1. Robinson 209-8507
Room 815, House 4 srobinson@cfsd16.org
10th
Grade Western Perspectives
2009-2010 Course Guidelines
Course Description
Our essential question for this year is “What does it mean to be human?” In order to guide
sophomores to their own understanding of this question and their answer for it, we will be reading and
analyzing a number of texts from Western perspectives throughout history. Persuasive writing is the
second major focus of this course, and as students improve their proficiency with critical thinking and deep
analysis, they will also learn a variety of strategies to effectively argue their insights using both formal and
informal methods. To further these ends, students are also expected to develop vocabulary, undertake
independent research.
Primary Textbooks
World Traditions in the Humanities
The Writer’s Craft
Merriam-Webster’s Vocabulary Builder
Novels
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, by Mark Haddon
Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley
Othello, by William Shakespeare
Additional novels TBA
As students will need to take notes and annotate these novels as we read them, I highly recommend
purchasing your own copies. These novels are available online and in bookstores. Bookman’s and other
thrift bookstores often have them, as well.
Also, I encourage parents/guardians to read along with their student(s) as we progress throughout
the year. Not only will this provide students with an additional perspective on the novels, it will also allow
parents closer oversight of their student’s daily classroom experience.
Classroom Policies
Be Respectful. As young adults, you are expected to behave in a manner that proves you worthy of the title.
This means treating your classmates and your teacher—and everyone else!—with the respect due to
every human being, whatever your personal feelings. Your worlds are growing beyond yourself
and your own concerns, expanding to include new communities and responsibilities, and your
behavior must reflect this new reality.
Be Responsible. This means you will not only be in your desk before the bell rings, assignments and
supplies in hand, but that you will honestly account for your own actions, or lack thereof. This
includes explanations—not excuses—for late work or lack of attendance, as well as choices made
regarding behavior in the classroom.
Be Rational. God gave you an awesome brain; use it! Start looking at the world with an analytical mind,
constantly considering the hows and whys of every situation. Be attentive to your surroundings,
both inside and outside the classroom; you cannot confine yourself to the interior of your own
mind and expect to be either respectful or responsible. No human being is an independent agent;
begin to observe the way outside factors effect you, and the effect your actions have. Think through
the consequences!
Late Work
ALL WORK IS DUE ON THE DUE DATE. Work turned in late will necessitate a written
explanation—not an excuse!—and will only be accepted THREE DAYS after the due date. Weekends count
2. as one day. Extenuating circumstances must be accompanied by proof and explained prior to the due date.
I will not accept late work more than three days after the due date.
Absence Policy
Excused absences are the only exception in which work may be submitted late without immediate
consequence. If you are absent on the day an assignment is due, you may submit the work the day you
return. This applies to tests, quizzes, presentations and papers. Further extensions must be accompanied
by an explanation and approved. It is your responsibility to keep up-to-date with any missing work because
of absences.
Also, please note the school policy on attendance: “Students will lose credit for a class upon the 10th
absence whether excused or unexcused. The principal/assistant principal may grant waivers (very few) in
case of medical situations. Doctor’s notes do not automatically generate a waiver. Students must apply for
a waiver with their House Leader.”
Remember: An unexcused absence will result in ZERO credit for any assignments, tests, quizzes,
and/or presentations due that day, regardless of when you may later attempt to submit/take/present
them.
As always, if certain extenuating circumstances are present, like an extended stay in the hospital or a
death in the family, arrangements can be made for extensions without consequence. Talk to me!
Grading Policy
Your grades will be assessed on the traditional 0 – 100 percentage scale. As stated in the Absence
Policy, please note that as per district policy, ten absences in one semester will result in a failing grade for
the semester.
Supplies
You are responsible for acquiring and being prepared with all of the necessary supplies. You need to have
all of the supplies listed below every day unless otherwise noted by me.
Required
• AT LEAST two writing utensils
o Pens must be either blue or black
o Pencils must be sharp enough to write clearly
• One package of loose leaf paper
• A note-taking and organizational system consisting of either:
o A three ring binder (preferably NO SMALLER than 1 inch) with a divider for your daily
journal, notes, assignment sheets and tests/quizzes, OR
o A notebook with perforated pages with established sections for your daily journal and notes,
as well as a folder to store assignment sheets and tests/quizzes
• Different colored highlighters (two-three)
• Student planner or assignment notebook
Suggested
• USB drive on which to store all school work for easy “transportation” between school and home
• Colored pencils
• Gmail account
Other supplies, such as poster boards, markers, or index cards, may be required throughout the year and
will be assigned with ample notice.
I have read and understand all parts of the syllabus for Miss. Robinson’s 10th
Grade Western
Perspectives class and understand what is expected of me.
Student signature/date
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