English 9 Syllabus 

For a printable copy, click HERE

Course Description:      

English 9 utilizes an integrated approach to grammar and rhetoric, literary analysis of prose and poetry, vocabulary and research skills. Emphasis is placed on the enhancement of writing and communication skills, as well as critical evaluation of both classical and contemporary materials. The curriculum includes Shakespeare as well as a host of global authors to help students develop a sense of their place within the world.
 
Course Objectives:

This course is designed to help students understand an author’s main idea, with sensitivity to technique, style and inference; to write effectively, applying knowledge of the elements of fiction and nonfiction; to acquire new vocabulary and use it correctly in reading and writing; to make oral presentations that demonstrate appropriate consideration of audience, purpose and style.

Required Materials:

  • 3 – Ring binder to be used for English class only, 1 ½ in. is recommended
  • Loose-leaf notebook paper (white, college ruled) for your binder
  • 5 Tabbed dividers
  • A one-subject spiral bound college-ruled notebook (which will be left in the classroom occasionally). One with three holes will fit nicely in a binder.
  • Pens (blue or black only)
  • 3x5 index cards (to be kept at home for vocabulary study)
 
Required Books:

  • Vocabulary Workshop, Level E (Sadlier-Oxford)
  • An Introduction to Ficition, 11th edition, Kennedy & Gioia
  • Students will read one independent novel per quarter (student selected)
  • Students will also read one class novel per semester.
 
Test Days:

  • Mondays and Wednesdays
  • Papers and quizzes may be given at any time
  • Assignments will be posted weekly on the white board in M2 and on the website
Grading System:

  • Tests                           30%
  • Projects/Papers          25%
  • Quizzes                          20%
  • Homework                  15%
  • Class work/Participation     10%
 
Late Policy:
Students will be penalized for turning in late work when the student is present on the due date .  Late work must be turned in with a late work form attached. An assignment that is one day late will be given a 10% deduction.  An assignment that is two days late will be given 50% credit.  You may not turn in an assignment more than two days past the due date. 
 

Absences and Make Up Work:
As stated in the Student-Parent Handbook, after an absence a student is allowed one make-up day for each day out. However, test and quizzes must be made up the day the student returns to school after a single day’s absence, unless other arrangements have been made with Mrs. Williams. Students should check the class website after any absence in order to be prepared for the next class. Information about the class website will be distributed in the next few days.

Honor Code:
Students are expected to abide by the honor code at all times. This includes but is not limited to completing homework individually (unless otherwise specified), honoring published works by using correct MLA citations, and not relying on other students’ materials for class (pencils, pens, paper, books, etc.).

Miscellany

·        5 points will be deducted for any assignment that does not include a complete heading (name, date, period, assignment).

·         Any student tardy to class without a note will be issued a demerit.

·         Students may not use any electronic device in class with out the specific permission from the teacher. Any violation of this rule will result in the confiscation of the device for 24-28 hours.

·         I am available to meet with students at lunch whenever necessary.

How to reach me:

·         Preferred method of communication is via email: heatherwilliams@trinityes.org

·         Classroom location: Morgan Hall, M-2 (old ceramics room), Periods 1-3.

·         School Phone: 804-327-3102;