Syllabus

English 9 Honors 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

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

1.        Short Stories

2.        Drama- Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” and “Taming of the Shrew”

3.        Epics- “The Odyssey”

4.        Poetry

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

6.        Fiction (novels will include 1984, Fahrenheit 451, Of Mice and Men, Great Expectations, Lord of the Flies, Pride and Prejudice, a group memoir presentation and a group fiction presentation, and possible others)

Unit Requirements: For each unit, students will complete various assignments and activities, take a test, complete a project, write an in-class essay as well as an additional writing piece.

• This is a fast paced course that requires approximately two hours or more per night for assignments, reading, and homework. 
• This class requires students to possess a high level of reading comprehension and the ability to complete work independently with a strong drive of initiative.  If you do not like to read, then this is not the class for you!  Most class time will be used for activities; therefore the majority of the reading will be completed at home.
• Students will be required to read during the intercessions in September, December, and March.  Students will complete one Outside Reading Journal on each book read during intercession.  Therefore, a total of three Outside Reading Journals are required.  The guidelines will be given at a later date.
• This class requires students to engage and speak in Socratic seminars over the material.
• Students will be immersed in scholarly research (not internet research) and will learn various modes of writing with an emphasis on literary analysis.

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.  These activities may deviate from time to time depending on the unit of study.

Vocabulary-Students will be given a weekly vocabulary packet at the beginning of each week.  Each day, Monday through Thursday, students will learn five new vocabulary words and one idiom.  The knowledge of the twenty words and four idioms will be tested each Friday.  This is a cumulative vocabulary program, meaning students will be building on definitions from one week to the next.

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.

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.

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

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

_________________________________                   ________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature            Date                                             Student Signature                                   Date