Welcome to Subfreshman English.  This will be an exciting year as you learn how to:

• organize ideas clearly and persuasively
• use appropriate English grammar
• spell correctly
• hone our analytic skills
• speak before an audience with authority
• master the techniques of basic research
• recognize the conventions of poetry, drama, the short story, the novel, and visual media
• write unified and coherent expository essays
• create our own short stories and poems.

In addition, you will read many wonderful pieces of literature that will ask you to think about the answers to such questions as:

• What constitutes responsible behavior?
• What is love?
• What qualities do we look for in a friend?
• What is justice?
• How do we deal effectively with anger?
• How do we ensure equality for all?
• How do we cope effectively with loss?

Answers, of course, will vary based upon personal beliefs and values, but all will be logical and grounded on evidence. So that learning may occur safely and efficiently, I kindly ask that you exhibit the following classroom behavior. Please:

• Use respectful language.
• Bring a black pen, college-ruled paper, calendar, and textbooks to class each day.
• Be seated at your desk when the bell rings.
• Write down your homework assignments at the beginning of the class period in your calendar.
• Complete all assignments on time.
• Answer honestly.
• Ask an English buddy about any assignments you may have missed while absent.
• Use the restroom before class begins.

We will complete a number of major projects each quarter, including written essays and speeches. I assign points to all classwork and determine grades based upon the following percentage averages:

• 5 = 90-100
• 4 = 80-89
• 3 = 70-79
• 2 = 60-69
• 1 = 0-59

Work that is handed in late will lose 10% credit per day late. This policy rewards folks who take English assignments seriously and who budget time well. I, in return, promise to limit my homework to 30 minutes per night. . So let’s have a wonderful year.