Syllabus

ENGLISH 9: Exploration of Literary and Nonfiction Genres

Course Description

Aligned to the Common Core Standards, English 9, a writing and reading-skills developmental course, integrates a variety of literary genres with various writing techniques and writing projects.  It is designed to strengthen the student’s comprehension of a wide range of reading materials found in high school and the world beyond, and to give students the opportunity to develop as a writer by introducing and incorporating many different writing strategies into the student’s own work.  The literary genres covered will include short stories, poetry, novels, as well as non-fiction memoirs, personal essays, and expository texts.  Students will be required to write a personal essay, poetry and a short story or fable.  The class will break each genre down by investigating the author’s use of literary devices.  A list of these devices (found in Unit Objectives) will be given to the students at the beginning of each unit.  Class discussions, group analysis, and teacher-directed explorations will be applied to the material read.  In nonfiction selections students will explore audience, purpose, supporting details, and persuasive techniques in practical real world situations.  In all units, the class will develop writing assignments using the six steps of the writing process.

Texts (some or all of the following): Holt McDougal: English 9 (an anthology), The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, Night, Dawn, Fahrenheit 451, To Kill A Mockingbird.

BLOGS/JOURNALS

Students will be required to keep a blog throughout the year.  This blog will be the student’s journal.  In this blog/journal will be reading reflections, lists of literary devices found in stories and novels, creative assignments that correspond with readings, pre-writing exercises, analytical writing.

NOTE: Blogs will count as your journal grade.  I read every journal entry and you will lose points for skipping entries or not following directions.  If you do not understand an assignment please ask.
Blogs can be made private if students and/or parents do not wish work to be viewed by the public.

GRADES:

Tests – 25% of overall grade
Papers—25% of overall grade
Projects—20% of overall grade
Quizzes, class work, homework—20% of overall grade
Journals—10% of overall grade



Scale:

100- 93 = A
92.49- 90 = A-
89.49- 87 = B+
86.49-83.00 = B
82.49- 80.00 = B-
79.49-77.00 = C+
76.49- 73 = C
72.49-70.00 = C-
69.49-67.00 = D+
66.49- 63.00 = D
62.49- 60 = D-
Below 60 = F

Late Work: Late work is marked down 10% every day it is overdue and will not be accepted after 4 days.  Please note that this policy includes papers.  Some projects (such as oral presentations) will receive zeros if not done on the day assigned.

Required Materials:

1 Pocket Folders (to keep handouts, note guides, returned work)


General Guidelines:

1. Be prepared when class begins.  It is imperative that all pencils are sharpened and materials are ready when the bell rings.
2. Class discussions should be conducted in an orderly and respectful fashion.  Students should not disrupt their classmates and should respect the opinions of others.
3. Do not talk when I am talking.
4. I dismiss you, not the bell!
5. You may choose you own seat, but I reserve the right to assign seats or move you if I see the need.

Behavioral Expectations

1. Respect others and their property.  This respect extends to remaining quiet during announcements, directions, lectures, and presentations.
2. Learning is the 1st priority.
3. Make Good Choices and Be Accountable for the bad ones.