Course Description

Literature & Composition I is designed to develop students’ reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills. Through engagement with diverse texts—including novels, short stories, poetry, plays, and nonfiction—students will analyze literature, explore themes, and strengthen their written and verbal expression. Writing instruction emphasizes argument, analysis, narrative, and research. Grammar, vocabulary, and mechanics are integrated into writing and reading assignments.

Instructional Philosophy

This course fosters a supportive and academically rigorous environment where all students are encouraged to think deeply, express themselves clearly, and explore diverse perspectives through literature. Instruction is student-centered, with emphasis on critical thinking, collaboration, and creative expression. We value growth over perfection and strive to connect course content to students' lives. We shall empower every student every day.

Major Course Goals

• Read and analyze literary and informational texts critically and thoughtfully.
• Write clear, coherent, and well-supported essays for various purposes and audiences.
• Use textual evidence to support claims and interpretations.
• Apply grammar, syntax, and vocabulary effectively in writing and speaking.
• Conduct short research projects and cite sources appropriately.
• Engage in meaningful discussions and presentations with clarity and confidence.

Major Course Projects and Instructional Activities

• Literary Analysis Essay – A critical essay analyzing theme, character, or symbolism in a selected work.
• Narrative Writing Project – An original short story or personal narrative incorporating elements of fiction.
• Poetry Portfolio – A collection of student-written poems and literary responses.
• Research Project – A multimedia or written report on a literary or historical topic.
• Socratic Seminars & Literature Circles – Student-led discussions based on shared readings.
• Grammar & Style Workshops – Weekly focused practice on sentence structure, punctuation, and usage.

Course Assessment Plan

Formative assessments (quizzes, journals, drafts) help guide learning, while summative assessments (essays, presentations) demonstrate mastery.

Classroom Expectations

• Engage with readings and discussions with focus and curiosity.
• Respect the views and identities of classmates. Students should be respectful to the teacher and other students. This includes not using profanity, no unlawful touching, and no bullying. Students are to raise their hands to be recognized before speaking.
• Submit assignments on time and communicate when challenges arise.
• Bring required materials and be ready to contribute. Students are to bring all required materials and supplies to class each day. Make sure you have something to write with and something to write on!
• Use academic integrity in all coursework.
• Students are to be in their seats, desks, and ready to work when the tardy bell rings. Unless otherwise directed, desks should be clear except for laptops, writing utensils and paper.
• Students are to follow directions the first time they are given. If you are attentive and ready to work, this will not be a problem. Also, if the teacher talking to the whole class, you should not be talking to anyone.
• Students are expected to remain in their seats until the teacher dismisses the class. Also, if you need to throw something away, do so on your way out after class is dismissed.
• Students should not eat or drink in the classroom although water is permitted.
• Near the end of class, check the space around your desk to make sure you are not leaving trash on the floor.
•  When we are in the work session, respect your fellow classmates and remain quiet or speak softly if you must pask a question to a classmate. Do not remain off task by carrying on outside conversations.
• Last but certainly not least, students are expected to NOT have their cellphones or ear buds/headphones/Bluetooth earpiece visible at any time during class. BEFORE the bell rings, the phone needs to be PUT AWAY (not on your desk, lap, under your leg, or in your purse where you can see it). Please put the ringer on vibrate or silent. The teacher should not have to remind you every day of this rule. I will not engage in a dispute with you about whether or not you are actually using your phone, if it is visible then you have violated this rule.
•  Absolutely no video messaging, live streams, and recordings in class— especially making TikTok videos.

Supplies and Materials Needed

• 3-ring binder with dividers
• composition book
• Pens, pencils, and highlighters
• School-issued laptops
• Class textbook- HMH into Literature
• Access to Launchpad
• USB drive or one drive for storage

Canvas Platform

• Students will be required to log onto Canvas daily to complete assignments and/or participate in discussions. Students can access this platform once they log into Launchpad. This is the fourth year Richmond County is using this system, and it may be the first or second time that you are using it. Therefore, some unforeseen problems may arise. We ask that you please be patient and remain calm during this time. In the meantime, familiarize yourselves with the system (watch tutorials, complete the orientation), so it does not feel like some insurmountable task every time you are online. We will do our best to make sure that this system is manageable for you and your family. Take a second and breathe. It will get better.

*All assignments MUST be submitted via the Canvas platform. We will learn about how to do this properly in class. Infinite Campus is embedded into this platform as well. If there is nothing to grade in Canvas, then no grade will transfer into Infinite Campus. Emailing me your work is strongly discouraged; the work will only flood my email. I have 150 students and counting! This will only cause a significant delay in your grade. If there are any submission issues beyond your control, email me—to inform me of the situation. I will help troubleshoot as best I can. Otherwise, all of your assignments MUST be submitted via the Canvas platform.

Homework Policy

Homework reinforces classroom learning and prepares students for deeper discussions. Expect 2–3 assignments per week, including reading, journaling, and revision work. Late work will be accepted within 5 school days of the due date for partial credit (up to 85%). Communication about absences or challenges is encouraged.

Discipline Policy: Students should always adhere to the code of conduct of Richmond County School system. Any egregious violation will result in a referral to administration.

Cheating/Plagiarism

Plagiarism is taking the ideas or writings of others and presenting them as if they were the student’s original thoughts. The student will learn and develop the correct techniques to reference material from other authors and sources.

Cheating is sending answers between students during a test or giving and/or receiving answers. Cheating is viewing someone else’s work and changing a few words to make it appear as if it was your own work. If I specify that you submit your own thoughts on a particular task, please do your very best and submit AUTHENTIC work. I am here to help you grow. Struggle is necessary for growth. Allow me to provide you with the tools you need to succeed in this class and beyond. You are doing yourself a disservice by NOT trying. Embrace the challenge! Even if your cheating goes undetected on prior assignments, you will be fully EXPOSED on tests and extended writings (completed in class) which are a significant portion of your final grade. Do not risk it! It is not worth the hassle. The Richmond County Board of Education policy on plagiarism and cheating will be enforced. If you do not understand something, seek help the proper way.

Copying Another’s Work

Copying from another student will likewise result in a zero. Students please be cautious of fellow classmates asking to see what you submitted. Sharing your work with others may potentially lead to allegations of plagiarism. If it is not a group assignment, do not share your work with other students! Also, DO NOT submit AI generated responses in place of authentic work. *AI stands for Artificial Intelligence

Reassessment Opportunity: If you receive a failing grade on a major assignment, there MUST be evidence presented of a self-reflection and/or response to feedback (given by the teacher) before you are able to resubmit the assignment.

Make-Up Work: Students will receive an “M” in the gradebook for missing assignments until they are made up. Making arrangements for completing make-up work is the responsibility of the student. Arrangements to complete make-up work must be made by the student within five days of an excused absence.

Progress Reports/Report Cards: You will receive two progress reports and ONE report card per semester. It is vital that you stay on top of your work and seek help immediately if you are struggling.

Tardy Policy: If a student arrives late to class without a valid pass, they will receive only tardy. If a student arrives to class late 10 minutes or more AFTER class has begun without a pass, they will receive a tardy AND either a phone call home or a written referral for cutting class.

Restroom Breaks: Students are NOT allowed passes to the restroom during the first AND last 10 minutes of class. Students should use the restroom in between class changes to curtail leaving class once it has started. *This does not apply to students with medical needs.

Grading Scale

Grades will be updated regularly in Infinite Campus.

Extra Help

Students are encouraged to seek help during:
- Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursday
- By Appointment: Email to schedule a meeting