• South Paulding High School 

    Believe – Achieve - Succeed

     

    Syllabus for Ninth Grade Literature and Composition

     

    Instructors - Room 1017: Dennison Strickland rdstrickland@paulding.k12.ga.us        

                                               

    COURSE DESCRIPTION: Focusing on a study of literary genres, the student develops initial understanding of both the structure and the meaning of a work of literature.  The student develops initial understanding of the way the form of a work of literature affects the meaning of the work and of the process of interpretation of a text.  The student reads thoughtfully and purposefully, constantly checking for understanding of the author’s intent and meaning in order to determine a sound interpretation.  The student writes coherent and focused texts that convey a well-defined perspective or tightly reasoned argument.  The writing exhibits the student’s awareness of audience and purpose. When appropriate, the texts contain introductions, supporting evidence, and conclusions. The student regularly progresses through the stages of the writing process (e.g., prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing successive versions).  The student demonstrates an understanding of listening, speaking, and viewing skills for a variety of purposes.  The student observes and listens critically and responds appropriately to written and oral communication in a variety of genres and media.  The student speaks in a manner that guides the listener to understand important ideas.  The student uses Standard English conventions to help readers understand and follow the student’s meaning. The student encounters a variety of informational and fictional texts in all genres and modes of discourse.

    FOR A DETAILED LIST OF STANDARDS: Visit https://www.georgiastandards.org/Georgia-Standards/Frameworks/ELA-9-10-Grade-9-Literature-Composition-Standards.pdf View 9th ELA CCGPS

     

    ACTIVITIES/TOPICS/UNITS:

     

    The Short Story Unit (Selections may include but not limited to):

     

    “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell

    “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst

    “Marigolds” by Eugenia Collier

    Others

     

    The Mythology Unit:

    The Odyssey by Homer

     

     

    The Novel Unit:

    The Education of Little Tree

    To Kill a Mockingbird

     

     

    The Drama Unit (Selections include but not limited to):

    Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

     

    **Various selections and connections used throughout the units to complement and enhance student learning and understanding

     

    GRADING POLICY:

    Summative Grades (Test/Essay/Project)                         71%     

    Formative Grades   (Quiz/Assignment)                           29%

    Summative + Formative Grades make up 80% of the student’s overall average

     

    Course Final Test (Milestone)                                         20%

    BE READY — BE RESPONSIBLE — BE RESPECTFUL 

    • Students must be in their assigned seats by the ringing of the bell, or be marked tardy.
    • Students will remain in their assigned seats throughout the duration of the class. The bell does not dismiss students. Students will raise their hand for permission to move about the classroom.
    • Students will be given emergency passes each nine weeks to be used at the discretion of the student; not before the first 15 or last 15 min of class.
    • No eating or drinking in the class, however gum and water are permitted.
    • No cell phones or other electronic devices unless permission is granted by the instructor for instructional purposes only. Failure to comply will result in a discipline referral.
    • All students must participate
    • Failure to follow the procedures listed above or to comply with general school rules could result in the following consequences: Warning, Parent Contact, Detention, or Discipline Referral.

     

    Required Materials                                                   Recommended Materials

    Paper                                                                              Crayons, Colored Pencils, or Markers (Pack of 8)

    Pens or pencils                                                             Highlighter

    Binder (at least one inch)                                           USB Flashdrive (Highly recommended – could be used for other classes as well)

     

    RECOVERY AND MAKE-UP POLICY: A student has a two-week time frame to recover or make-up any work which they may deem necessary (excluding finals).  Only Summative/Formal grades are able to be recovered and may require before or after school tutoring prior to retaking a test.  IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE UP THE WORK OR TO ASK FOR RECOVERY!  If the absence is unexcused, work is not allowed to be made up. The policy of the English Department is to only offer make-up for assignments that are attempted and no make-up work will be accepted after two weeks.  Each assignment will be 10 points off each day that it is late!

     

    ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: Cheating is considered a serious matter.  Students will not be allowed to talk during any test or quizzed activity. The parents of a student who has been involved in cheating will be notified and the student will receive a grade of zero. Students will not be able to make up work until parents/guardians are notified.

    For this course, cheating is defined as, but is not limited to, the following acts:

    • Copying anyone’s answers to questions, exercises, study guides, class work or homework assignments
    • Plagiarism
    • Looking onto another student’s paper during a test or quiz.
    • Having available any study notes or other test aids during a test or quiz without the teacher's permission.
    • Collaborating on assignments when independent work is expected.

     

    Parent Portal Grade Viewer: Parents may access the Parent Portal at the Paulding County School District Website: http://www.paulding.k12.ga.us/