English 1-2 (9th Grade) Syllabus
Course Description
The course content includes thematic study of literature in major genre areas - short story, nonfiction, poetry, drama, and the novel. Activities in each unit interrelate reading, writing, oral communication, and language study, which includes grammar, usage, and standard forms of American English. Course curriculum and goals are aligned with the California Language Arts Standards.
Textbook 9th Grade Literature Textbook (orange), McDougal Littell, Publisher
Core Literature
First Semester: Of Mice and Men, The Odyssey
Second Semester: Romeo and Juliet
Materials Needed
Binder with lined paper
Three-ring, 1" notebook and loose-leaf paper for class notes and handouts
Pencils and pens in at least 2 colors
Supplementary Texts
Student selected books for independent reading (to be brought to class every day)
Additional class novels as selected by the teacher
Homework
Homework is scheduled regularly and includes the following, although this list is not exhaustive: Independent reading, vocabulary study, essay writing, project work, reading of core literature texts, preparation for selection, unit, and final exams.
Grading Policy
Grades are weighted according to these categories:
15% Classwork, Homework, Projects, Participation
35% Tests, Quizzes, and the Final Exam
40% Writing – Process writing, on-demand writing, writing practice
10% Reading
Grading Scale
A = 90 - 100%
B = 80 - 89%
C = 70 - 79%
D = 60 - 69%
F = 0 - 59%
Late Work Policy
It is expected that every student will complete every assignment on time. If you are having difficulty keeping up for any reason, please see me before a grade crisis starts.
Other late work will be accepted for up to one week after the due date but at a penalty of minus ten percent per day late. Rely on this only for the most extreme emergencies.
Make-up Work Policy
In the event of an excused absence, students may have one extra day per day absent to complete the work missed without penalty. Work due on the first day of the absence must be turned in on the day of return to avoid a late penalty.
Neatness
Take pride in your work. All work turned in must be clean and written neatly. Please use only pencil, blue ink, or black ink. Work written in other colors (unless instructed) will be returned to be redone and will be subject to a late penalty. If typed, work must be in 12-point Times New Roman, Arial, or a similar font and formatted according to MLA guidelines. Messy or illegible work will need to be redone before it is graded and a late penalty will be deducted. The teacher will be the judge of what needs to be redone.
Citizenship Grades
Citizenship grades (E, G, S, N, or U) are determined according to a rubric, which includes (but is not limited to) being on time and starting the warm-up right away, being on task, following class and school rules, treating people with politeness and respect, bringing materials, and keeping the classroom clean. However, multiple tardies will result in lowered citizenship grades according to the La Jolla High School Universal Tardy Policy. Two incidents of academic dishonesty or referrals for disruption or defiance will mean an automatic ‘U’ and negate all other categories on the rubric.
Behavior Expectations
All school-wide policies for behavior expectations, attendance, attire, cell phones, academic honesty, etc. which are outlined in the La Jolla High School Planner and on the school website are followed and enforced in this class. In addition, I have the following behavior expectations:
-- Be on time and start the warm-up right away and quietly.
-- On time means being in your assigned seat when the bell rings.
-- Bring the required materials to class everyday.
-- Raise your hand to speak and wait to be called upon.
-- Ask permission before getting out of your seat.
-- Listen to others and speak respectfully.
-- No eating or drinking in class.
-- Clean up after yourself.
-- Do as you are asked the first time you are asked.
Tardies and Academic Dishonesty
La Jolla High School's Universal Tardy Policy and policies for Academic and Personal Dishonesty will be followed. These can be found on La Jolla High School's website and in each student's school planner.