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Syllabus
Grade 9
Course Description
This class is a course in literary genres and formal (essay
competency), as well as informal writing styles. One of the primary objectives
of this course is to teach students the writing process and strategies for a
variety of reading formats and discourse. Important components of the class are
critical thinking skills, leadership, initiative, motivation, creativity and
group dynamics.
Outcomes:
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Be able to analyze, interpret, draw conclusions and
question literary elements including character, setting, plot, conflict and
theme.
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Be able to review literature sufficiently to make and
support a thesis statement.
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Be able to read various forms of literature to analyze
the purposes, motivations, and points of view of various authors.
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Be able to produce a variety of quality writing styles.
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Be able to effectively communicate using appropriate
verbal skills.
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Be able to utilize appropriate listening skills in order
to develop proper note taking procedures.
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Be able to demonstrate understanding of a novel.
Required Texts:
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Literature: Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes
(Platinum) , Prentice Hall, 1999 Edition
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Survival, T.H. Peek Publishers, 1995
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Flowers for Algernon, Daniel Keyes
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To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
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Death Be Not Proud, John Gunther
English Department Requirements:
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All major papers must be typed.
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All written work must be completed in ink.
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All written work must be completed on loose leaf paper on
one side.
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All work must be handed in on time.
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No late work will be accepted.
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No extra credit will be given.
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Any form of plagiarism is unacceptable and will result in
an automatic zero.
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Required materials are expected in class on a daily
basis.
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A notebook is required (must save for the following
years).
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It is your responsibility to see the teacher (at the
beginning of the class period) the day you return about missed assignments due
to excused absence(s). Quizzes and tests must be made up immediately on your
own time. Dates for these will be assigned when you return. Assignments
given on the day of the absence will be assigned a later due date. Work given
or due as a result of an unexcused absence or tardy will result in a zero.
Prearranged absence - it is your responsibility to check before the
actual absence so that work is completed upon return.
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Participation is required.
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Appropriate classroom behavior is expected.
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Writing Portfolio
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Computer disc required.
Grading:
Various methods of evaluation will be used. The purpose of
this is to give you the exposure and experience to a variety of procedures. All
work given will be assigned point values as determined by their importance. The
total points will determine the final grade. The quarterly work and semester
exam will all constitute a certain percentage of the grade as determined by the
student handbook.
Composition Techniques Required:
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Chapter 1 - Sentence Structure and Mechanics
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Chapter 2 - Essay
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Chapter 6 - Critical Analysis
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Chapter 8 - Essay Exam
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Appendix B - A Guide to Stylistic Revision
Literature Required:
1st Semester
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Unit I - One the Edge
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Unit II - Striving for Success
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Unit III - Clashing Forces
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Unit IV - Turning Points
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Unit V - Expanding Horizons
2nd Semester
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