Syllabus | english9

Course Syllabus – English 9

Instructor: Mrs. Jessica Vallincourt Room: 222

Instructor Email: jsowerATlewistown.k12.mt.us Office: (406) 535-2321 X 128

Course Website: http://jvallincourt.wix.com/english9

*This website can also be accessed through the Fergus High School Home Page

Course Description

Welcome to English 9! This one-year course will continue to develop students’ skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening, and research. Students will have the opportunity to experiment with various types of writing, including reflective writing, expository writing, poetry, and persuasive writing. Students will learn to improve their writing skills in each genre through correct grammar and usage, expanded vocabulary, clarity of thesis, and proper organization. While reading and writing will be the primary focus of instruction, students will also be required to express themselves through class discussions, multi-media projects, and classroom presentations.

Textbooks Novels/Plays

Prentice Hall Literature—Grade Nine Lord of the Flies- William Golding

The Pearl- John Steinbeck

Romeo and Juliet- William Shakespeare

Grades

Grades are a combination of homework, class work, tests and quizzes, writing assignments, presentations and participation. Grades will be posted and updated on Infinite Campus. In this way, you will be able to keep track of your grade from week to week. Be sure to keep all graded and returned work in your binder. I will use the District’s grading scale:

100%-93% = A 92%-90% = A- 59%-0% = F

89%-87% = B+ 86%-83%= B 82%-80% = B-

79%-77% = C+ 76-73% = C 72%-70% = C-

69%-67% = D+ 66%-63% = D 62%-60% = D-

*D- is passing at Fergus High School

Homework

You can count on having homework every night. Homework may include reading assignments, writing assignments, or simply studying for a test or quiz. You are encouraged to keep track of due dates using an agenda or planner. Whatever the assignment, make sure you come to class prepared!

Late Work

Late work will receive a 10% point deduction for every day that it is not submitted beyond the due date. Accommodations can be made for students who bring in the missing assignment accompanied by a note signed by a guardian that specifically states the reason for the incomplete assignment. NO Long-term assignments will be accepted as late. Routine assignments will be due the second day back from your excused absence and will not be considered late.

Quizzes

Quizzes will be based on direct instruction, reading assignments, vocabulary, and class discussions. You will be given notice prior to a quiz.

Tests

Tests will be based on large units, such as whole novels. You will be given plenty of notice prior to a test, and will often be given study guides. Test materials will often include both objective and essay components.

Writing Assignments

We will have several types of writing assignments throughout the year. Some will be informal and some will be formal essays. Formal writing assignments must be typed. If you would like to type your essays but do not have access to a computer, you may use one in the campus library.

Participation

Much of what we learn in English comes from class discussion and interactions with those around us. You will find that many new ideas and inspirations for your writings will come from our class discussions. Not only is your participation in class invited and encouraged, it is also part of your grade.

Supplies

A separate binder for this course is not required, but it is highly recommended. Be sure to keep your binder organized. Good organization is the key to your success!

Students must come with paper and a writing implement (either a pencil or pen) every day.
Students are highly encouraged to buy their own copies of the novels we will be reading this year. Part of this course is learning how to study plays and novels. This job is made easier if students can highlight lines in their books and write notes or questions in the margins. While school-issued books will be available to students who do not purchase their own, no written notes or highlighting in these books will be permitted.

*If you are unable to obtain these required materials (notebook, paper, and writing implement) please have your parent/guardian contact me and I will be happy to make any necessary accommodations.

Honesty Policy

Cheating and plagiarism are not tolerated. Plagiarism is when a student attempts to take credit for words OR ideas that are not his/her own (without the proper citation). A student has cheated if he/she has plagiarized OR has attempted to submit his/her work that has already been graded for a second time (by any teacher, at any grade level). A student’s first offence will result in a zero on the assignment, quiz, test, etc. If this should occur again, the student will meet with an administrator and will be written up in Infinite Campus.

Attendance and Make-ups

Your attendance is crucial to your success. If you are absent for any reason, it is your responsibility to obtain the work missed that day. The first thing you should do upon your return is check the course website for links to missing assignments that can be printed off for your use. If you are still confused about the details of an assignment, be sure to ask at an appropriate time. You may also get any notes taken during the missed day from one of your classmates at an appropriate time. You have two days after your excused absence to turn in any work that was assigned during your illness.

Tardies

If you are late to my class more than three times in a semester, you will be assigned to a thirty minute detention, and a report detailing your behavior will be posted to Infinite Campus. If your tardiness to class continues, you will be referred to the FHS administrative staff for further disciplinary action. Please arrive to class on time with your materials.