9th Grade Honors English Class Syllabus - Davis School District

Mrs. Stokes 2013-2014 Room 2403 [email protected]

9th Grade Honors English Class Syllabus This course is for highly motivated 9th grade students who wish to experience an academically rigorous curriculum. The focus is on literary analysis, argumentative writing, and research. Students must be able to read on a high level and work on several projects at a time. Students who have difficulty reading will struggle in Honors English, which requires reading from recommended Pre-A.P. lists plus assigned stories and projects in addition to normal coursework for the class. Students must exhibit academic ability and/or high motivation, task commitment, unquestioned behavior, and have proficient writing skills.

1st Term Requirements: Both of the following projects must be completed by October 21. 1. Read a novel from the Honors Reading List, complete the Major Works Data Sheet, and pass the required Honors test. 2. Do a five-minute first person dramatization about an author or poet listed on the class handout. You must include the following in your presentation:  Wear a simple costume representing the author.  Tell the author’s life story as if you were the author.  Use simple props, such as things from the author’s life or his/her works.  Use background music that compliments the author’s personality or work.  You may use a simple outline and/or notes on 3 x 5 cards, but you may not read your presentation.

2nd Term Requirements: All three of the following projects must be completed by January 2. 1. Write a letter to an appropriate executive or city office expressing how to solve a community/school challenge. The letter must be in proper business letter format with reasons and evidence to support your opinion. 2. Attend the class service field trip. 3. Read a novel from the Honors Reading List, complete the Major Works Data Sheet, and pass the required Honors test.

3rd Term Requirements: All of the following projects must be completed by March 18. 1. Complete a 2-page text analysis of section 1 of Once and Future King. 2. Complete a Body Biography of a character in Once and Future King. 3. Read Section 1 of Once and Future King as independent home reading. This book will be assigned on March 2, 2014. (Section test will be on March 20).

4th Term Requirements: All of the following projects must be completed by May 21. You will be reading and analyzing a novel independently at home. It will take about 12 weeks to finish the novel. 1. Complete the independent reading of all four sections of Once and Future King. 2. Complete the text analysis essays for each section of Once and Future King. 3. Take the tests for each section of Once and Future King.