Pleasantville High School

English 9/ Mrs. Yee

GUIDELINES AND COURSE EXPECTATIONS

Course Description:  English 9 focuses on the literature of the cultures you will be studying in Global History.  You will read a variety of genres of American and World Literature that include novels, plays, short stories, poetry, epic and biography.  As the year progresses, you will also be asked to read books on your own. You will also be writing both critical and creative papers based on this literature study.  Your written work is specifically aimed at providing you with the necessary skills that you will need to pass the New York State Regents Exam.  Therefore, you will learn to use language for:  information and understanding, literary response and expression, critical analysis and evaluation, and social interaction.  In addition to literary and written work, you will continue to advance your vocabulary and spelling skills.

Texts and Materials

Novels:

                The Chocolate War                                             Robert Cormier

                Of Mice and Men                                                 John Steinbeck

                Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind                     Suzanne Fisher Staples

                The Sound of Waves                                          Yukio Mishima

Drama:

                Romeo and Juliet                                                  William Shakespeare

                Glass Menagerie                                                 Tennessee Williams

                Our Town                                                              Thornton Wilder

Poetry:

                “The Odyssey”                                      Homer

and various selected works of Poetry, Short Stories and Nonfiction.

Guidelines:

1.  General - Arrive punctually with appropriate books, pens, and notebook.  Students are expected to participate in class discussions and to listen attentively to their peers.

2.  Notebooks - It is essential to keep an English notebook.  The better the notes, the easier it is to study.  Also, notetaking is a skill that is required for the English Regents Exam.

3.  Incomplete Work - All work for a given quarter must be completed during that quarter.  There will be a point reduction for late assignments.  According to the English Department policy, five points per day to a maximum of twenty-five points will be deducted for overdue work.  After the five days the grade will be zero.  It is ESSENTIAL that students keep up with all assignments. 

4.  Vocabulary and Spelling:  Vocabulary books and spelling lists are to be brought to class on designated days.  Students must purchase new vocabulary books in the event of loss.

5.  Essays and Compositions:  According to the English Department policy, most final papers will receive two grades:  one for content worth 2/3 of the grade and the other for technical control worth l/3 of the grade.  Example:  B+/A- = 88.

6.  Grades - Grades will be based on: tests, major writing (essays and compositions), projects, quizzes, homework, minor writing assignments and class participation. 

Grading Criteria: Your quarterly grade will usually be determined from this formula:

            Tests, major writing, projects-- 60%

            Quizzes, homework, minor writing assignments-- 30%

            Class Participation-- 10%
Work consistently!

7) The Information Center - The Information Center, housing IBM computers, is available to students.  It will facilitate all their writing experiences.  Students are asked to type most written work.

8.  Extra Help - When students need individualized assistance they are urged to schedule an appointment with me during free time, lunch, before, or after school.  Students are encouraged to see me whenever extra help is needed!