Ms. Mauer English 9A Honors Course Overview Fall 2017

“It is not that I am so smart. It is just that I stay with problems longer.”
--Albert Einstein

Room 138 (301) 962-1033

Welcome to English 9A, Writing and Language! During this semester, we will focus almost entirely on the craft of writing – the writing process, three types of writing (narrative, analysis, and argument, and the elements that make a strong piece of writing. For this course “writing [is] at the forefront of classroom instruction... students explore and develop their voices as writers… writing every day for different purposes, in multiple modes, and to varied audiences…” (MCPS 9A Curriculum guide). We will look closely at the ways language adds meaning to a piece of writing. We will read a variety of shorts stories, news articles, editorials, and essays to inspire our own narrative and argumentative pieces. You will also read one novel and analyze the writer’s style. This class will prepare you for high school writing assignments and help build the foundation for college-level writing and ALL writing outside of school as well. Note: In this course, we will learn and practice meditation (mindfulness) on Mondays after journaling.

Common Tasks:

  • A fictional narrative that achieves a particular effect (County reported score in Q1)
  • An evaluation or review of a work of art
  • An informative essay on the history or background of a topic
  • An analytical response to a text, including a discussion of style (County reported score in Q2)
  • A narrative about a significant event in the life of another person
  • An argument that incorporates alternative or opposing views

Expectations:

  • Be respectful – to others, to property, to your education
  • Be on time - to class and with your assignments (in your SEAT, supplies and homework on desk, when the BELL RINGS)
  • Be prepared – bring materials and participate
  • Follow all school rules (Bathroom passes are not allowed during first and last 10 mins. of class.)
  • This is a language course: You will be required to verbally defend your claims, opinions, and analysis. (Be prepared to speak in front of the class.)

Side note: No bags, backpacks, purses, jackets or any large objects should be on your desk or lap at any time during the class. Place them next to or underneath your chair to avoid becoming distracted by them.

Cell Phone Policy: In certain situations, I will indicate when cell phones are permitted in class and for what purpose (conduct research, enter homework, etc…). Use of your cell phone at unauthorized times will result in a call home. You may not charge your phone in class.

Grades: To earn a 50% on an assignment, you must at least attempt ALL work and submit it on time.

Evaluated Work (Formative and Summative): 90%

Completed Work for Practice and Prep: 10%

Summer Reading will count as 5% of your 1stquarter grade

The due date is the day an assignment is due. The deadline is the last day an assignment can be accepted for credit. All assignments are due at the BEGINNING of class on the due date. The deadline for the majority of assignments will be the next class day unless otherwise specified. Late work turned in after the due date will be lowered by one letter grade. Assignments not submitted by the deadline date will receive a zero. You will be required to submit your larger typed writing assignments to turnitin.com. Failure to do so by the deadline will result in a grade of a zero.

Tardies and Absences:

  • Unexcused tardies will be recorded. Three unexcused tardies will equal one unexcused/unlawful absence. A tardy is defined as "late to class."In my class, you are tardy if you are not SEATED with work out WHEN the BELL RINGS.Students who arrive 20 minutes late or more will be marked as absent. You will be marked tardy, unexcused if you are printing your work when class begins and arrive after the bell.
  • Students with three unlawful absences in a class will be warned of the possibility of failureand referred to their counselor and administrator.
  • Students who are unlawfully absent from class five times will be considered to be in danger of receiving a failing gradein that course unless an appeal of attendance recording and/or attendance intervention plan is completed.
  • If a student does not complete the appeal of attendance recording or attendance intervention plan and/or continues to be unlawfully absent, the student will not receive credit for the course.

Make Up Work:

Make-Up Work is for EXCUSED absences only. Anytime you are absent it is your responsibility to get the assignments and schedule make-ups. You have as many days as you were absent to turn in the missed assignments. After that, the late work policy is in effect. You can also call a friend or classmate who was present that day or check myMCPS Classroom.

Extra Help:

If you are struggling in class or have any questions, please come see me for help. To talk with me about your writing or any other concerns, please make an appointment to meet with me or stop by during lunch on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. You may also contact me via email with specific questions. Please use the email address at the top of this syllabus. For additional help, you may visit the writing center, which is open before school and during lunch.

Materials:

You must come prepared every daywith the materials listed below:

  • a 3-ring binder for English work (You may use one section for English in a larger binder.)
  • a journal (a notebook of lined paper or a composition book dedicated to personal writing)
  • a couple of blue or black ink pens (Please do not make a habit of asking your classmates once class has started to loan you pens or paper. It disrupts their learning. If you borrow items, replenish your supplies in a timely fashion and share with others as needed.)
  • a No. 2 pencil
  • loose-leaf paper
  • any assigned texts (provided)
  • a zipper pouch for writing utensils (recommended)
  • highlighters (at least one yellow one is recommended)