9th Grade Literature and Composition

SYLLABUS Spring 2015

Lukus Griffin Room # 505
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is the first in a series of four Language Arts classes required for graduation at North
Cobb High School. The primary objective of this class is to prepare students for upper level English classes by equipping
them with knowledge in the areas of reading comprehension, verbal and written expression, critical thinking, and social
interaction.
LITERATURE CONTENT

GRAMMAR & COMPOSITION

UNIT I: Greek Mythology and Homers Odyssey

Class Intro / Background on The Odyssey
Internet research; media center
The Odyssey: Part One
Sentence structure; paragraph structure
The Odyssey: Part Two
Epic Hero Essay
UNIT II: The Diary Of Ann Frank
The Diary Of Ann Frank
Phrases (preposition and appositive)
The Movie Versions
Verbals (gerunds, participles, infinitives)
Conclude ; post-reading activities
MLA; Research Presentation
UNIT III: Short Fiction & Edgar Allen Poe
Selected Short Stories Of Edgar Allen Poe
Subject / Verb Agreement
Selected Short Stories
Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers
UNIT IV: Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet
Background, Prologue, Act I
Sentence Errors
Acts II-IV
Punctuation and Capitalization
Act V; post-reading activities
Persuasive Letter
UNIT V: Poetry
Selected Poems
Parallelism; maintaining verb tense
Selected Poems
Original Poems
Test Preparation (EOCT)
UNIT VI: Evaluating Written and Oral Communication
Speech: I Have a Dream; media samples
Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
Effective Arguments and Solid Reasoning
Persuasive Speech

GRADING PROCEDURE:

35%
30%
15%
20%

Tests, quizzes and short projects

Daily assignments and journals
Projects and major writings (essays, research, poems, etc.)
End-of-Course Test, state-mandated and in lieu of final exam

Make-up work and late assignments: see student handbook: after 5 days, penalty of 10 points per day. I am available after
school until 5:30 P.M. for students to make up missed assignments and tests. Guided Study, offered during Advisement, is
also available for completing any missed work. Students are responsible for requesting make-up work and scheduling any
tests they miss due to excused absences.
Writing assignments are graded according to Standard English conventionsspelling, usage, mechanics, grammar rules,
formatting, etc.
CONTACT INFO:

Planning Block/Time: 2nd Block/A Lunch

(email) GriffinEnglishClass@outlook.com
(phone) (404) 759-3021

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE PLAN

Spring SEMESTER 2015
Rules/Expectations:
1. Be prepared. Students should bring materials needed for class (paper, pen, book, etc.) everyday; this includes
homework assignments. Students should be in their seats and ready to work when the tardy bell rings.
2. Talk at appropriate times, using appropriate language and tone. Unless we are doing group work, students
should raise their hand and wait to be called on to speak. When working in pairs or groups, remember that we
have neighbors. Speak quietly and respectfully when working with others.
3. Respect others. Listen carefully when the teacher or another student is speaking. Keep your hands, feet, and
objects to yourself. Mind your own business and let others mind theirs.
4. Respect property. Help keep the room clean and neat. Ask permission to borrow another persons things. Return
borrowed property promptly.
5. Follow all school rules. School rules apply in this classroom and will be enforced.
Consequences:
1.
2.
3.
4.

First Offense
Second Offense
Third Offense
Fourth Offense

Verbal reminder
Verbal warning
Detention
Referral to principals office

Severe infractions will result in referral directly to the principals office.

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MATERIALS NEEDED/RECOMMENDED FOR 9th LIT./COMP.:
_____ Blue or black pens and pencils.
_____ Three Ring Binder with five sections:

1. Essentials (syllabus, standards, etc.)

2. Warm Ups / Journals
3. Grammar
4. Vocabulary
5. Handouts / Notes

_____ Loose-leaf paper (preferably college-rule)

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I have read and agree to abide by the above rules and policies:

_______________________________________
Student Signature

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Parent / Guardian Signature