spirit of the law? Why are laws essential to a just government?
Quarter Three
Academic
Vocabulary;
Literary
Vocabulary;
Grammar and
usage
Reading
Writing
Novel: Of Mice and Men
Drama: Trifles
Functional Text
Poetry / Short Stories / Essays / Text Excerpts
Elements of Literature/Terms
Historical and Cultural Aspects of Literature





6-Traits: Ideas/Content,
Organization, Word Choice,
Sentence Fluency, Voice,
Creative Conventions
Narrative
Research
Expository
Persuasion / Argument
Essential Questions of Learning: How do I synthesize information from complex texts in order to
extend understanding and make connections? How do I successfully analyze the style of other writers
to improve my own writing?
Quarter Four Essential Questions: What is a hero? What is the role of a tragic hero in literature? What
is a functional family? What is our responsibility to our family? What is our role within our family? How
does family shape who we become? Can people live in isolation?
Quarter Four
Academic
Vocabulary;
Literary
Vocabulary;
Grammar and
usage
Reading
Writing
Novel: The Book Thief
Drama: Death of a Salesman; Glass Menagerie;
Elements of Literature
Poetry / Short Stories / Essays
Rhetorical techniques





FIDDS / DIDLS – figurative
language, imagery, detail,
diction, and syntax
Narrative
Research
Expository
Persuasion
Essential Questions of Learning: How do I critically analyze texts for author’s purpose and use of
rhetorical devices? How do I successfully incorporate rhetorical devices to establish creditability and
unique voice as a writer?
In order to be an active member in a literate society, you will be given ample opportunities to read and
discuss great literature. One of these opportunities comes in the form of reading a self-selected book
each quarter, assigned over each break. Happy reading!
Disclaimer:
This syllabus is subject to change.
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