English 11 Honors

Students who elect to do the honors independent-study component of English 11 will meet with the regular class but will work independently and individually with the teacher on extra assignments--in addition to the regular English 11 assignments.

English 11 Honors follows the chronological curricular arrangement of regular English 11. However, the honors independent-study component adds sufficient academic heft to the regular course that English 11 Honors can be considered a college-level course and is figured into the student's GPA on a 5-point scale (rather than the customary 4-point scale). Thus, students can expect at least 20% more work (reading, writing, thinking) than their English 11 compatriots will be expected to accomplish in the same period of time.

Should I Be in Honors?

The choice really has less to do with brains than it has to do with focus. Students who are very self motivated and derive satisfaction from significant academic experiences are invited to consider the honors independent-study component. Students whose focus is on significant extra-curricular non-academic commitments (such as music groups and lessons, varsity sports, Prep leadership roles, lengthy work hours, etc.) are advised to consider the regular English 11 so that they can devote sufficient time to their homework and their other, equally valid, commitments.

Who should NOT enroll in the honors independent-study component? If a parent is pressuring you to "take honors," but you don't want to, have a serious talk with the pressuring parent rather than unduly stressing yourself. If you do not have the time or inclination to put in extra effort to do quality work, make your own life easier by sticking with the regular English 11 course that will probably better fit your needs. If you want to do the minimum required to get by in English, stick to regular English 11. If you struggle with long reading and writing assignments, then pick the regular English 11 option so you don't have to struggle as much. Most likely your academic and life goals can be very adequately met by the regular English 11 course.

My purpose in life is NOT to stress students. Prep is offering an honors component for students who love reading, writing, and exploring new ideas. So help me NOT stress you by making wise choices about balance in your life. If academics are your area of interest, then, "Welcome aboard!" If you have heavy extra-curricular commitments, doing well in regular English 11 will be far more satisfying than getting really stressed about the honors independent-study option and not doing as well as you would like.

English 11 Honors Syllabus

The regular English 11 syllabus applies to the honors independent-study component. There will be extra textbooks selected as we progress, but all of the other goodies in the syllabus--including the grading scale and classroom policies--need the close attention of honors students.

English 11 Honors Assignments

Honors students are required to complete all assignments outlined in the regular English 11 website. [http://www.puc.edu/Faculty/Rosemary_Dibben/English11/index.shtml] The independent-study honors assignments will be worked out individually between the teacher and the honors students. Generally, honors students will be required to read and respond to at least two additional novel-length works of literature each quarter.

Independent-Study Books, 2006-'07

• Morgan, The Puritan Dilemma
• Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter
• Twain, Tom Sawyer
• Miller, The Crucible
• Twain, Pudd'nhead Wilson
• Howells, The Rise of Silas Lapham
• Burns, Cold Sassy Tree
• Potok, The Promise