Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Literary Essay 1: Comparison/ Contrast essay Due Date: Sept 28, 2012

Literary Essay 1: Comparison/ Contrast essay                     Due Date: Sept 28, 2012
Choose one of the following tasks:

Task 1:
Our unit has discussed many different types of heroes, characters, and archetypes. Using the information, you have learned in class about characterization compare and contrast any major characters from two different literary works that we have read. You can use any two literary stories read in class for this unit.
Task 2:
Using the information learned about the archetypical hero quest, compare/ contrast a main character from any story read in this unit to the hero archetype. Discuss whether the main character represents the hero archetype and fulfills the requirements of the hero’s journey.
Instructions:
Your essay must be a well-written and organized comparison and contrast essay, 3-4 pages in length, include elements of characterization, be typed in black ink, typed in Times New Roman 12pt. font, include a cover page and a bibliography, be in MLA Style formatting, at least 2 in-text citations (quotes), show correct usage of grammar and show evidence of the writing process (outline, roughdraft, final draft). 

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Syllabus for 2012-2013 School Year!


English Literature and Composition
Ms. Jacobs Room B 08
 2012-2013
Welcome to my English Language Arts class.  I am eager to get to know each and every one of you throughout this school year.   This course will demand a lot from you as a student; however, I will try to make the class as enjoyable as possible.

 I expect you to perform your absolute best both inside and outside of the classroom.  I will always be here to help you; I encourage you to see me with any questions or concerns you might have throughout the year.  Ultimately, I care about all of you and I truly want you to succeed.  Together we can make this a successful year.  After school you can find me every day until 4:30 p.m. unless otherwise specified. I have an open door policy, which means you may come to me for extra help after school, just be sure to notify your parents

Teacher Contact Information:
Email: Coming soon
Phone: (706) 748-
Website: www.djacobsliteratureclass.com

Text: Holt Elements of Literature, fourth course.
Various Literary Novels
Course Overview:
Focusing on a study of literary genres, this course develops initial understanding of both the structure and the meaning of a work of literature. The student develops initial understanding of the way the form of a work of literature affects the meaning of the work and of the process of interpretation of a text. The student reads thoughtfully and purposefully, constantly checking for understanding of the author’s intent and meaning in order to determine a sound interpretation. The student seriously engages in reading for learning. This process sweeps across all disciplinary domains, extending even to the area of personal learning. The student encounters a variety of informational and fictional texts and reads texts in all genres and modes of discourse.

As for writing, the students will express competency in all modes or genres are practiced at each grade level; however, in order to achieve mastery, each grade level has a particular writing focus. Technical writing is the focus for 9th grade; by the end of 9th grade, the student will demonstrate competency in technical writing. The student writes coherent and focused texts that convey a well-defined perspective or tightly-reasoned argument. The writing exhibits the student’s awareness of audience and purpose. When appropriate, the texts contain introductions, supporting evidence, and conclusions. The student regularly progresses through the stages of the writing process (i.e., prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing successive versions).

Course Objectives:
At the end of the course, the students will be able to:
o   Define, identify, and analyze literary terms and devices;
o   Identify, compare, and contrast persuasive techniques and appeals by media;
o   Read, interpret, and analyze non-fiction literature as well as novel format;
o   Organize and develop essays of various types: including expository, and persuasive;
o   Write grammatically correct, interesting, and varies sentences;
o   Develop revision and editing skills;
o   Prepare and present material to whole-class audiences;
o   Increase vocabulary knowledge and develop research skills;

Classroom Expectations:  
1.        Come to class ON TIME, sit in your assigned seat, be prepared, and ready to LEARN!
2.     Hand in all quality work on time.
3.     Raise your hand and wait to be called on before speaking.
4.     Behave in a manner that is respectful to all others in the classroom including peers, teachers, and guest.
5.     Keep work area(s) and classroom clean and tidy.
6.     Students will follow all guidelines of the Dougherty County School District.

Golden rule: treat others as you would like to be treated!!!!
Consequences
ü  Verbal Warning
ü  Student –Teacher Conference
ü  Parent-Teacher Conference
ü  Detention
ü  Office referral

Organization:  It is important that you keep an organized binder to keep notes, quizzes, and all other handouts in order.  Binders should be divided into four sections:  Notes, Handouts, Homework, and Writing.  Binders will be checked randomly throughout the year and will count as a quiz grade.  Keep your binders organized!

Absences:  Please make sure you get a homework buddy. Exchange numbers with a responsible person in class that can update you on any missed assignments.  Students have 10 days to make-up work due to excused absences. Students cannot make-up work due to suspensions.

Essays/Test: all essays must be typed in black, Times New Roman, and 12 pt. font.  Essays will be submitted twice. Students will submit a hardcopy complete with evidence of the writing process and submit an electronic copy over turnitin.com. Students will receive a grade of “0” for plagiarized work and may be subject for disciplinary actions.

Writing assignments will be due at the end of the class period on the due date assigned. Any day after that will be considered late. The writing assignments are not homework, unless other wised stated by me.

Cheating during a test receives a grade of a “0”. Students who are caught talking during a test will be assumed to be cheating.

All other assignments must be written in blue or black ink pen only.

Homework: All homework is due the day after it is assigned unless expressed otherwise. Anything turned in after 4:00 p.m. on the due date is considered late.           

Grading:  Homework and especially quizzes, tests, and projects must be turned in or completed by the date they are due.  Major points will be taken off for late projects and/or essays.

Scales/Weights:
Ø   Daily/Warm-ups:            20%
Ø   Homework:                        15%
Ø   Quizzes:                               10%
________Total: 45%______
Ø   Projects:                              20%
Ø   Test/ Essays:                     20%
________Total:  40%______
Ø   Final Exam:                        15%

                EOCT                   20% (of final overall grade)
Grade Scale:

                                90-100%              A
                                80-90%                B
                                70-80                   C
                             69 & Below             F            
Supplies:
o   1” Inch Literature Binder (only literature)
o   Composition Book
o   Pens (Blue or Black Ink Only)
o   Notebook Paper
o   Jump/Flash Drive
For Your Information
All assignments given in class are based on the Georgia professional standards. If you would like to know what your child must learn this year go to:https://www.georgiastandards.org/Standards/Georgia%20Performance%20Standards/Grade-9.pdf
I Look Forward To a Great Year!

Please parents post sign below to ensure that you have read and understand the Syllabus and return to class:



I ________________________________ have read, understood and agreed to the terms
            (print name)

above for my child ___________________________________ during the 2012-2013
                                                (print student’s name)

school year.

X
Parent Signature                                                                                               Date


X
Student Signature                                                                                              Date

***Parents can print and sign from website