Course Syllabus English 9 2015-16
Ms. Wray RM. E106
503-673-4915
Per. 4 & 5
“Develop an interest in life as you see it; the people, things, literature, music—the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself.” –Henry Miller
Welcome!
Course Overview
This required course emphasizes the interior and exterior forces that shape identity and the development of empathy through a genre-based study of literature. Students will develop an understanding of literary terminology; develop reading, writing, and speaking skills; and develop analytical and critical thinking skills through the study of literature. Students will focus on self-discovery as well as begin to develop an empathetic world-view.
Major works may include Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, Romeo and Juliet, Speak, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, To Kill a Mockingbird, Night, and a variety of choice independent reading novels, along with supplemental short stories, poems, plays and films. Major writing assignments include the full writing process for narrative and argumentative papers.
Major Units
Semester 1: Identity
Topics and themes:
Coming of age
Culture and heritage
Relationships
Essential questions:
How do interior and exterior forces shape my identity?
How can I learn from experiences (my own and others’) in order to grow?
Who am I in times of trial?
How do I stay true to myself?
Semester 2: Empathy
Topics and themes:
Sympathy versus empathy
Moral code
Understanding multiple perspectives
Essential questions:
What is empathy?
How do I practice empathy?
How is reading literature an experience in empathy?
What are the effects of empathy?
Why is empathy important to the human experience?
What is our responsibility toward each other?
Learning Goals and Objectives
The English 9 course addresses the Anchor Standards from the Common Core State Standards in reading, writing, language and speaking/listening, through the following learning targets.
Students completing English 9 will be able to:
•Produce several pieces of writing, both imaginative and expository.
•The student will consider the lessons of life through literature and the relationship it has with the world.
•Demonstrate his/her ability to see others’ personal perspectives; develop empathy, compassion.
•Demonstrate proficiency with Standard English prose (punctuation, spelling, syntax, usage) and with organizational skills (appropriate introductions, conclusions, transitions, and organizational structures).
•Demonstrate his/her ability to analyze a literary work and the ability to synthesize aspects of several works, making connections regarding theme, style, and/or structure.
•Logically support his/her own interpretation of literature with documented references from the literary work.
•Demonstrate his/her ability to articulate his/her feelings and beliefs through narrative, descriptive, and expository writing.
•Explore elements of style in his/her own writing and work to polish that style and strengthen his/her voice.
Sample Formative Assessments Used in Course
Journaling
Exit or entrance questions
Class/small group discussion
Informal studentpresentations
In class activities/exercises
Grade-level reading and writing assessments
Classroom Climate and Teaching Philosophy
Respect is invaluable to me as an educator and a person. Students will note that I respect them as individuals, as learners, and I respect their ideas and contributions to the classroom. I expect the same level of respect to be returned to me and to the other students in the classroom. In order to cultivate learning and foster rich, new, and deep conversations, a safe classroom climate is required. I love literature, music, and art and believe all three can teach us much about the way the world was, the way it is, who we are, and what we can become. There is not a person in this world that cannot benefit from the study of literature and the craft of writing!
Classroom Behavior
Food and drink are allowed in class if students clean up after themselves. Students do not need to ask to use the restroom, just make sure to sign in and out by the door. If a student needs to leave the classroom, s/he should wait until an appropriate transition time. Cell phones must be turned to silent or off and placed on top of desks.
Late Work Policy
Late homework assignments will be accepted for half credit if turned in before the end of the unit. If a student is absent, s/he must refer to my website or see me before or after school to check the whiteboard for weekly activities and assignments. If a student is absent, he or she must return to class knowing what occurred during the missed class and with any handouts distributed that day. Projects and major writing assignments will be accepted late with a grade penalty of 10% per day for the first three days; half credit thereafter. If absence(s) are excused, the student will have the same number of days missed to complete the assignment, test, or quiz. I do offer extensions. If a student is feeling “bogged down” with life outside of school or other classes, s/he should come speak to me so we can make arrangements for an extension.
Grading
Each unit will include homework, quizzes, class activities, and a final test or essay. Homework will be graded for completion; everything else will be graded for correctness. Class participation matters; it can be the difference between earning a B+ or an A- with an 89%.
90-100% A
89-80% B
79-70% C
69-60% D
59-0% Failing
Academic Center/Testing Center
Location, days, and times are yet to be determined. I will send out a separate form once I am aware of the location, days, and times. These are great resources for students that need extra assistance or to make up a quiz or test.
Communication
Parents: You may contact me through email or phone, but I am most easily reached by email. If a phone conversation is necessary, please email me first so we can schedule a time to talk. Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. Grades are updated on PASS every two weeks. Students: I am available mornings 7:30-8:30am, lunch by appointment, and after school until at least 3:30pm. For matters that require a longer meeting, please schedule a time to come see me.
Materials
You will need to bring a planner, three-ring binder for English only or a section for English in a larger binder, a composition notebook, and a pen or pencil to class every day. The composition notebook will be used for notes, homework, and journaling. Students are expected to bring the reading material to class every day. Students should have their notebooks, a writing utensil, and the reading material out on desks at the beginning of class.
“Words can be like X-rays if you use them properly—they’ll go through anything. You read and you’re pierced.” –Aldous Huxley