Syllabus

BEREA HIGH SCHOOL

Room 222

Course Syllabus

English I, Grade 9

Credit: One Unit (graduation requirement)

Teacher: Mr. Gene Hinson, M.Ed.

Contact Info: 864-355-2383 (school)

ehinson@greenville.k12.sc.us

Course Description:

This course is designed to prepare students for the rigor of high school English. The curriculum is a genre study of major genres: drama, poetry, fiction and non-fiction. All high school courses should include a focus on argumentative, informational and expository writing. Opportunities for rich discussions and conversations will be provided regularly. Academic vocabulary, as well as other opportunities to explore the conventions of language, should occur frequently. Major literary selections will include classics as well as contemporary options. Grammar, mechanics, usage, and spelling will be taught through mini-lessons integrated with the writing instruction. A major research product will be created. The course will fully prepare students for English II. Students will receive CP credit for this course.

Course Standards:

The course standards for English I are based on the standards found in the “South Carolina Reading and English Language Arts Standards.” Students who successfully complete English I with a passing grade of 70% or higher will have demonstrated the ability, concepts, knowledge, and skills required to meet those course objectives. These course standards will be provided within the syllabus.

Required Text:

Elements of Literature Third Course, Holt, Rinehart, and Winston

Teacher approved novel of student’s choice per nine weeks for SSR project

Teacher may assign additional novels at his discretion

Course Outline: The course outline is intended as a guide only in assisting the teacher in planning units of instruction. Adjustments to the material covered will be made when necessary.

Unit 1 (20 days):

Reading - Man’s Struggle Against Man: Students will understand that conflict (struggles) between individuals originates over issues both significant and insignificant. Students will read short stories such as “The Sniper,” “The Story of an Hour,” “When I Lay My Burden Down,” as well as teacher selected informational texts and/or supplemental texts

CCSS Grades 9-10, Reading: Literature: RL.9-10.1, 2, 3. RL.9-10.6. RL.9-10.10

CCSS Grades 9-10, Reading: Informational Text: RI.9-10.1, 2, 3. RI.9-10.7, 8, 9,10.

Writing – Researching to Write the Argument: Students will understand that effective arguments have logic, structure, and evidence to support the claim(s).

CCSS: Grades 9-10, Writing: W.9-10.1.a.b.c.d.e, 2.a.b.c.c.d.e.f. W.9-10.4, 5, 6. W.9-10.7, 8, 9.a.b. W.9-10.10

CCSS: Grades 9-10, Speaking & Listening: SL.9-10.1. a. b. c. d. SL.9-10.3. SL.9-10.1.6.

CCSS: Grades 9-10, Language: L.9-10.1.a.b., 2.a.b.c. L.9-10.3.a. L.9-10.4 a. b. c. d. 10.5 a. b. L.9-10.6

Unit 2 (25 days):

Reading – Man’s Struggle Against Society: Students will understand that struggles between man and his society often have their roots in man’s desire for complete autonomy. Students will read Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet as well as teacher selected informational texts and/or supplemental texts

CCSS Grades 9-10, Reading: Literature: RL.9-10.4. RL.9-10.5. RL.9-10.6. RL.9-10.9.

CCSS Grades 9-10, Reading: Informational Text: RI.9-10.4. RI.9-10.5. RI.9-10.6. RI.9-10.9.

Writing – The student will write a literary analysis that uses textual evidence for support.

CCSS: Grades 9-10, Writing: W.9-10.1a. W.9-10.2 a.b.c.d.e.f. W.9-10.9a. W.9-10.10.

CCSS: Grades 9-10, Language: L.9-10.1.a.b., 2.a.b.c. L.9-10.3.a. L.9-10.4 a. b. c. d. 10.5 a. b. L.9-10.6

Unit 3 (25 days):

Reading – Man’s Struggle Against Himself: Students will understand that man’s internal struggles can either propel him to or prevent him from action. Students will read The Odyssey, “The Gift of the Magi,” and teacher selected readings.

CCSS Grades 9-10, Reading: Literature: RL.9-10.2. RL.9-10.3. RL.9-10.5.

CCSS Grades 9-10, Reading: Informational Text: RI.9-10.8.

Writing – The student will write a fictional narrative that incorporates different literary devices and sentence structures.

CCSS: Grades 9-10, Writing: W.9-10.1. W.9-10.10.

CCSS: Grades 9-10, Speaking & Listening: SL.9-10.1. SL.9-10.2. SL.9-10.3. SL.9-10.4. SL.9-10.5. SL.9-10.6.

CCSS: Grades 9-10, Language: L.9-10.3a.

Unit 4 (20 days):

Reading – Man’s Struggle Against Nature: Students will understand that man’s struggles against nature is often more difficult to resolve. Students will read “The Interlopers,” “Thank You, Ma’m, and a variety of teacher selected readings.

CCSS Grades 9-10, Reading: Literature: RL.9-10.1. RL.9-10.2. RL.9-10.3. RL.9-10.4. RL.9-10.5. RL.9-10.6. RL.9-10.10.

CCSS Grades 9-10, Reading: Informational Text: RI.9-10.1. RI.9-10.2. RI.9-10.3. RI.9-10.4. RI.9-10.10.

Writing – The student will conduct research to write an informational essay.

CCSS: Grades 9-10, Writing: W.9-10.3. a.b.c.d.e.

CCSS: Grades 9-10, Speaking & Listening: SL.9-10.6.

CCSS: Grades 9-10, Language: L.9-10.1.b. L.9-10.2. a.b.c L.9-10.3.a. L.3.3a. L.6.2a. L.6.3b. L.7.1c. L.8.1d.

*Vocabulary, Grammar, and EOC practice are taught throughout the semester*

We will read and write every day!!!!

Grades: Student progress is cumulatively assessed each nine weeks in the following way:

60 Percent: Major Grades: Major Projects/Major Writing Assignments (30%)

Major Tests (30%)

40 Percent: Minor Grades: Classwork/Homework (20%)

Quizzes (20%)

Grading Scale: 90-100 = A 70-79=C

80-90 =B 60-69=D

59 and below =F

SSR (Sustained Silent Reading): Because reading is critical to learning, SSR is a requirement for all English students at Berea High School. Each student is required to read a minimum of one teacher approved novel per nine weeks. During the nine weeks, students will be required to complete an in-class writing assignment that demonstrates their understanding of the novel. If the student is absent on the day of a SSR writing assignment, he/she will have five days to make it up. No late assignments will be accepted.

Materials for Class: 3-ring binder, loose leaf paper, dividers (4) – labeled “Notes,” “Vocabulary,” “Classwork,” and “Writing”, highlighters, blue or black ink pen, pencil, post-it notes (optional), pocket dictionary and thesaurus (optional)

Materials Policy: Failure to bring textbooks or novels to class will result in a significant drop in the student’s grade as well as a possible referral for no materials.

Homework Policy: No late homework is accepted.

Late Work Policy: Major essays and projects are penalized 10 points per day late until the fifth day. In-class assignments will not be accepted late.

Makeup Policy: Students who are absent from school are expected to make up any missed assignments within five school days. It is the student’s responsibility to find out what work was missed during his/her absence. Failure to make up work within the allotted time period will result in a 0. Since major tests are announced at least one week in advance, the student is responsible for taking the test if present on the day of the test if no new material was taught on the day of the absence. This is also true of major essays and projects.

Extra Credit: Students will have opportunities to earn extra points on most tests and quizzes. If students join one of the book clubs at school, Bad Boys or Glam Girls, and read an additional novel during the nine weeks, they will earn an extra grade. *NOTE: The novel cannot be the same one used for SSR.

Class Procedures and Class Rules: In homeroom, students receive a “Berea Student Handbook” outlining daily operations and procedures followed at Berea High School. Class rules are also posted on the wall of the classroom as well as below:

1. Arrive ready with materials and a good attitude.

2. Show respect to all people at all times.

3. Take responsibility for your actions and work.

Students have five minutes between classes to take care of personal concerns. However, sometimes situations arise which make it necessary to leave the classroom. Therefore, students will receive TWO passes per quarter. These passes may be used for going to the restroom or to the locker. In order to use a pass, students must have their agenda as well as their pass. No student may leave the room once his/her passes have been used or without his/her agenda. Unauthorized class exit will result in a referral.

Honor Code: Berea High School follows an honor code that can found in the student handbook. Students who violate the honor code are subject to consequences outlined in student handbook. Please be aware of this policy.

Attendance/Tardy Policy: By state law, a student will be denied credit for a class if he/she accumulates over five unexcused absences within the school semester. Since a student cannot learn if he/she is not in class, the tardy policy is strictly enforced. Please refer to the “Berea Student Handbook” for more information.