Junior Block Course Description
The junior year American Justice block is a year-long course designed to engage students in the critical analysis of topics related to American politics, law, and social justice issues from historical, contemporary, and literary perspectives. The course develops skills in expository writing, close reading of a variety of fictional and informational texts, critical thinking, leadership, group discussion and public speaking. Guest speakers, field experiences, project-based learning, and community service projects provide students with practical knowledge and experience.
By enrolling in this course students have committed themselves to a program of reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking on a level above that of the advanced high school junior.
Upon completing the Junior Block, students will earn eight high school credits. Students may also choose to earn up to nine concurrent credits at a reduced tuition rate through USI’s College Achievement Program (CAP) for English, (ENG 101), Advanced Speech (CMST 101), and Special Topics: Social Justice (SOCW 224).
By enrolling in this course students have committed themselves to a program of reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking on a level above that of the advanced high school junior.
Upon completing the Junior Block, students will earn eight high school credits. Students may also choose to earn up to nine concurrent credits at a reduced tuition rate through USI’s College Achievement Program (CAP) for English, (ENG 101), Advanced Speech (CMST 101), and Special Topics: Social Justice (SOCW 224).
1st SemesterEnglish 11H CC (CAP ENG 101)
Advanced Speech (CAP CMST 101) Law Education American Social Movements |
2nd SemesterEnglish 11H
Special Topics: Social Justice (CAP SOCW 224) Current Problems, Issues, and Events Debate |
College Achievement Program (CAP)
Students who qualify may choose to earn up to nine concurrent credits at a reduced tuition rate through USI’s College Achievement Program (CAP) for English (ENG 101), Advanced Speech (CMST 101), and Special Topics: Social Justice (SOCW 224). To enroll in CAP, students must have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA [ENG 101 has additional criteria] and submit the completed on-line application on or before the given deadline. ENG 101 has additional requirements which are outlined in Eng 11H CC course description below. Students who are eligible for free or reduced lunch this academic year may enroll at no charge. College credit can only be earned during the semester in which the student is enrolled in the course.
ENG 101 is a pre- or co- requisite for SOCW 224. Meaning, in order to enroll in SOCW 224 second semester, students have to have enrolled in ENG 101 first semester.
To learn more about CAP, visit www.usi.edu/cap, call 812-228-5022, email [email protected] or find them on Facebook by searching for USI CAP.
ENG 101 is a pre- or co- requisite for SOCW 224. Meaning, in order to enroll in SOCW 224 second semester, students have to have enrolled in ENG 101 first semester.
To learn more about CAP, visit www.usi.edu/cap, call 812-228-5022, email [email protected] or find them on Facebook by searching for USI CAP.
The Academy Spirit
The Shepard Academy Spirit - an intense energy and enthusiasm for learning and academic inquiry - is expected from all students. A spirit of peer cooperation and willingness to take on a leadership role is expected when working collaboratively.
Respect, response, and responsibility are the three ideas that set the tone for our community of learners. We will respect our ideas and the ideas of others. We will respond thoughtfully to each other and will accept responsibility for our own learning and actions.
Our Shepard Academy Spirit reflects Harrison’s PRIDE expectations: Preparedness, Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Engagement.
Respect, response, and responsibility are the three ideas that set the tone for our community of learners. We will respect our ideas and the ideas of others. We will respond thoughtfully to each other and will accept responsibility for our own learning and actions.
Our Shepard Academy Spirit reflects Harrison’s PRIDE expectations: Preparedness, Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Engagement.
Qualities of Academy Students
The courses in the Shepard Academy are designed to offer students interested in these subject areas a rigorous course of study. Following are some qualities expected in Academy students:
- Multi-taskers. Students enrolled in Academy courses will be required to multi-task at an advanced level. Junior Block students may be expected to handle at least 5 to 6 different tasks simultaneously.These tasks may include independent reading, vocabulary studies, weekly and semi-weekly assignments, varied writing and reading assignments and/or speeches.
- Strong Time Managers. Academy students should have strong time management skills. Part of these skills will include using a planner to ensure adequate preparation for long-term projects.
- Responsible Self-learners. Academy students are independent workers who are self-starters and naturally seek resources to answer questions and accomplish tasks. In addition, they are resourceful and pursue additional enrichment of studied topics. They use previously corrected papers and assignments as guides and references for improvement of future work.
- Advanced Readers. Academy students should be able to identify major concepts in fictional and informative texts. Furthermore, they are willing and expected to read increasingly difficult texts in specified time frames. Academy students will read several books/plays per nine weeks. One novel or biography will be done independently. In addition, these students can respect, appreciate, evaluate and critique aspects of a writer’s style and identify the author’s purpose.
- Skillful Writers. Academy students should expect to write every day in a variety of modes which will include in-class timed writings, expository essays, summary/responses, literary analysis, synthesis essays, reader’s response, and researched writing. Students use the writing process - prewriting, drafting, revision, and publication - and serve as thoughtful peer reviewers of their classmates' work.
- Willing Speakers. Academy students are expected to participate in a variety of speech situations which can include Socratic Seminars, class discussions, presentations, debates, and recitations.
- Careful Listeners. Students enrolled in the Academy are adept at listening, reflecting and responding to either written work or discussion. In Socratic Seminars, debates, and class discussions these students will evaluate and respond to statements after synthesizing what has been previously stated. Mere repetition and rewording would be minimal.
- Serious-mindedness. Students in the Academy are focused on learning and achievement. This focus includes strong study skills.
Academic Integrity
The faculty and students of the Shepard Academy uphold the qualities of honesty, integrity, and truthfulness. Because we are a community of honor, honorable conduct is expected at all times:
1. Students will not give or receive aid on tests, quizzes, and exams from other students or electronic resources.
2. Students will not copy or allow to be copied any homework or other assignments.
3. Students will not plagiarize any part of published materials, essays, or work of another.
4. Academy faculty will uphold standards of honesty and integrity.
Students must do their own work. Penalties for plagiarism/cheating will be disciplinary action through the administrator’s office.
Students enrolled in the CAP program will be removed from that CAP class should a second instance of plagiarism occur.
1. Students will not give or receive aid on tests, quizzes, and exams from other students or electronic resources.
2. Students will not copy or allow to be copied any homework or other assignments.
3. Students will not plagiarize any part of published materials, essays, or work of another.
4. Academy faculty will uphold standards of honesty and integrity.
Students must do their own work. Penalties for plagiarism/cheating will be disciplinary action through the administrator’s office.
Students enrolled in the CAP program will be removed from that CAP class should a second instance of plagiarism occur.
Texts and Materials
Required Text:
All additional course material is posted on Google Classroom and our Academy’s websites:
1st semester: http://www.shepardjuniorfall.weebly.com
2nd semester: http://www.shepardjuniorspring.weebly.com
- Vocabulary Power Plus for College and Career Readiness, Book Four
All additional course material is posted on Google Classroom and our Academy’s websites:
1st semester: http://www.shepardjuniorfall.weebly.com
2nd semester: http://www.shepardjuniorspring.weebly.com
Chromebooks and Personal Electronic Devices
Because we strive to be a "paperless" course, your Chromebook is essential for your work in the Shepard Academy. When used properly for note taking, research, inquiry, and class activities, Chromebooks are a valuable educational tool. However, when used for chatting, gaming, or unrelated Internet surfing, Chromebooks can be a distraction and can negatively impact a your performance in class. Students are expected to make responsible choices regarding Chromebook use in this class.
Bring your Chromebooks, sufficiently charged, to class each day. It is also recommended that you have your charger in class.
In consideration of your instructors and classmates, please keep your cell phone out of sight during class unless otherwise instructed.
Bring your Chromebooks, sufficiently charged, to class each day. It is also recommended that you have your charger in class.
In consideration of your instructors and classmates, please keep your cell phone out of sight during class unless otherwise instructed.
Assessments and Evaluation
Throughout the course, students are assessed via observation, discussion, in-class writings, formal writings, creative and analytical performances, individual and collaborative projects, and formal examinations. Many units of study will end with students completing a cumulative project. Whenever possible, students will be offered choice in content, process, and/or product.
In the pursuit of being a “paperless” course, whenever possible, assignments are submitted, evaluated, and returned through Google Classroom.
Graded work is evaluated using points and weighted categories. Each course grade is divided into component parts, or categories, each part being worth a percentage of the total course work grade for the course (100%).
The two 9 week grading periods in a semester are cumulative. The cumulative course work grade counts 80% of the semester grade. The final exam/project counts 20% of that semester's grade.
In the pursuit of being a “paperless” course, whenever possible, assignments are submitted, evaluated, and returned through Google Classroom.
Graded work is evaluated using points and weighted categories. Each course grade is divided into component parts, or categories, each part being worth a percentage of the total course work grade for the course (100%).
The two 9 week grading periods in a semester are cumulative. The cumulative course work grade counts 80% of the semester grade. The final exam/project counts 20% of that semester's grade.
Late Assignments and Make-up Work
Assignments are to be submitted by the time and date indicated in class and/or on Google Classroom.
Students have the opportunity to continue to turn in work until the last day of the grading period with no penalty. Work that is not turned in will receive a zero until it is turned in.
This opportunity does NOT mean that students are not expected to turn in their work on time. The work students are expected to complete directly impacts their success on any upcoming assessments. The work leading up to an essay, speech, or text has value and a direct correlation to how well students do on assessments. Completing work after the assessment is not a good idea because students will not have as much support from the teacher (the class has moved forward to other work), students will not have the benefit of direct daily feedback from the teacher that would typically occur if student turned work on in time, and students will not be able to retake assessments until all homework has been turned in.
Students will be allowed one retake on all work that falls into the assessment category with the exception of speeches.
Because expository essays are considered assessments, the revision submitted for initial evaluation will not be accepted after the due date.
Students are to initiate their own make-up work. Any time a student misses part or all of a class for any reason, he or she should check Google Classroom, and with classmates before coming to an instructor with questions.
Students who are absent on the day of a test or in-class writing may have an alternative make-up assessment.
Students have the opportunity to continue to turn in work until the last day of the grading period with no penalty. Work that is not turned in will receive a zero until it is turned in.
This opportunity does NOT mean that students are not expected to turn in their work on time. The work students are expected to complete directly impacts their success on any upcoming assessments. The work leading up to an essay, speech, or text has value and a direct correlation to how well students do on assessments. Completing work after the assessment is not a good idea because students will not have as much support from the teacher (the class has moved forward to other work), students will not have the benefit of direct daily feedback from the teacher that would typically occur if student turned work on in time, and students will not be able to retake assessments until all homework has been turned in.
Students will be allowed one retake on all work that falls into the assessment category with the exception of speeches.
Because expository essays are considered assessments, the revision submitted for initial evaluation will not be accepted after the due date.
Students are to initiate their own make-up work. Any time a student misses part or all of a class for any reason, he or she should check Google Classroom, and with classmates before coming to an instructor with questions.
Students who are absent on the day of a test or in-class writing may have an alternative make-up assessment.
High School Attendance Policy - as stated on the EVSC website
Coming to school every day, on time, can help students feel better about themselves and their learning and help them succeed in school and in life! Regular attendance directly affects student success. School is very hard for students when they miss classes. Students are required by Indiana law to attend school regularly until they are 18 years old. After age 18, students must be regularly attending and earning credits toward a diploma to stay enrolled.
What Will Happen:
What Will Happen:
- If you are absent more than a few days, you may get a call from the school to make sure everything is okay. If you need help, please let the school counselor or social worker know.
- After five absences, the school may send your parent/guardian a letter informing him/her that you have missed 5 days of school. You may also receive a letter from the judge.
- At 8 days absent, your parent/guardian may receive a phone call reminding him/her about the attendance policy.
- If you have missed 10 days, your parent/guardian will be asked to take part in a pre-court conference or meeting with school staff. This conference is designed to provide your parent/guardian with a greater level of support and prevent you from having to go to court over attendance.
- After you have had a pre-court conference and a Legal Notice has been given, you are required to attend school unless you have a doctor’s statement, court excuse or a funeral excuse. The school nurse can also excuse you. If you continue to miss days, you and your parent/guardian may be referred to Truancy Roundtable (9th-12th grades). You may get a visit from the EVSC Truancy Officer. The officer will work closely with your parent/guardian to work through attendance issues and get you back on track.
- If you continue to miss, the Juvenile Court judge may decide to take legal action.
- Students who miss additional days of school after the pre-court conference are required by Indiana law to have a medical statement from a physician or be seen and possibly sent home by the school nurse. Failure to follow this law will result in a referral to Child Protective Services or Juvenile Court, depending upon the circumstances and the age of the student.
Students may have credits denied for excessive truancies. This is not automatic but at the school administrator’s discretion and based on individual circumstances. Continued truancies may also result in loss of a driver’s license or work permit. The Social Security Administration monitors to make sure students are attending school regularly. A restructuring of payments could occur for students who do not attend regularly.
Student in Good Standing
In the Shepard Academy, a student in "good standing" carries a grade of "C" of higher in all Academy classes. A student who has a "D" or "F" in any Academy class will not be considered in good standing and will not be eligible to participate in field experiences or attend guest speakers until he or she regains good standing. Instead of attending the field experience or speaker, a student who is not in good standing will be given the opportunity to make-up missing assignments or work on future assignments to regain good academic standing. The instructors reserve the right to make adjustments as necessary.
Course Descriptions and Evaluations
English 11H CC (CAP ENG 101) [1st Semester]
This course engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts, and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. Students in this college-level course are expected to meet the demands of a rigorous curriculum, carefully analyze a broad range of fiction, non-fiction, and legal texts, and deepen their awareness of rhetoric and how language works. Through close reading and frequent writing, students develop their ability to work with language and text with a greater awareness of purpose and strategy, while strengthening their own writing and rhetorical abilities. Course readings feature expository, analytic, personal, legal, and argumentative texts from a variety of authors and historical contexts. Students examine and work with legal briefs, court cases, essays, speeches, and imaginative literature. In addition, the course will include a study of grammatical structures, sentence combining, punctuation, and SAT/ACT vocabulary and test preparation. All formal and research writing will follow the current MLA format. Page layout includes: stacked heading in upper left corner, double-spacing, 1 inch margins, and 12 point, plain font.
Effective Fall 2021, the following scenarios qualify for automatic placement:
Students who meet the criteria may enroll in USI’s College Achievement Program, CAP, to earn college credit for English 101 Rhetoric and Composition I, from USI at a reduced rate of tuition ($25 per credit hour or $75 total). Rhetoric and Composition I (ENG 101) is a three credit hour course that is highly transferable.
Effective Fall 2021, the following scenarios qualify for automatic placement:
- Cumulative high school GPA ≥ 3.0 and no PSAT/SAT/ACT scores
- Cumulative high school GPA ≥ 3.0 and
- ACT English score of 17 or higher or
- PSAT/SAT EBRW (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) score of 460 or higher*
- *Acceptable PSAT scores include PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10. PSAT 8/9 scores may not be used for CAP placement.
All other scenarios will require that a student take the timed placement essay to attempt to qualify for USI's English 101. Each timed essay is evaluated by two to three USI faculty to ensure consistency and fairness, just as essays are evaluated for on-campus students. A student whose essay indicates readiness for English 101 may enroll.
Students who meet the criteria may enroll in USI’s College Achievement Program, CAP, to earn college credit for English 101 Rhetoric and Composition I, from USI at a reduced rate of tuition ($25 per credit hour or $75 total). Rhetoric and Composition I (ENG 101) is a three credit hour course that is highly transferable.
1st and 2nd Semester Grading Categories
Unit Assessments 70%
- essay revisions
- literature culminating assessments/projects
- vocabulary review unit post-tests
- language study cumulative assessments
Homework / Classwork 30%
Examples of these assignments include
- literature reading quizzes
- literature comprehension / analysis activities
- vocabulary SAT exercises
- vocabulary weekly post-tests
- prewriting, drafts, peer review, writer reflection
- vocabulary exercises I, II, III, and IV
- language study practice activities
(80% of semester grade) 100%
Final Exam 20%
- essay revisions
- literature culminating assessments/projects
- vocabulary review unit post-tests
- language study cumulative assessments
Homework / Classwork 30%
Examples of these assignments include
- literature reading quizzes
- literature comprehension / analysis activities
- vocabulary SAT exercises
- vocabulary weekly post-tests
- prewriting, drafts, peer review, writer reflection
- vocabulary exercises I, II, III, and IV
- language study practice activities
(80% of semester grade) 100%
Final Exam 20%
Advanced Speech (CAP CMST 101) [1st Semester]
This course encourages students to “think clearly, speak and write well, live according to consistent ideals, understand public issues, and use knowledge wisely.” Specifically, the goal of this class is to help you communicate more effectively. Assignments in the course accomplish these goals by:
- providing an introduction to the theory of oral communication;
- describing and illuminating the information and skills necessary for effective communication;
- l lessening the impact of communication apprehension;
- enabling you to speak clearly, effectively and persuasively in both informal and formal circumstances;
- refining research skills in order to discover credible supporting materials;
- designing and incorporating visual aids to support and enhance oral presentations; and
- improving your listening skills.
Students must have at least a 2.5 GPA to enroll in Communications Studies 101 (CMST 101) Introduction to Public Speaking at a reduced rate of tuition ($25 per credit hour or $75 total). Introduction to Public Speaking is a three credit hour course that is highly transferable.
Grading Categories (80% of semester grade)
Unit Assessments 70%
Demonstration Speech (8-10 minutes)
Geek Out Informative Speech
Declamation Speech (5-7 minutes)
Multicultural Presentation (5-7 minutes)
Homework / Classwork (scored for accuracy) 25%
TED Talk products
Some speech preparation activities
Homework/Classwork (checked for completion or to provide feedback) 5%
Examples of these assignments include
Peer reviews
Self-Assessments
Some speech preparation activities
Public Speaking Games reflections
TED Talk sharing activities
(80% of semester grade) 100%
Final Speech 20%
Law Education [1st Semester]
Law Education provides an understanding of the American legal system and its basis in the United States Constitution. The course is designed to promote an understanding of society and its system of laws by indicating how citizens may effectively function within the law. Ways of dealing with interpersonal conflict in order to secure constructive change are included, along with the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills. Case studies, field trips, simulations, and mock trials will be used in this course whenever feasible.
Grading Categories (80% of Semester Grade)
Socratic Seminars 15%
Test/ Quizzes 35%
Projects/ Presentations 35%
Legal Lads 10%
Summer Court Case Assignment 5%
(80% of semester grade) 100%
Final Exam 20%
Grading Categories (80% of Semester Grade)
Socratic Seminars 15%
Test/ Quizzes 35%
Projects/ Presentations 35%
Legal Lads 10%
Summer Court Case Assignment 5%
(80% of semester grade) 100%
Final Exam 20%
Debate [2nd Semester]
This course introduces and develops the study and application of the basic principles of debate involving support for the basic types of arguments (induction, deduction, causation) and debate strategies (affirmative or negative argument construction and extension, case development, refutation or rebuttal of argument claims and evidence, and persuasive speaking). Students will gain experience in both Policy Debate and Lincoln-Douglas Debate and will apply their skills in Mock Congress.
Grading Categories
Policy Debates 40%
Lincoln-Douglas Debates 40%
Social Justice Bracketology 20%
(80% of semester grade) 100%
Debate Final 20%
Grading Categories
Policy Debates 40%
Lincoln-Douglas Debates 40%
Social Justice Bracketology 20%
(80% of semester grade) 100%
Debate Final 20%
History of american social Movements [2nd Semester]
Grading Categories (80% of Semester Grade)
Project/ Presentations: 40%
Test/ Quizzes: 35%
Current Events: 10%
Socratic Seminars 15%
(80% of Semester Grade) 100%
Final Exam 20%
Special Topics: Social Justice [2nd Semester]
This course is an introduction to diverse theories and practical applications of social justice. Students will explore the meaning of oppression and discrimination and the role of citizens and public policies in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. The course will examine various social movements, both historical and present as efforts to remedy social and economic injustice.
Course Objectives Include:
Students who have at least a 2.5 GPA may may enroll in USI’s College Achievement Program, CAP, to earn college credit for SOCW 224 Introduction to Social Justice, at a reduced rate of tuition ($80 per credit hour or $240 total). SOCW 224 is a three credit hour course that is highly transferable.
Grading Categories (80% of Semester Grade)
Social Justice Projects 45%
Socratic Seminars 25%
Social Justice Watch 20%
Bulletin Boards 10%
(80% of the Semester Grade)100%
Final Exam 20%
Course Objectives Include:
- Defining social and economic justice;
- Explaining various forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination
- Describing the history of social movements and protests;
- Analyzing the interplay of economic, ideological, and political forces in sustaining or addressing social and economic justice;
- Analyzing the impact of public policies on various diverse groups related to age, culture, class, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexual orientation.
- Analyzing the impact of various social protest movement on social and economic justice;
- Evaluating the various role citizens in a democratic society play in addressing social justice.
Students who have at least a 2.5 GPA may may enroll in USI’s College Achievement Program, CAP, to earn college credit for SOCW 224 Introduction to Social Justice, at a reduced rate of tuition ($80 per credit hour or $240 total). SOCW 224 is a three credit hour course that is highly transferable.
Grading Categories (80% of Semester Grade)
Social Justice Projects 45%
Socratic Seminars 25%
Social Justice Watch 20%
Bulletin Boards 10%
(80% of the Semester Grade)100%
Final Exam 20%