Honors English 9
Mr. Peterson 2007-8
Course Description
Welcome to Honors
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. As this is an honors-level class, you can expect it to be more
in-depth, challenging and faster-paced than regular English 9.
Course Objectives
Honors 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 Honors 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
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:
- Respect others’ right to learn. Do not
be disruptive.
- Respect the teacher. I have an
important job. Help, don’t hinder.
- Respect yourself. Your future is
important. Get the most out of class time.
- 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 5th
period (
¡Víva Chelan!
Honors English 9
Mr. Peterson
2007-2008
Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome to Honors English 9. Since this is a self-select honors course, it is imperative that students and parents understand the expectations necessary to be successful and stay involved in the honors program.
· Students must be serious about their academic success. Pay close attention to directions and ask relevant questions.
· Students will put forth effort to complete work on time.
· Students will demonstrate academic honesty and integrity. This means doing one’s own work (not copying).
· Students will behave in a manner that is conducive to the task at hand.
· Students will show a level of maturity necessary for higher level thinking activities.
· Students will participate and contribute to discussions.
· Students will strive to improve.
· Students will maintain an A or B average.
As this is an honors-level course, you can expect the content and work to be more rigorous and in-depth than a regular course.
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: ________________________