Course Syllabus

Cuthbertson High School

Mrs. Kary Ormond Harris, BS, MAEd, NBCT

English I

Room G104 - Phone: (704) 296-0105

E-mail: kary.harris@ucps.k12.nc.us

 

ONLINE TEXTBOOK

http://my.hrw.com

Username: sstudent4649

Password: harris

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

As a survey course, the English I curriculum studies the main genres of literature, including short stories, novels, poetry, and drama. Grammar and mechanics, critical reading of literature, paragraph and essay writing, and vocabulary are also emphasized during the course of the semester. The course will prepare students for the English I NC Final Exam to be taken at the end of the semester.

COURSE MATERIALS

1. 1 composition notebook
2. 1 binder with college-ruled paper
3. Writing utensil—pencils ONLY
4. School–issued laptop – please charge prior to class!

INSTRUCTIONAL PHILOSOPHY

Students enrolled in English I should enter the ninth grade with a foundation in fiction, drama, poetry, mythology, and literary nonfiction. In addition, they should have begun to analyze literature from various angles, to view literature in historical context, and to observe connections between literature and the arts. The ninth-grade course is an overview of excellent literature across the major forms and genres. Each unit focuses on a genre and a related theme.  By the end of English I, students are prepared for focused literary study: world literature in the tenth grade, American literature in the eleventh grade, and European literature in the twelfth grade.  "Grade 9." Common Core Curriculum Maps in English Language Arts, Grades 9-12. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2012. Print.

MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS

• Vocabulary units will be assigned and tested every two weeks.  Students are expected to study at least 10 minutes nightly.
• Students will complete the reading of numerous texts during the course of the semester and most readings will be expected to be completed independently to increase reading stamina and comprehension.
• Students will be asked to write both reflectively and academically throughout the course.
• Tests and quizzes will be given throughout the semester to assess student learning.  Not all quizzes will be announced.

COURSE OVERVIEW

Short Story/Literary Elements Unit

• Read selected texts from the textbook along with other selections from digital sources.
• Review and learn narrative elements of plot.

Novel Unit

• Read Animal Farm and Of Mice and Men (CP) or To Kill a Mockingbird (Honors) and supporting texts.

Poetry/Drama Unit

• Learn poetic terms and read and discuss various poems from the textbook and digital sources.
• Discover Shakespeare through the study of 15^th Century England and the elements of drama.
• Read and discuss the themes and language of Romeo and Juliet.
• Read The Odyssey and analyze the elements of an epic hero.

Note: This syllabus is subject to change based on time requirements and class participation.

UCPS GRADING SCALE      

A= 90 – 100

B= 80 – 89

C= 70 – 79

D= 60 – 69

F= 0 – 59

Mrs. Harris’ GRADING SCALE

Students’ grades will be calculated using total points for the semester.  The final exam will count for 25% of the students’ class average.

Mrs. Harris’ POLICY ON LATE WORK

• Work is considered late if it is not turned in at the beginning of class.  If assignments are assigned via Canvas, students are expected to turn in work prior to the digital deadline on the assignment.
• Per county policy, students have two days for each day absent to make up work. Students are still accountable for assignments given prior to the absence, however, and they must meet the original deadline. 
• If the student has missed a quiz, test, or another assignment that cannot be taken home, the student will need to schedule a time to make up the assignment. It is the student’s responsibility to see me when work has been missed and to remember to turn it in when it is due.

TUTORING

Students are encouraged to attend tutoring as necessary to enable their maximum success in class. I welcome the opportunity to help students on an individual basis. I tutor in room G104 every Monday from 3:00–4:00 pm or by appointment.