Class+Syllabus

 ~Edmund Burke~
 * 9th Grade English: Literature and Composition**
 * “To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting.”**


 * Instructor:** Kara Wendel Email: kwendel@pps.net Website: http://fresh1214.wikispaces.com/

Welcome to your first year of English at Lincoln High School! I am excited to hear your ideas and stories as we read and write this semester. This year we will study the idea of a hero’s journey and how it functions in literature, and we will focus our attention on crafting writing that demonstrates critical thinking and detailed analysis. Understanding and writing about literature demands attention and work, and we will practice both as we explore various forms of literature including: memoirs/personal narratives, plays, short stories, poetry, novels, and mythology. This year we will study various multicultural short memoirs, poems, and essays, //Night// by Elie Wiesel, selections of Homer’s, //The Odyssey//, and Shakespeare’s //Romeo and Juliet//.
 * Essential Questions:**

Why do we read? Why do we write? How do we read to write effectively? What is a hero’s journey, how do we track it in literature, and why are such stories important in our culture?

Be flexible and willing to explore new genres, authors, ideas, and skills—search for what interests you in everything we do. Be present and respectful of your classmates—your backpack does not represent you, and neither does your sleeping, texting, or daydreaming form. Use appropriate and safe language; slurs or bullying **of any kind** will not be tolerated and will result in immediate disciplinary action. Cell phones and other personal electronic devices need to be **OFF** and **AWAY** at all times. If you are caught using one of these devices, it will be taken from you for the duration of the school day.
 * Class Expectations:**

Daily journal entries (you will need a spiral notebook to be used **only** for English) Short answer responses/paragraphs—1-3 times a week Essays, both on-demand and polished (at least three polished pieces per term) Miscellaneous creative writing, including poetry, personal narrative, and fiction
 * Writing Expectations:**

Daily discussions—small and large groups Formal and informal group presentations
 * Oral Expectations: Active participation in …**

Timely completion of reading homework Reading to support writing/discussion In-class silent choice reading
 * Reading Expectations:**


 * In this class, you will need:**


 * One spiral notebook or journal that you will use everyday in class, and ONLY for this class.
 * A choice book from home or the library

There are four basic skills areas we will work on this year: Knowledge, Analysis, Organization, and Language. In addition, I will assign a grade for daily work. Grades within these assignments will be based on the following traits:
 * Assessment:**


 * Knowledge & Understanding: ** How well do you understand the ideas in the text?
 * Literary Analysis: ** How well do you analyze the literary features of the text?
 * Organization: ** How clear is the structure of your writing? How does your organization help the reader follow your ideas?
 * Voice/Language: ** How does your writing craft impact your organization/ideas? Do you demonstrate and understanding of the standard rules of English?


 * Grades are based on total points in a basic percentage model: **

D – Still working to meet the standard 60% to 69%
Grades and teacher comments are meant to be feedback to support student growth.

I appreciate that life happens and sometimes you miss school. When you do, it is **//your//** responsibility to find out what you missed. Assignments due while you are absent are due upon return unless //pre//-arranged with me. Talk to me in person, email me, and use the class website so you get caught up. Late work will lose value daily. You will have one week past the end of each unit to turn in any missing work for **partial credit**; after this date, I will no longer accept your work.
 * Missed/Late Work Policy:**


 * Much of our work will happen in class, so, for your sake, come to class!**

Tardiness and unexcused absences are disruptive and make life difficult. For every three tardies you receive, you will receive a detention. Unexcused absences will be reported to parents and administration. If you are more than ten minutes late, it will be counted as an unexcused absence, unless you give me a written note. No note=no excuse.
 * Tardiness/Absences:**

1) If you use someone else’s words or ideas without giving them credit for providing you with that information—this is CHEATING. 2) Cheating will not be tolerated and you will receive a 0% for anything you turn in as your own that is not your own. Practice INTEGRITY!
 * Note on cheating and plagiarism:**