PIETSCH, WILLIAM

This school year I will teach English 12 CP, English 10 CP, and Personal Finance Literacy. Below is a brief description of each class.

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English 12 CP

Course Description:  This course is designed for students who have developed proficient skills in critical reading and writing.  In this course, students will strengthen their reading skills by analyzing foundational literary works of fiction and nonfiction.  Students will strengthen their writing skills by composing a variety of analytical and creative writing tasks.  This course will also cultivate students’ ability to synthesize their analytical and creative skills by conducting problem-based research projects.  

Course Format and Grading:  Every marking period will include six quiz grades and three test grades.

Supplies:  You will need a one-inch 3 ring binder every day in English class.  Dividers are not required, but you may want to use them so you can separate the four marking periods. 

For daily posts on the Google Classroom, please click on your class below:

Period 3 Google Classroom

Period 6 Google Classroom

• Tests = 50%
• Quizzes = 30%
• HW/CW = 20% 

Unit 1:  Overcoming Repression

Unit Purpose: The overarching purpose of this unit is to strengthen the foundational steps in conducting literary analysis.  For the reading component, students will read a novel as a whole class and engage in lessons, discussions, and writing tasks grounded in literary analysis.  The overarching focus of that analysis is to determine the author’s purpose and comment (message/theme) in a literary work.  For the writing component, students will complete several short writing tasks to hone target writing skills.  By the end of the unit, students will demonstrate a strong proficiency in literary analysis by completing a unit test, composing a literature based explanatory essay, and producing a Coming of Age project. 

To view your syllabus, please click on your class below:

Period 3 MP1 Syllabus

Period 6 MP1 Syllabus

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English 10 CP 
Course Description: The English 10 CP course is a survey of American Literature from pre-colonial to present day that includes textbooks, novels, essays, and online resources that can be utilized via Google Classroom and other applications. Students will embrace the approach of the Workshop while working through the course curriculum. Teachers will present mentor texts to model/enrich alongside student selections of works that coincide with each unit of study.

Some highlights include:

• The Crucible
• Literary Analysis
• Book Clubs--Independent Choice
• Narrative Writing
• The Great Gatsby
• Research Writing

Julius Caesar

Unit 1 Overview:

Through our excerpted study of The Crucible, the class will explore a variety of themes that permeate early American literature. Students will piece together historical/sound information amidst the drama of the texts to come to a better understanding of what drove the conflicts of the time period. Exposure to other core texts of the time (i.e. the writing of Jonathan Edwards and indigenous people) and a variety of multimedia (i.e. History Channel documentaries, WebQuests) will provide a well-rounded experience for learners.

Grading Information

 

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Personal Financial Literacy
Block: 4B (Semester 1+ 2)
Credits: 2.5
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

This course fulfills financial, economic, business & entrepreneurial literacy NJ State graduation requirements.
In this course, students learn how to manage their personal finances now and in the future.  Areas to be covered will include work-related forms and laws, taxes, budgeting, banking services, and investment.