Lake Chelan High School

English 9

Mr. Peterson

2007-8

Course Description

Welcome to English 9. This year we will focus on developing our talents in the areas of reading, writing, thinking, and communicating as we survey a variety of works produced by some of the world’s greatest writers, artists and thinkers. We will explore issues, ideas and cultural currents that surface in classic and contemporary short stories, novels, poetry, drama, music and media. Students will prepare and present a number of individual and group projects, many of which will integrate research, literature, art, film, music and multimedia. We will also address the fundamentals of English grammar, usage, mechanics and vocabulary through a creative, engaging activities designed to strengthen and build upon our existing skills and knowledge. The subject matter of Honors English 9 will provide us with topics to explore in the form of discussions, essays, projects, and presentations—all of which address skills that will help us develop our cultural repertoires, be successful in other classes and pass the WASL.

Course Objectives

English 9 is designed to build upon the knowledge and skills learned in previous grades, and to make writing and the study of language and literature practical, accessible and fun. This course should help students refine their reading, writing and communication skills and will serve as a foundation for subsequent, more advanced English classes. The major objectives of the class are as follows:

· Students will develop a foundational knowledge of various genres of literature

· Students will read with comprehension, write with skill and communicate effectively in a variety of ways

· Students will know and apply the core concepts of language arts

· Students will think analytically, logically and creatively

· Students will integrate experiences and knowledge to form reasoned judgments and solve problems

· Students will understand the importance of work and how performance, effort and wise decisions directly affect career and educational opportunities

· Students will know and demonstrate a variety of essential life skills

Aside from the academic and skill-related objectives of English 9, my goals are to provide an enriching classroom environment and learning experiences that help students grow into informed, responsible citizens, voracious readers and lifelong learners.

Course Content

Semester 1

The House on Mango Street

Of Mice & Men

Lord of the Flies

Speech

Me-Search Project / Presentation

Mythology

Essays, Short Stories and Poetry

Supplies

Please bring the following supplies to school as soon as possible: pens/pencils, loose leaf paper, spiral notebook, school planner/assignment sheet and a reading book. Bring these items every day.

Grades

Grades are a reflection of your level of learning, academic performance, effort, participation and attendance. Refer to the attached “The Meaning of Grades” for an in-depth explanation of grades.

Grade Category Weights

§ Citizenship, Effort, and Participation: 20%

§ Homework & Daily Assignments: 20%

§ Test/Papers/Projects: 40%

§ Journals: 20%

Grade Scale

A:  94-100%          C+: 77-79%

A-: 90-93% C: 73-76%

B+: 87-89%           C-: 70-72%

B:  83-86%           D: 60-69%

B-: 80-82% F: Below 60%

Make-Up & Late Work

Students who have excused absences shall be allowed the same amount of time that they were gone to make up work. The teacher does not have to accept make-up work from students who have unexcused absences. All work is to be turned in on time. Late work will be worth ½ credit. Work that is over a week late will not be accepted. Only under extenuating circumstances or emergencies will I consider an extension.

General Classroom Expectations:

Each individual is responsible for their role in the classroom community.  I expect that students come to class prepared and ready to learn each day. Because much of this class is discussion based, I encourage everyone to actively listen and provide insight into the literature we read. In addition, I expect students to treat one another with courtesy, respect and dignity at all times.  Remember, YOU are responsible for your own learning.

Classroom Conduct:

Students are expected to demonstrate Life Skills at all times and abide by Classroom Rules and those outlined in school administrative policy. Here are Mr. Peterson’s Classroom Rules:

1. Respect others’ right to learn. Do not be disruptive.
2. Respect the teacher. I have an important job. Help, don’t hinder.
3. Respect yourself. Your future is important. Get the most out of class time.
4. Respect: give it, get it!

Academic Honesty

There are times when you will work with others on classroom assignments, and times when you are expected to produce your own work. There is a difference between collaboration and copying. Plagiarism is the willful use of someone else’s words or ideas under the pretense that they are your own. Such “borrowing” can be as small as a phrase or even a single word in a specific context. It can be as large as a paragraph or even a whole paper. In most cases, I can spot plagiarism easily. Undocumented use of others’ writing or cheating will result in a zero for the assignment. Getting caught turning in a paper that isn’t yours will result in both a zero for the assignment as well as administrative action. Don’t take chances. Come see me about any questions regarding responsible research and documentation.

Guidelines for Success:

My roles as an instructor are to help you to understand and improve your own writing process, to provide you with practical, engaging learning opportunities, to encourage critical thinking and expression, to provide you with help and resources, and to provide meaningful assessment. But nothing that I can do or that the textbooks suggest will help you to improve as much as your own effort and participation. As with most things in life, you will get out of this class what you put into this class. Here are a couple tips I recommend to improve your chances for success in this class and beyond:

• Have a positive attitude and believe in yourself. Never be afraid to dream. Challenge yourself.
• Be prepared. Come to class on time with all required materials and ready to learn.
• Have fun, seriously. Dude…seriously!
• Respect others. Demonstrate Life Skills and be a good listener. No put downs.
• Ask questions. Ask me, involve others, and get help. Failure is not an option.
• Take care of yourself.

Contact:

I am available before school, after school, and by appointment as necessary. Feel free to contact me via email at: petersone@chelanschools.org or by phone at (509) 682-4061 Room 158. My planning period is 5^th period (2:11 – 3:08). I encourage parent involvement, and look forward to talking with you.

¡Víva Chelan!

English 9

Mr. Peterson

 2007-2008

Please sign below indicating that both parent/guardian and student have read and understand the guidelines for this course as outlined on the syllabus and attached handouts. 

Student Name (please print): ___________________________________________________

Student Signature: __________________________________________________________

 Parent/Guardian Name (please print): _____________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________________________________________

Parent email: ________________________ Best time to phone parent: ________________________