9 ENG

COURSE EXPECTATIONS

Mission For Our Classes

TO STRETCH AS FAR AS YOU THINK YOU CAN GO -- AND THEN DISCOVER THAT YOU CAN 
STRETCH A LITTLE FARTHER!  THINK "RUBBER BAND"!! In particular:

LITERATURE:

1.  to read short stories, drama, novels, and mythology for understanding and enjoyment.

2.  to master literary terms, to analyze literary techniques in the works we study, and to apply

			         these techniques in writing and speaking projects of our own.

3.  to understand the historical background of the works we read and to make connections

															         between the literature and our lives today

4.  to practice active reading strategies for understanding literature.

5.  to practice supporting all opinions about a piece of literature with specific evidence from the text.

6.  to practice and strengthen critical thinking skills, including comparison-contrast, cause-effect,

          analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.

COMPOSITION:

           1.  to write clear, complete, and interesting sentences.

           2.  to refine paragraph structure, including topic sentence, supportive detail, organization, and transitions.

           3.  to craft five-paragraph essays requiring thesis/support structure.

           4.  to apply essay format to the analysis of literature.

           5.  to write reflectively and creatively in response to literature.


GRAMMAR/VOCABULARY:

1. to enhance our written and oral communication through an understanding of grammar structures (parts of speech, parts of a sentence, phrases, and clauses) through the reduction of errors in sentence structure, punctuation, spelling and usage, and through the study and day-to-day use of vocabulary words.

STUDY SKILLS:

	   1. to learn and practice methods for studying the content of this and other courses. 

TO HAVE FUN IN THE PROCESS!  It can be done!

MATERIALS:

· Textbooks and required paperbacks as assigned

• Your laptop, with battery charged and folders appropriate to English note taking. I suggest that you include folders or One Note sections within your English notes for the following:

Homework Literary Terms Literature Notes Writing Grammar Vocabulary

• A notebook or binder with plenty of loose leaf for class work, for in-class essays, and for taking notes if you are not taking notes on your laptop

• A VERY organized system for keeping handouts, assignments, and returned assignments My best suggestion for note taking/paper-keeping is still the medium-sized binder with a portable three-hole punch!)

• Blue or black pens for class/homework, red pen for editing, highlighter for novels

• No White-out™ or other correcting fluid or tape! Just cross out with a single line!

• Also helpful: 3x5 index cards on a ring, a personal stapler and 3-hole punch

GRADING SYSTEM:

Grades in this class are calculated using a straight point system. I usually allot 100 points for each test, major essay, and major project. Quizzes and collected homework are usually worth 10-20 points, while larger assignments may range from 25-50 points. You may receive a paper graded 9/10, which means that the assignment was worth 10 points, and you earned a 9. At the end of the quarter, I add up the total number of points allotted for each test, essay, quiz, homework, etc.; I then add up all the points you received for these assignments. Finally, I divide the total points you earned by the total possible points to obtain your average. For instance, if the quarter’s total possible points equal 500, and you earned a total of 450, 450 divided by 500 equals .90, or 90%.

All collected tests, quizzes, and assignments will be returned. Those worth 50 points or more must be signed by your parents/guardians and returned to me within two days. I will keep those papers on file in your personal folder. You will be able to sign these tests and quizzes out to review for exams. If you have earned a poor score on a quiz or assignment worth less than 50 points, I may require your parents’/guardians’ signature on that paper as well. You will keep any other assignments in your notebook to assist in your preparation for tests and exams.

An effort grade worth 25 points (not 25%!) is included in your average. In order to obtain the highest possible effort grade, it is essential that you

• are in class, ready to start, on time

• consistently bring all required materials

• demonstrate that you have prepared for class

• conduct yourself in a manner that actively assists your learning and that of your classmates

• contribute actively to the class discussion, group work, or individual task (There are no stupid

questions, and a sincerely-given incorrect answer still counts!)

Homework is a necessary part of your learning! Homework will be checked each day. Assignments are due at the beginning of class. An assignment submitted “right after class” is still late. Please manage your time so that assignments are completed beautifully and on time. Do your best work at all times!

Vocabulary and grammar drill work is usually checked for completion, accuracy, and neatness. Vocabulary and grammar drill work which is not in class at the beginning of class is considered missing. It may not be made up after class for credit since we will have already corrected the work in your hearing. (You, of course, will be smart enough to make up the work on your own as test preparation.)

Most literature and writing assignments will be collected, read carefully and graded. If you submit one of these assignments late, you are choosing an initial penalty of 20% of whatever the assignment is worth: a 10-point assignment will lose 2 points; a 100-point assignment will lose 20 points. Additional points will be deducted if the lateness is extended. Deadline extensions are sometimes given for an extremely serious reason and only after discussion with me (the sooner the better!). Note: I accept homework in hard copy, not via email. “My printer wasn’t working” is not a valid excuse for late homework. On very specific occasions, I will require homework to be submitted electronically in the class homework drop by a specific deadline.

One reason for homework is to practice your skills. While you are learning, you may make some errors or include some incomplete responses in your homework. Errors are understandable; blanks are not. I expect to see your very best, most thoughtful attempt for each homework response. I also expect that you will correct and revise as we review your homework in class. I do not accept “I didn’t get this” as an excuse for unfinished homework. If you are having real difficulty, e-mail me or see me as early in the day as possible!

HONOR CODE/ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY:

All students are expected to abide by the Notre Dame Honor Code. I expect you to approach and complete every test, quiz, and assignment with honesty. Also, please review the Acceptable Use Policy regarding appropriate use of laptops and technology. Failure to adhere to the Honor Code or to the Acceptable Use Policy will result in the consequences stated in the Student Handbook.

ABSENCES:

If you are absent, please check my web site for assignments, test dates, etc. Call a study buddy for additional details. When you return to school, you must complete any missed work within the same number of days that you were absent. For example, if you are absent one day, you have one day to make up work; three days’ absence will allow you up to three days to make-up work, etc. Please come to see me as soon as you return from your absence, even if you think you are clear about missed work!!! After an absence, copy missed notes from two students. (They each may have “zoned out” during class, but probably not at the same time!)Then come to me with any remaining questions about the material.

EXTRA HELP:

I am always available if you need extra help, have questions, or need to make up work. I am usually available from 3:15 to 3:45 on any day that I do not have a prior meeting. It’s best to make an appointment! My commute makes before-school appointments risky; if you need help and can’t come after school, we’ll find a free mod somewhere!