91H Lit/Comp Syllabus
Introduction: 9th grade Honors Lit/Comp is a survey course covering multiple literary genres, writing, vocabulary, and grammar. In this course we will study short stories, epics, drama, poetry, and non-fiction by reading representative works from each genre and analyzing numerous literary devices in context. In addition, we will be learning vocabulary and grammar in the context of reading and writing throughout the semester.
Texts:
Prentice Hall Literature: Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes (green)
The Odyssey - Homer
Romeo and Juliet - William Shakespeare
To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee
Ethan Frome – Edith Wharton
Animal Farm – George Orwell
Materials Needed:
- Pencils, blue or black pens, and notebook paper
- Three-ring binder with THREE dividers (literature/writing/vocabulary)
- Textbook required everyday unless otherwise instructed
Classroom Behavior: Three simple rules:
1. Treat others as YOU would like to be treated.
2. DO NOT disrupt the teaching/learning process
3. Be here on time and ready to learn!
REMEMBER: The way I teach this class will be determined by the way you act and react to instruction. I expect you to behave according to your age and grade level.
Grading: Grade distribution is based on the point system as follows:
Major Unit Tests (5): 100 points each
DOLs (10): 25 points each (per week)
Vocabulary Quizzes (15): 30 points each
Reading Quizzes: 20-30 points each
Annotated Bibliographies (5): 25-50 points each
Minor essays: 100 points each
Homework assignments: 10-20 points each
Projects: 50-100 points each
EOCT: 15% of grade (state-mandated)
*Each student will be given a Personal Grade Tracker on which he/she can keep up with assignments and points earned. In addition, all parents are encouraged to sign-up for I-Parent, Cobb County’s on-line grade tracking system.
Tardies: Students are expected to attend class and be here on time each day. I will strictly adhere to the school-wide “Late Arrival System” as detailed in the Student Handbook. Copies of the “Late Arrival System” information sheet are available upon request.
Make-up work: In compliance with Cobb County policy, you will have ONE day for each excused day absent to make up missed work. After that, you will receive a “0.” All missed work may be made up before school by arrangement. Consult the current unit schedule to see what you missed. It is YOUR responsibility to find out what you missed and to arrange to make the work up in a timely manner.
Major Projects/Research Paper: Deadlines for major papers and projects will be made very clear; therefore deadlines will be followed stringently. In the event of an EXCUSED absence on the day a major project or paper is due, you will be expected to turn in your assignment IMMEDIATELY upon your return to school. In some cases, I will accept work through e-mail at David1.Martin@cobbk12.org.
Academic Honesty: You are expected to do your own work and apply yourself 100% at all time. Cheating or dishonest academic behavior (plagiarism, using “on-line” essays, etc.) will be punished to the fullest extent based on school, county, and state policies and procedures. Your work is valuable, so let me see what YOU can do.
A Note on Attendance: It is very important that you be in class everyday that you are physically able. The single most common reason students fail classes in high school is frequent absenteeism. If you are absent for any reason, please consult your current unit schedule to see what you may have missed and check with a classmate for any missed notes, assignments, readings, etc. You may also check with me if you are uncertain what you need to do to get caught up. Please make every effort to attend class to avoid the need to make up missed work. You cannot learn if you are not here!
