Mrs. K. Thomas

South Park High School

Room 308

English I (9)

Course Syllabus

Contact Information: klthomas@buffaloschools.org

NY State ELA Standards:

Standard ELA1: Language for Information and Understanding

Students will read, write, listen, and speak for information and understanding.

Standard ELA2: Language for Literary Response and Expression

            Students will read, write, listen, and speak for literary response and expression.

Standard ELA3: Language for Critical Analysis and Evaluation

Students will read, write, listen, and speak for critical analysis and evaluation.

 Standard ELA4: Language for Social Interaction

            Students will read, write, listen, and speak for social interaction.

Course Objectives:

1)      Demonstrate knowledge of language terminology and the application of writing conventions (including capitalization, punctuation, and grammar usage)

2)      Improve vocabulary

3)      Demonstrate listening skills- during lecture and within cooperative learning groups

4)      Demonstrate the ability to clarify and organize thoughts for verbal and written communication

5)      Exhibit a mastery of paragraph and essay structure for effective comprehension and communication

6)      Identify and explain literary elements in the context of a variety of literary texts

7)      Understand, analyze, and evaluate various literary texts

8)      Demonstrate effective research strategies

9)      Utilize the library and computer labs effectively

10)  Develop questions to further learning

11)   Identify and implement appropriate strategies for inquiry

12)   Recognize the connections between fictional literature and real life

13)   Derive life lessons from literature

14)  Prepare for success on the NY State Regents Exam

Materials:

1. Literature of Language Grade 9 Textbook – including “Romeo and Juliet”
2. Novels- Of Mice and Men and Independent Reading Choices
3. 3 ring binder
4. 4 dividers labeled- journal, literature, writing references, work in progress
5. Folder (to be used for portfolio and kept in class at all times)
6. paper
7. pencil case (to be kept in binder)
8. Writing utensils- blue or black pen and a highlighter

Course Outline:

Course work will be aimed at answering established Essential Questions, developing individual inquiry, and identifying the value of literature and literacy.  We will connect each unit to prior learning and to future units in order to promote active and critical thinking.  You are encouraged to ask questions- of me, of the literature, and of each other.  Remember, asking questions helps not only the one who asks, but the one who is being asked, as well.

Quarterly, you will be given a calendar of expectations and academic requirements.  During each quarter, we will study a variety of short pieces of literature and one longer work of fiction.  You will also be expected to write on a regular basis in order to become a fluent writer.  Each quarter will culminate in one cumulative final assessment.  This may be in the form of a unit test, a final essay, or a project.

Essential Questions:

Over-arching/ Year long EQ- What is the value of conflict?  (understanding how and why conflict develops, learning from the past, current conflicts, and looking toward the future)

1^st semester- How does conflict develop in and impact a diverse society? 

1^st quarter- How does dealing with conflict and adversity develop

character?  and  How does individuality/ development of personal identity

fit into a diverse society?

2^nd quarter- Why is it valuable for individuals/ a society to construct narratives about their experiences with conflict?  and What is heroism?  What does a society’s definition of a hero reveal about that society?

2^nd semester- What is the correlation between individual choices and societal

change/ growth?

3^rd quarter- What considerations must go into making tough choices/

decisions?  How are a person’s choices part of a complex sequence of causes and effects?

                        4^th quarter- How can the lessons learned from literature guide you in your

own life and relationships?

Course and Classroom Expectations:

1)      Respect

2)      Diligence

The above include, but are not limited to:

1.      Abiding by all rules established by the Buffalo Public School District and South Park High School.

2.      Respecting each other, yourself, and any adult in the classroom with appropriate language and tone.

3.      Respecting all materials and property in the room- this includes not writing on desks or in books.

4.      Being prepared with all of your materials and ready to learn when the tardy bell rings.  (If not, you will be given a hall sweep!)

5.      Absolutely no eating or drinking in the classroom.  It is difficult to speak eloquently with gum or food in your mouth.

Grading Policy:

Participation- 25 % - this includes being respectful, paying attention to and

frequently contributing to class discussions, and random supply checks.  Also, if

you are enrolled in a Seminar in English course, you have the opportunity to earn

an additional 5 points in this section of your grade.

Class Work- 25%

Homework- 25% - this includes 2 independent book reports each quarter

Tests, extended projects and other alternative assessments- 25%

Attendance and Make-up policy:

Attendance in class is EXTREMELY important.  We will be working diligently everyday, and missing a class will set you back.  There is a three day policy for making up missed work.  (If you submit an assignment late, but were not absent, 5 points will be deducted for each day it is late- up to 15 points.  Assignments will not be accepted beyond three days after the original due date!)  The three days includes Saturday and Sunday.  You are responsible for making and keeping an appointment to make-up missed tests.  If you do not utilize the opportunity to make-up work, you will be given a zero for all missed assignments and assessments.

If you are caught cutting class, you WILL NOT be afforded the opportunity to make-up work or submit assignments that were due on the day you missed.