COURSE SYLLABUS SUMMER 2008

Course Description:
Ninth grade English is a comprehensive course, which includes the study of literature genres, writing techniques and conventions, vocabulary development and grammar. The goal of the course is to develop students’ reading and writing skills and encourage an appreciation for literature.
The content of the course will be structured by the District’s Language Arts Curriculum Guide, which is based upon the North Carolina Standard Course of Study for Language Arts.

Course Objectives:
Students will be able to:
*Write and analyze an essay that contains a thesis sentence, introductory paragraph, and develops a controlling idea throughout the writing.
*Understand, interpret and write figurative language within a piece of writing.
*Interpret and formulate judgments about a piece of literature and support those judgments with convincing evidence.
*Continue vocabulary development and demonstrate understanding of denotative and connotative meanings of words, as well as tone and mood conveyed by words.
*Demonstrate knowledge of conventional spelling, punctuation, and capitalization rules.

Course Outline:
*Review sentence and paragraph structure
*Review and practice traditional essay structure
*Close read a variety of short stories, poems, and plays
*Review and practice figurative language incorporating it into writing
*Review and practice vocabulary related to literature
*Analyze literary terms and genres, and incorporate them into student writing.
*Discuss and demonstrate understanding of epic poetry
*Close read an epic poem and a play
*Review the correct use of commas

State Standards:
Standards covering reading comprehension, word analysis, literary response, literary criticism and analysis, writing strategies, writing applications, conventions, listening and speaking strategies, and speaking applications will be covered.

Novel Readings
To Kill A Mockingbird
Romeo and Juliet
The Odyssey

Description of Instructional Strategies:
Aligns with North Carolina Standards for the Teaching Profession
Peer Review/Written Response
Collaboration
Assessment and Evaluation:
They reflect clear congruity of assessment to course standards and shall be in various forms as listed below:

Pop quizzes/Quizzes
Objective tests
Short essay responses
Projects/Presentations
Essays
District multiple choice tests
Classwork and homework

Grading Policy:
Grades are determined each quarter by following a standard percentage breakdown as follows:
100-93% A- to A+
92-85% B- to B+
84-77% C- to C+
76-70% D- to D+
69%-below F

The teacher may use a point system or letter grades. Assignments will be weighted as follows:
1. Assessments 40%
2. Projects/Essays 30%
3. Journals/Classwork/Homework 20%
4. Participation 10%

Make-up and Late Work:
Late work will be accepted for verified absences (doctor’s note or other acceptable documentation). Students will be given as many days to complete required missing work as days unattended. Students are responsible to communicate the need for the missing assignments.
Example: Student out sick 3 days. Student has 3 days to complete required assignments.

Classroom Tardy Policy:
You must arrive to class on time or with an excused pass. You are expected to be in your seat before the bell rings. When the bell rings and you are not in your seat, you are considered tardy. When you are seated, have assignments out and ready to submit, have lined paper, a pencil and a pen, and other classroom materials ready. Tardies will result in consequences that have been outlined in the Goldsboro High School and the Wayne County Public Schools’ Policy Handbook.

Classroom Behavioral Expectations:
*RESPECT others and yourself
*Bring textbooks to class daily
*No eating, drinking, or chewing gum in class (bottle water is okay.)
*Excellent ATTENDANCE is necessary for your academic success.
*Participation and timely completion of ASSIGNMENTS are essential.
*Make-up and/or electronic devices are not allowed in class. If I see it, I will confiscate it.
*Behavior that affects the learning of other students will NOT be tolerated.
*Use passing periods and lunch to handle personal problems.
*After an absence, it is YOUR responsibility to submit any assignments before class.
*After an absence, it is YOUR responsibility to speak with me about missing assignments and tests.
*Remain in your seat throughout the period and when work is done.
*Wait for me to dismiss you and NOT the bell.
Entering Classroom
*No electronic devices, hats, hoods, and/or sunglasses
*Quietly take out needed materials and be ready to learn
*Begin your Do Now Activity (the first 7 minutes of class)
*If You Are Tardy--REPORT TO TIME OUT
Disruptions
First offense – warning
Second offense – will be moved
Third offense – 20 min. detention after school and a call home
Fourth offense – Time Out and a call home
Offenses run from Monday-Friday of each given week.
Electronic Devices/Beauty Supplies
*First offense – ask to put away
*Second offense – confiscation of the device and supplies
Materials for Classroom Success:
*Bring your own materials to class daily and be ready to learn.

You Need:
*A 2 inch binder (you may share it with other classes)
*A pencil and a black/blue ink pen
*8 ½ X 11 loose-leaf lined paper college rule
*A spiral notebook (daily journal/DNA)

Cheating Policy:
Cheating will not be tolerated! Students caught cheating or plagiarizing will automatically receive “0” for the entire assignment, a referral, and a phone call home. These consequences will affect both individuals that are involved.

Teacher Availability:
I am typically available before and after school for additional help. If you are struggling with a particular assignment or concept, ask me and I will almost always make myself available for extra assistance and/or tutoring.