The document outlines the 12th-grade English syllabus at the American International School in Cyprus for the academic year 2010-2011, focusing on presentation skills, literature analysis, and writing composition. Students will engage in a variety of literary analyses, produce major research papers, and develop essential language and presentation skills. The grading policy and expectations emphasize participation, timely submission of assignments, and adherence to academic integrity standards.

1. The American International School in Cyprus
PO Box 23847 - 11 Kassos Street - 1686 Nicosia, CYPRUS - Phone 357•22316345 - Fax 357•22316549Mr.
Walid Abushakra, Superintendent Ms. Michelle Kleiss, Director
Senior English Syllabus and Course Information
Troy White, Room 114
Academic Year 2010-2011
Grade 12 Focus: Presentation Skills, British and World Literature, Informational and
Expository Papers
The 12th grade student will use organizational skills, audience awareness, appropriate
vocabulary and grammar and both verbal and non verbal presentation skill to plan
and deliver a 5 to 10 minute oral presentation. The student will analyze British World
Literature and literature of other cultures, with attention to many classic works. Writing
will include the production of informational and expository papers, which are
organized logically and contain clear accurate ideas. Students will also produce a
well documented major research paper, using a standard method of documentation.
Students will demonstrate knowledge of grammatical conventions through writing,
editing and speaking.
Essential Questions
How can I implement language to think and communicate more effectively?
How can I become a strong independent reader?
How can I use a variety of writing styles to express myself in a multitude of
scenarios?
What reading tools do successful readers use in order to comprehend a text?
What are the necessary skills and attitudes that will allow for success in the superior
grades and IB A1 English?
Overview of Texts
Novel Study Film and Visual Arts Study
Keyes, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Cormac McCarthy, The Road
George Orwell, 1984
Elie Wiesel, Night
Drama Study Technical Writing/Research
The History Boys College Applications
Beckett, Waiting for Godot
Poetry Study
British and World Poets
Grading Policy
10 % Homework
10% Independent Reading
10% Participation
40% Test/Project/MWA see PWL
15% Writing Process
15% Quizzes
Grade Breakdown
Writing
- Personal Response
- Critical Analytical Writing
Fully Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Member of the International Baccalaureate Organization – Geneva, Switzerland

2. - Technical Writing
- Research Report
Oral Language
- Presentations
- Poetry Recital
- Dramas
Final Exam: There will be a comprehensive final exam each semester. Exams count for 20%
of the student’s culminating semester grade.
Terms for Assignments: All assignments are due on the due dates specified in class.
When students have an EXCUSABLE absence they will have one school day to submit the
late work without any penalty. Such make-ups will only be initiated at the request of the
student.
Late work: Work submitted after the specified due date will accepted at a reduction of
one grade level per class session.
Expectations:
- Attend each class session
- Come prepared to class; bring your required materials
- Demonstrate and embody the AISC learner profile
 Respect the rights of others- Treat everyone fairly and with dignity
 Always act in an honest manner
 Demonstrate and foster a high level of international mindedness
 Challenge yourself daily and employ critical thinking
- Fully participate in class
 Ask clarifying questions
 Respect differences of opinion
 Ensure that all voices are heard
 Never be confrontational- respectfully challenge ideas
 Encourage and support others who might be reluctant to participate- be a good
leader
 Refer back to text to support and clarify points
 Understand that there is never an absolute answer, but a process through which
you will see multiple perspectives. The complexity of possibilities that makes up life
is the subject of literature.
Department Plagiarism Policy:
Plagiarism is knowing, or even unknowingly, using the words or ideas of others. The copying
of another person’s work either in its entirety or in part (other students, internet, other
published works, etcetera) will result in zero marks. No second chances!
Supplies
Please bring to class each day:
o Lined paper with holes
o 1 two ring binder
o Your AISC agenda
o Black or blue ball point pens, colored correcting pen, pencils, highlighters
o Flash/pen drive
o Computer microphone (this may be built into a laptop)
Technology Component

3. The AISC language arts program supports integrated technology. Students will be required
to demonstrate a number of technological capacities; email correspondence, blog/wiki
writing, forum discussion, digital voice recording, etc.
Class Resources
Grade 12 Schedule – Complete with daily and in-class assignments, homework, and
corresponding due dates.
Grade 12 Wiki– Contains the necessary vocabulary list, supplemental video and audio, the
related poems, etc.
Grade 12 Blog- Contains guidelines and examples for a number of the unit writing
assignments.
Our Scribd Account- You can find all the handouts from class and the RUBRICS.
Our Step Into Our Classroom Twitter Account – we constantly give updates, notifications,
and reminders regarding assignments and activities
Engrade- Our online grade book.