Alpharetta High School
2010-11
Instructor: Dr.Gingrich
PH: 770-521-7640 ext176
E-mail: gingrich@fulton.k12.ga.us
RISE Times:
Monday and Tuesday: 8am to 830 am in room 3316
Course Description:
In 2004 the Georgia Department of Education adopted new Georgia Performance Standards for grades 9-12. Consistent with state curriculum, the Fulton County Schools English language arts curriculum implementation aligns with state standards. The content standards for this course are clustered by strands: Reading and Literature, Reading Across the Curriculum, Conventions, Writing, and Listening/Speaking/Viewing.
Ninth Grade Literature and Composition will focus on developing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Throughout this course, students will have opportunities to develop and expand their knowledge of world literature and demonstrate their mastery level of new learning through performance tasks and assessments. At the completion of this course, students will take the Ninth Grade End-of-Course Test required by state law.
Reading and Literature
Focusing on a thematic and genre study of world literature, students will develop an understanding of the importance of various genres and themes of literature that characterize and reflect the human experience. They will read, interpret, analyze, and apply knowledge of the structures, themes, and elements of world fiction and nonfiction. Examining letters, journals, diaries, and speeches, students will explore the development of particular genres and the relevance of pertinent themes to the human condition. They will also consider the influence of mythical and classical texts on world literature. Through extensive reading, students will acquire new vocabulary specific to the study of genres and the development of particular themes and apply that knowledge in their writing.
Reading Across the Curriculum
To encourage students to become life-long readers, the curriculum includes standards that address both academic and personal habits of reading. Students will read approximately one million words per year from a variety of subject disciplines including language arts. In the English language arts classroom, students will learn the vocabulary of literature, writing, and listening, speaking, and viewing.
Writing
Expository writing is the focus for ninth grade; however, students will continue to produce a wide range of writings including polished narratives, memoir, imaginative writings and technical documents. Students will practice both timed and process writing to develop compositions that demonstrate an understanding of tone, point of view, style, organization, author’s purpose, and audience. Students will continue to use research and technology to support reading and writing.
Conventions
Students will increase their knowledge of the conventions of language in reading, writing, and speaking. They will demonstrate their control of the rules of English, focusing on the correct use of clauses, phrases, and the mechanics of punctuation. Sentence construction and usage will continue to be a focus for eleventh grade. Students will apply their knowledge of the conventions of format when producing expository text including research based papers.
Listening/Speaking/Viewing
Students will continue to develop their critical listening skills. Through presentations and interactions with the teacher and other students, they will apply effective speaking techniques in small and large group settings. The viewing standards will enable students to develop media literacy skills through the careful examination of contemporary texts including television, radio, film productions, and electronic media.
Course Objectives:
1. students will have broad knowledge of the genres and themes of world literature and students will be able to read and respond critically to a variety of readings
2. following this course, students will be writing and speaking at a level expected in advanced high school composition courses and other specific academic area courses
3. students will study mechanics, grammar, usage, and syntax styles and incorporate those fluently within their writing.
Texts:
Two texts will be assigned to you through the school book checkout, a Literature Textbook and a Writing Handbook. You are expected to have these in class at the appropriate times.
Costs of Textbooks
Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes (Green Level) $60.97.
Supplies
Topics to be studied:
I. Genres (Drama, Poetry, Nonfiction, Fiction)
II. Modes of Discourse (Memoir, Technical Writing, Exposition, Imaginative, Literary Analysis, Persuasion)
III. Mechanics, usage, grammar, and syntax
IV. Public Speaking
V. Thematic Analysis
VI. Literary Terminology
VII. Rhetorical Terminology
VIII. Writing Processes
IX. Timed Writing and Test Preparation
Classroom Rules:
1. Always come to class prepared. This includes bringing a textbook or assigned readings, pen, paper, notebook, homework, and other materials as needed.
2. Be respectful of others and their property. This includes classmates as well as the teacher. Please also be very respectful of the school environment and property.
3. Do not bring food, drink, or candy to class. School rules also dictate that there be no gum in classrooms.
4. Be on time!
5. Refer to student handbook for guidelines for appropriate behavior in classes and corresponding disciplinary actions for infractions.
Late work policy:
Late work (except in circumstances of an excused absence) will be accepted one day following a due date but will receive only 50% of available credit. After one day, work will not be accepted. If the late assignment in question is a major composition, the student will be assigned to the Writing Center (2314) to complete the assignment, though late penalties will still apply. Failure to report to the writing center to do the composition will result in disciplinary action.
Make-up work:
Make-up work should be completed one day after you return from an excused absence. Tests should be made up within one week of returning from an excused absence.
AHS Text Lost/Damaged Book Policy: Students are financially responsible for all books issued by Alpharetta High School. Textbooks may not be left in classrooms, and teachers are not responsible for students’ books once books have been issued to the student. The copy issued to the student must be turned in at the end of the course. Students will not receive credit for turning in another student’s book, and students may not turn in replacement books. The cost of replacement will be assigned to any student that fails to turn in the exact book she/he was issued and/or to any student that turns in a damaged book. If a student is issued a damaged book (i.e. broken binding, torn pages, water damage, writing, etc…), then the book must be brought to room 1310 for a replacement book or to document the damage. There is a two week grace period for students to document damage before the student will be held accountable.
Fulton County Recovery Policy: Fulton County Schools encourage all students to attain their highest possible level of achievement. Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low or failing cumulative grade will be allowed when all work required to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including attendance. Students should contact the teacher concerning recovery opportunities. Teachers are expected to establish a reasonable time period for recovery work to be completed during the semester. All recovery work must be directly related to course objectives and must be completed ten school days prior to the end of the semester. Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating circumstances may improve their grades.
AHS RISE Policy: RISE is an opportunity for students to relearn concepts from their teachers with individualized instruction. Sessions are held before or after school in the teacher’s classroom. RISE sessions will begin the 4th week of school.
All teachers are available for extra help, should a student want or need it. However, once a student’s average drops below a 75 in a course, RISE becomes mandatory at least one hour a week for that course until the next grading period. Once a student’s average rises above a 75 at the conclusion of a grading period, RISE is no longer mandatory.
RISE lunch sessions are available only for a student unable to attend either morning or afternoon sessions with his/her teacher. RISE lunch sessions for students needing support in Language Arts are held daily in the writing center - room 2314. Students attending RISE should bring their own lunch or get a bagged lunch from the cafeteria at the beginning of the lunch period.
AHS English Department Plagiarism Statement: A particular kind of honor code violation occurs with plagiarism. Plagiarism is defined as the use of another’s words or ideas and the presentation of them as though they are entirely one’s own. Acts of plagiarism include but are not limited to using words or ideas from a published source without proper documentation; using the work of another student (e.g., copying another student’s homework, composition or project); using excessive editing suggestions of another student, teacher, parent, or paid editor. Plagiarism on any project or paper at Alpharetta High School will result in a zero for the assignment, two days of Saturday school, and an Honor Code Violation. Unless directly stipulated by the teacher, collaboration on written work is not acceptable. Students who willingly provide other students with access to their work are in violation of the Alpharetta High School Honor Code. From time to time, students will be required to register with and post assignments to the Fulton County approved plagiarism detection site, turnitin.com.
1. unauthorized/unsupervised use of the computer network
2. shelling-out to network directories
3. adding software packages of any kind to the network
4. causing damage to the network environment
We at Alpharetta H.S. firmly believe that the access to valuable information and interaction available on this worldwide network far outweighs the possibility that users may procure material inconsistent with the educational goals of Fulton County Board of Education. Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies, and regional and state networks. In addition, the smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided here so that you are aware of the responsibilities you have. In general this requires efficient, ethical and legal utilization of the network resources.
Statements and/or information provided by the Internet's World Wide Web do not necessarily reflect those views held by AHS. Any information you gather from various World Wide Web sites while you are using the Internet is your sole responsibility. This is also true for any damages incurred. This includes loss of data, non-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by the Internet or by your own error(s) or omission(s). Alpharetta High School, Fulton County Board of Education accepts no responsibility for accuracy and/or quality of information obtained through the use of its Internet services.
Additionally, vandalism will result in immediate cancellation of privileges, disciplinary action and may result in school suspension and/or criminal charges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, Internet, or any of the above listed agencies or other networks that are connected to the Internet provider. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses. Moreover, you do not have permission to create "homepages," directories, or establish additional network addresses here at Alpharetta High School.
Grading Procedures:
A= 90-100
B= 80-89
C =70-79
F= 69 and below
The semester grade will be tabulated as follows:
Tests and Quizzes 25%
Final Exam 15%
Papers and Projects 55%
Homework/Daily Work 5%
Assignments are given a point total and the grade is tabulated as a percentage of the points earned out of the points possible.
Provision for Improving Grades
Drafting Policy:
Writing in this class emphasizes process and individual growth as a writer. A daily grade
will be given for rough drafts of essays; students receive full credit if they complete the word requirements. Second drafts will be graded by Dr. Gingrich. Once students receive their second drafts with Dr. Gingrich’s grade and comments they will have one week to revise the paper if they are not satisfied with their grade/score or wish to improve their writing. They may meet with Dr. Gingrich during the RISE period or another time before or after school or during lunch to work on writing papers and AP exams.
Georgia Performance Standards The course will also conform to all of the Georgia Performance Standards outlined for English Language Arts at the 11th grade level. In English Language Arts performance standards are concerned with
two major areas of focus: reading and writing conventions and listening, speaking, and viewing. The standards for viewing are new for Georgia, and they address the need for students to become discerning viewers of text. These standards are primarily concerned with media literacy.
The complete list of all the Performance Standards for the course are available online at http://www.georgiastandards.org/langart.asp under American Literature and Composition.
Lost/damaged book policy (copy and paste statement into syllabus)
Students are financially responsible for all books issued by AHS. Textbooks may not be left in classrooms and teachers are not responsible for the whereabouts of your book. The copy which was issued to the student must be turned in at the end of the course. Students will not receive credit for turning in another student’s book and may not turn in replacement books. The cost of replacement will be assessed to any student that fails to turn in the book they were issued or turns in a damaged book. If the student is issued a damaged book such as a broken binding, torn pages, water damage, writing, etc., then the book should be brought to Mr. Garrett in counseling suite room 1310 for a replacement or document the damage. There is a two week grace period for students to document damage before they will be held accountable. When a student turns in a book they may do so in person at any time to Mr. Garrett in room 1310 or on exam day at the end of the course to their teacher
I reserve the right to make any chances to the syllabi if the course necessitates them.
I have received and read the syllabus for Dr. Gingrich’s 9th Grade Honors English Course
Students’ Signature:_____________________________________________
Parent or Guardians’ Signature:___________________________________