Syllabus

English 9 2007-2008

J. M. MacLeod

Contact Information:  University School Office- 439-4271; email- Macleod@etsu.edu

Course Description: Students will be introduced to World Literature with an emphasis on Tennessee Writers, events, and history.  We will study a variety of literary genres: fiction, short stories, drama, nonfiction, and poetry and apply their knowledge through oral and written products.  Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and control in each of the following areas:

1.       Modes of writing: expository, descriptive, narrative, persuasive, character analysis, argumentative and literary analysis

2.       Literary Movements in literature

3.       Literary terms and themes commonly found in literature-based classes: irony, theme, ode, satire, epic, tone, purpose, audience, style, etc.

4.       Public Speaking

5.       Standard English grammar

6.       Vocabulary Exercises

7.       Participation in cooperative learning activities

Course Requirements:  Three ring binder used for this class only, six dividers, notebook paper, blue or black ink pen, pencil, and The Lively Art of Writing by Lucille Vaughan Payne.  (This book is readily available for purchase at Barnes and Noble in Johnson City.  Please tell the employees at Barnes and Noble that your child is a University High student and they will obtain the book from the University School order).  The cost per book is $    .  Please label the six dividers in the following order:

1.       W/D/J  (Word of the Day, Daily Oral Language and Journal)

2.       Vocabulary

3.       Classwork

4.       Homework

5.       Grammar

6.       Writing

Grading Procedures:

            25% -- Daily Grades (homework, quizzes, classwork)

            25%-- Cooperation and participation (preparation, following class rules, participation in class discussion and activities, completion of all SSR (Sustained Silent Reading) activities)

            *50%--Major tests, projects, notebook quizzes, journals, writing assignments

* In accordance to the State of Tennessee, all English 9 students are required to take the English 9 End of Course (EOC) Test in May 2008.  This test will be worth the minimum percentage required by the State of Tennessee of your child’s English 9 grade: 15%.

It is very important for this class that you complete all of your homework.  Failure to do so will result in failure of the course no matter how well you perform on tests. 

Grade Access:  You will be able to access your child’s grade through www.mygradebook.com .  I will be sending home information regarding this access during the second week of school.

Late Work: In accordance with the University School’s high school English Department policies, late work is accepted only one day after the original due date for the highest grade of a 75%.  Please see the attached English Department Policy Guidelines for the excused absence procedures and more specific details on our policies.

Class Expectations:  All Students will be expected to follow the University School rules and behavior guidelines as well as the following:

1.       Be on time and ready to work.  This means in your seat with materials, homework, and pencils sharpened BEFORE class begins.

2.       Keep your hands, feet, objects, and rude comments to yourself.

3.       Respect yourself, school property, your peers, and the teacher.

Course Overview: Students will study the following units below (not necessarily in this order):

1.       Short Stories

2.       Drama- “Romeo and Juliet”

3.       Epics- “The Odyssey”

4.       Poetry

5.       Nonfiction (including memoirs, essays, documentary films)

6.       Fiction (possible novels include 1984, Fahrenheit 451, Gathering Blue, Of Mice and Men, House on Mango Street)

Unit Requirements: For each of the above units students will be required to complete a test, a project, and a writing piece.  Detailed assignment guidelines will be provided.

Word of the Day (WOD), Daily Oral Language (DOL), and Journals- Each day, Monday through Thursday, students will begin class by completing the above activities according to the directions on the board.  These activities may or may not be collected immediately or at a later date for a cooperation and participation grade.  In case of an absence, students are required to obtain this information from a student or the teacher after class.

Vocabulary- Students will be given a new vocabulary list every Monday or the beginning of each week.  Students will be required to use each word correctly in a sentence as well as write a story using these words.  A vocabulary test will be given every Friday that includes parts of speech, matching, and fill in the blank.

Sustained Silent Reading (SSR)-Each nine weeks students will be required to choose a sustained silent reading book they will bring and read in class every Friday.   The teacher will approve the reading choice and students are required to complete one SSR project on his/her book for each of the nine weeks.  These projects are normally due the last week before intercession.  Therefore, students will read a total of four SSR books and complete four SSR projects.

*********************Please detach here and return to Ms. MacLeod**************

I have received, reviewed, and understand the procedures and policies regarding English 9 for the 2007-2008 academic year.  My student’s name is _____________________ and he/she is in ________ class period.

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