English 9 Honors (Period 3/4)
Course Description
Honors English 9 Syllabus
Lincoln High School
Miss Blewitt, Instructor
2011-2012
Course Description
In this class, we will be thinking, reading, and writing. The major purpose of this course is to provide a balanced arts program that explores literary themes and genres. A series of language activites will enable you to listen, speak, think, and write about literature and connect literature to your own experiences. The reading, writing, and thinking will all be focused on empowering you to have the literacy skills necessary for intellectural, cutural, and personal achievement, so that you’re prepared to succeed in our modern world. English 9 meets the ninth-grade English requirements of the UC/CSU Subject Area Requirements.
Grading
This class will focus heavily on writing. On average you will be required to write at least three full, five paragraph or more essays a month. These essays will be required in your Final Portfolio in order to receive credit for English 9.
40% Final Portfolio of Essays
20% Journal and 6 Book Reports
20% Tests
20% Reading, Classwork, Collaborative Learning Group Work, Homework
ELA Standards Focus
Reading Stardard 3.0 – Literary Response and Analysis
Students read and respond to historically or culturally significant works of literature that reflect and enhance their studies of history and social science. Students conduct in-depth analyses of recurrent patterns and themes.
Writing Standard 1.0 –Writing Strategies
Students write coherent and focused essays that convey a well-defined perspective and tightly reasoned argument. The writing demonstrates students’ awareness of the audience and purpose.
Outline of the Major Class Projects
The five-paragraph essay
Persuasion
Letter writing
Short stories from the textbook (e.g., "The Most Dangerous Game" "Marigolds" "The Scarlet Ibis" "To Build a Fire")
The play “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare
The novels Animal Farm, Of Mice and Men
Poetry
Research Paper on a Rebellion/Revolt (MLA format, 4-5 pages)
PowerPoint project and oral presentation
Final Portfolio
Reading Program
Textbooks must be covered and kept in the classroom. The Multicultural Perspectives in Literature book will be taken home and then brought back to class. The standards for all high school grades (9-12) require that students read independently and that you study and learn new words. You will be reading six books each semester,and writing about the six books. I have some books in my classroom, but we will be also checking out books from the library. Please make sure that you have a school ID card. They are free.
You will also be learning new words and will have a vocabulry test every two weeks on the words you have learned. Please make sure you have index cards. Each student must learn one word per day, and a grade will be given for having the required number or cards, and another grade for the test. You cannot pass the class without reading and learning new words.
Reading Standard 2.0
Students read and understand grade-level-appropriate material. Students analyze the organizational patterns, arguments, and positions advanced. In addition, by grade twelve, students read two million words annually on your own, including a wide variety of classic and contemporary literature, magazines, newspapers, and online information. In grades nine and ten, students make substantial progress toward this goal.
Homework Policy
Your homework every night is to read your books you have chosen and complete a dialectic journal and summary each night. This means at least 1-hour of reading every night Monday through Sunday. Homework will also include other assignments we are working on for the week. Homework that is late will be given half credit.
Class Rules and Requirements
You have the right to the best education possible. These rules are based on that right.
1. Be punctual. Be in your seat before the tardy bell rings.
2. Be prepared. Use the restroom before class. Throw out your gum and put away your food before you come into class. Have pen, paper, book, and journal on your desk when the bell rights. Always carry your school ID.
3. Be respectful. Listen when others are speaking; be quiet when others are working.
4. Be productive. Always be on task. Read if you have extra time.
5. Always do your best!
Let’s make this a great year!