Contemporary+Literature

= Welcome to Mrs. Bousum's Contemporary Literature Course = Contact Information: K. Bousum (English) 908-782-5727 (Ext. 8489) E-mail: kbousum@hcrhs.k12.nj.us

I am looking forward to an exciting, challenging and productive quarter; I hope you are also. Expect to be an active participant in //our// class. Our nine weeks together will move quickly, so make sure you stay organized and focused. Refer to the Homework Assignments & Due Dates page on this website often, and always be an active participant in the class.

We will explore postmodernism literature, critique and enhance reading strategies, analyze writers' style and theme, and express ideas through writing of various genres. The core works for the course are Pat Conroy's //The Lords of Discipline//, Tim O'Brien's //The Things They Carried//, and Marjane Satrapi's //Persepolis//. We will also read and consider short stories, essays, poems, and excerpts from other contemporary authors, and we will view scenes from various films and documentaries.
 * A Look Ahead **

** Grading Policy **
There are so many ways to express or show what you know, understand, and think, so expect a variety of assessments in this class. You will receive **feedback** on just about everything you do for the course, and we will always discuss the point values, requirements, and levels of mastery for final products and performances.

You will receive one interim report and one quarter grade report. Your quarter-grade is worth eighty percent of your final grade point average. There will also be a final exam for the course; this final exam is worth twenty percent of your final grade. For more details on grades, see the HCRHS Student Planner. We will discuss grades and policies together in class. Please understand that you, your guidance counselor, and your guardian/parent will be notified if you are performing below average at any point in the course.

** Classroom Behavior **
Please familiarize yourselves with the rules explained in the HCRHS Student Planner. All policies will be enforced by me, so know and follow them at all times. It is imperative that students behave appropriately in class. All school wide rules are explained in the student planner, but here are a few additional expectations I have for my students. I intend to discuss these rules with you during the first week of class. Your input is important, and you should we should be clear about expectations.

• Be on time for class and ready to learn (three tardies results in a discipline report) • Be prepared for class; bring necessary texts, notebooks, homework, and supplies • Be considerate and respectful to your instructor and peers; disrespectful or rude behavior will not be tolerated • Expect to be an active participant in the class • Carry your student identification card at all time • Make a noble attempt to exhibit a pleasant, positive attitude

** Homework Policy **
It is important that you familiarize yourself with the  Homework is very important and really does affect your grade. Submit homework when it is due if you want the opportunity to receive full credit. Some assignments will not be accepted late, and you will receive a zero if you don't have it completed on the day it is due. Other assignments will lose credit/points for each day they are late. This will vary depending on the assignment. Don’t jeopardize your grade by being late with assignments.

If you are absent from class because of an illness, you will be excused from the homework if it is assigned that day. When you return, you will be required to find out what you missed and complete it for the next school day. This is your responsibility. If you are not in school to hand in an assignment, it can be handed in the day of your return without loss of credit. I suggest that you check this site first (see Homework and Assignment Due Dates); you can also e-mail me and/or call a trusted classmate to find out what you missed; that way, you won't be bombarded with work when you return to school after an absence. Keep in mind that a significant amount of material can be covered in one, eighty-four minute block!

** Additional Information **
• Communication is important, and I will do my best to keep you informed throughout the semester. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns; my voice mail extension and e-mail address appear at the top of this document. (E-mail will ensure a quicker response).

• Tutorials are offered from 2:10-2:50 on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

• Take advantage of this time by working on your homework, studying, getting assistance from your teacher or completing work missed during an absence. I will let you know where tutorials are held each day.

• Specific course objectives and proficiencies are listed and explained on a separate document.

Last revised January 27, 2014.