Links to Caesar

2009-09-26T09:17:00.000-07:00

Hello Gang!

I want you to check out the following blog posts on the subject of Julius Caesar: http://williamshakespeareexperience.blogspot.com/

This blog is set up as an online reading group, but I want you to throw your thoughts into the mix. Maybe you'll get a response, maybe not...Either way, use evidence from the play in your discussions. Feel free to introduce yourself (i.e. I am a high school student studying Julius Caesar in my English class) but do not get too personal. Remember this is the world wide web we are talking about here, be safe. Even a mutual love of Shakespeare is no reason to share private information about yourself.

Please remember that you are not posting into a void, so make reference to other blogger's thoughts and observations. I will be checking this website for your comments on Sunday, October 4th at 11:59 PM.

Happy writing!

Mrs. Rocchio

Classroom Syllabus/Management

2009-09-01T15:31:00.000-07:00

Sophomore World Literature Honors
Mrs. Rocchio/Room 109
2009-2010

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
Martin Luther King Jr.

The ability to read and comprehend, to express articulately, and effectively write is the difference between a complainer and a visionary. In this class we will work on honing your reading, writing, expression and comprehension skills to allow you to communicate effectively. This is a unique time, and the only time we have, to make a difference. My job in this class is to give you the tools with which to communicate and interpret. What you choose to do with these tools is up to you. However, trust me, these are the tools that shape the world.

Course Objectives and Critical Content:
This is a rigorous course designed because you have demonstrated high ability in all phases of Language Arts: reading comprehension, vocabulary development, grammar, and writing. The focus of the course is on in-depth literary analysis of novels, poetry, drama, and the short story. Essay writing will include narration and description but will emphasize literary topics requiring significant independent critical thinking and textual analysis. In addition, you will write a persuasive essay involving research and will learn traditional research skills. Grammar study will include an intensive review of common writing errors and punctuation rules as well as the study of phrases and clauses with a view to style improvement. Vocabulary development and MCAS preparation will be on-going. You will study works that may include Sophocles’ Antigone, Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Knowles’ A Separate Peace, Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Wharton’s Ethan Frome, Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, and various short works of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.

Evaluation and Grading:
Grades will be given for independent work, group work, participation, and presentations. Grades will be based on points for vocabulary and grammar activities, projects, reading, writing, homework, quizzes, tests, online responses and work, and class participation. Grades will be broken down as such:
20% Quizzes
20% Homework
10% Summer Reading/Participation
50% Tests/Projects/Papers

HOW TO SUCCEED IN ENGLISH CLASS
Classroom Behavior Expectations and Policies:
1. Do not be absent.
a. If you have to be absent, it is your responsibility to get the work you have missed. All missed assignments will be available in a class folder. When you return you should check-in with me either before or during homeroom.
b. You have twice the length of your absence (following an excused absence) to make up assigned work. Daily assignments due on the day of the absence are due on the day you return. If you are on campus the day an assignment is due, you must hand it in that day.
c. If you skip class you will receive a zero for all assignments for that day.
d. Long-term assignments will be given a due date well in advance. It is your responsibility to have your project delivered to me when it is due.
e. If you know you are going to be absent, let me know beforehand. This way we can work out the easiest way to get you back into the rhythm of class.
2. Respect each other.
a. Any other behavior will not be tolerated. The first time, you will receive a verbal warning. If it happens again, you will receive a detention.
3. Just like the Boy Scouts, always be prepared.
a. Be in class on time. If you arrive late without a pass you will receive a detention.
b. You must always have a writing utensil, binder/notebook, and the text we are currently working with ready to use when the bell rings.
4. Be polite.
a. Raise your hand when you wish to speak, do not talk over the teacher or your fellow classmates.
5. Talk to me.
a. If you are confused, have questions or concerns, if you have a great idea for a future project, if like or don’t like something that happened in class let me know! I am here to help and guide you, if you don’t let me in on what’s going on I’ll have a difficult time of it.

OTHER POLICIES
ACADEMIC HONESTY:
While there are times when you might seek help from another student in this class, or share ideas, all of your work must be your own. As described in the section on “Cheating” in the Student Parent Handbook, plagiarism occurs when a student “uses anyone else's words or ideas without documentation.” If a student is found to have cheated on ANY assignment, the English department will follow the consequence outlined in the handbook which states, "The student will receive a zero of the work, and the teacher will notify the parent/guardian by telephone or by E-mail."

In addition, it is the policy of the English Department that the use of any outside materials to study, summarize, or simplify the text -- including Spark Notes, Cliff Notes, Monarch Notes, No Fear Shakespeare, and all similar or related “study guides” -- constitutes cheating and will be dealt with according to the rules and consequences set forth in the Handbook. This prohibition applies to summer reading selections, as well as all works read during the academic year. The English department does not support the use of these resources in any way. Under no circumstances should students use Spark Notes or any similar resource to supplement their understanding of a text.

HOMEWORK:
Unless otherwise stated, homework should be completed independently and is due at the beginning of class.

HALL PASSES/THE LAV:
You must tell me at the beginning of class if you need to leave for any reason. When the appropriate moment presents itself, I will let you go. Students who abuse the privilege will have their right to leave class revoked.

MATERIALS/SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR COURSE:
3-ring binder
Standard-sized, college-ruled notebook paper
#2 pencil and blue or black pens
Highlighters
Sticky notes (at least 3 colors)
Class texts (BRING THE ONES WE ARE WORKING WITH EVERYDAY!)
Access to either a school computer or home computer will be required

In Conclusion:
Welcome to room 109! This is going to be a fantastic year of learning and growth.

Contact Information:
Mrs. Rivka Rocchio
Blog: http://mrsrocchio.blogspot.com/
Email: rocchios@kingphilip.org
Phone number: 508-384-1000 ext. 109
Hours: Office hours- Thursdays 2:15-3 or by appointment

Your Turn!
Please write the following statement and information on the provided index card. This is due tomorrow and will count as a homework grade.

I acknowledge that I have read and understood the policies and expectations of this course and its instructor.

Student's Name and Signature
Parent/Guardian's Name and Signature
Home and Work Phone Number
Email Address

A Lesson Before Dying -- Additional Sources

2009-08-30T11:34:00.000-07:00

Due Date: Respond by Monday, Sept. 7th at 11:59pm.
The following websites and interviews give important contextual information to the reading of A Lesson Before Dying. Please choose one of the following to read and comment on. Try to address the article as well as its relation to the novel, whenever possible try to respond and comment on your classmates remarks- aim for 200 words. These readings/responses will help fuel our classroom discussions.

1. This interview shows Gaines' personal connection to the fictional story A Lesson Before Dying.
"I heard the voices . . . of my Louisiana people" A Conversation with Ernest Gaines
Interview for On the Same Page Cincinnati

2. An Interview with Ernest Gaines on the popularity of his novel and its use in city-wide reading projects.
on National Public Radio's "Morning Edition"
Radio Interview, 15 April, 2004

3. An Interview with Ernest Gaines focusing on religion and the role of location in his novels. You may need to subscribe (free) to access this article.
Interview for Sojourners Magazine 31.5 (Sept./Oct. 2002)

4. Biographical Information on Jackie Robinson
A backdrop to the novel, but incredibly important in changing the racial boundaries in American sports, Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier in 1947. Both on and off the field, Robinson continued to fight for racial equality throughout his life.
Special to espn.com by Larry Schwartz

Mrs. Rocchio's Blackboard

Links to Caesar

Classroom Syllabus/Management

A Lesson Before Dying -- Additional Sources