Bob Jones High School Pre-AP English 9
650 Hughes Road Teacher: Nichole Murray
Madison, Alabama 35758 Email:
1. Course Description: (18 weeks/1 credit)
It is recommended that students registered for this course maintained an A in English 8 or received credit for Honors English 8. This accelerated paced course will help prepare students for Advanced Placement English Language or Advanced Placement English Literature. Pre-AP English 9 provides students with experiences to enrich and expand their acquisition of grammar and communication skills, appreciation of literature and selected classics, organization and presentation of ideas and concepts, and concepts, and cultivation of a variety of individual writing styles (as stated by the curriculum catalog on the BJHS web site). *All requests for accommodations for this course or any school event are welcomed from students and parents.
II. Objectives:
1. Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
2. Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
3. Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions.
4. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage.
5. Determine the meaning of multiple-meaning and unknown words and phrases using a range of strategies.
6. Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
III. Classroom Expectations:
Students are expected to come to class prepared with all materials. They are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and productive manner. In addition to all the rules and expectations listed in the student handbook, students should have a positive attitude, treat others with respect, practice self-discipline, and demonstrate responsibility. If these conditions are not met, students can expect parent contact, parent-teacher conferencing, and administrative disciplinary action, if necessary.
Concerning laptop and electronic equipment use:
1. Under no circumstances are student laptops to be wired to the network or have print capabilities.
2. No discs or USB devices will be allowed.
3. Neither the teacher, not the school is responsible for broken, stolen, or lost laptops.
4. Laptops will be used at the individual discretion of the teacher.
5. Laptops will remain in the student’s bag until I tell you that it is appropriate for you to have your laptop open and in use.
IV. Grading Policy:
Major grades (tests, essays, projects, research papers, etc) will account for 70% of a student’s grade, while homework and daily grades make up 30% of the grade. Late assignments will be deducted 10% of the grade per day. Students are responsible for turning in homework assignments during the class block. Work turned in after the block will be considered late. There will be a minimum of six major evaluations of each grading period. Each grading period consists of nine weeks; progress reports will be sent home every three weeks.
V. BOB JONES MAKE-UP POLICY
Make-up tests will only be given to a student who has an excused absence. The student must make arrangements with the teacher to make-up a test. No make-up test will be administered during class time. Tests may be taken on agreed day in the teacher’s classroom, S220. A student has only two chances (the next two opportunities after the absence) to make up a test. Students may receive a zero if he/she fails to report for a make-up test. Students coming to school early for make-up tests are not allowed to leave and return regardless of the reason. Students must have a pass or check out pass signed by an administrator or the attendance secretary to leave campus. An unexcused absence or failure to comply with this policy will result in a zero on the test.
* IF ANY GRADE IS GIVEN DURING A STUDENT’S ABSENCE, A “0” WILL BE PLACED IN THE GRADEBOOK UNTIL IT IS MADE UP. IF AN ACTIVITY OR ASSIGNMENT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE MADE UP, AN “ABS” WILL BE PLACED IN THE GRADEBOOK. THIS WILL NOT HURT THE STUDENT’S GRADE. THIS IS SCHOOL POLICY.
VI. Homework Policy:
Homework is not given every night, but when it is assigned, it is important that students complete the work. Assignments will be posted in a set online medium and due dates will be given. If a student cheats or is found to have cheated on a homework assignment, he or she will receive a zero for the assignment. Late assignments will be deducted 10% of the grade per school day that it is not turned in.
VII. Late Work:
School policy will be followed regarding late work. Students must turn in work within three days of his/her absence. This will allow the teacher an opportunity to grade the assignment and enter the grade in iNow. In order for learning to be maximized, it is vital that students meet all deadlines. When a student is absent, he/she should turn in an excuse to the front office, check Google Classroom for assignments, check iNow for missing grades, ask a classmate for bellwork and/or notes, and check with the teacher. It is the students responsibility to keep up with his/her work and complete missing assignments.
Note:
1. The academic misconduct policy of the school will be followed in this course.
2. The attendance policy of the school will be followed for this course.
VIII. Texts:
Mirrors & Windows Literature Book, The Odyssey, Romeo and Juliet, Animal Farm,and To Kill a Mockingbird.
IX. Materials:
3 ring binder, college ruled loose-leaf paper, Dividers (bellwork, grammar, articles, literature, vocabulary, and writing), pens (black or blue ink) or pencils, and highlighters (blue, green, and yellow).
18-Week Plan
Weeks 1-2 - Summer Reading - Animal Farm - Review, discuss, and analyze work. Introduce literary elements.
Weeks 3-5- Short stories and poetry/Literary Circle Project (Fiction)
Weeks 6-9-The Epic Adventure - The Odyssey - Parts of Edith Hamilton’s Mythology and Homer’s The Iliad will also be reviewed. The research paper will occur during this time.
Week 9- Explore the genre of Nonfiction /Literary Circle Project II (Nonfiction)
Weeks 10-12 - Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
Weeks 13-14 –Independent Research project (Short Story, Poetry, Research, and Presentation)
Weeks 15-17 - To Kill a Mockingbird
Weeks 18 - Complete To Kill a Mockingbird and review for final exam.
Signature Page
9th grade Language Arts Dept.
I, ________________________________, have read and understand the attached Pre-AP English 9 Syllabus, classroom expectations, and the 18-week plan.
Student Signature_________________________________ Date__________
As the parent/guardian of _____________________________, I have read and fully understand my child's course syllabus, classroom expectations, and the 18-week plan.
Parent Signature__________________________________ Phone Number: _____________________________Date__________
Parent/Guardian email address: ______________________________________________________________________________