The Newman School
Boston, MA
Pre-IB English 9
Mrs. Donovan, Mr. Ohman, Ms. Potter Fall 2011
Course Description
English 9 is a year-long course designed to provide all incoming freshmen with the skills necessary for success at the high school level and in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. The course introduces the Shared Inquiry method of class discussion and promotes the development of analytic writing and thinking skills, especially through comparative studies. Students learn to present a debatable claim and to defend it by basing arguments and discussion in textual evidence.
The second semester of English 9 presents an added emphasis on research skills. Students begin the quarter-long Heart of the City project, for which they gather information from a variety of sources, integrate information in a properly formatted research paper, and present their findings in a formal setting. More about the Heart of the City Project will be announced later in the semester.
Course Requirements and Required Materials
• Pens/pencils. Bring extras!
• Three-Ring Binder well stocked with paper
• Homework Agenda
Required Texts:
American Heritage Dictionary
Introduction to Great Books, Series II
The Odyssey (Fitzgerald trans.)
Henry V (Folger edition)
Readings for Writers (McCuen-Metherell & Winkler)
Heart of the City Text (made available during fourth quarter)
* Access to a word processor and printer will be required for certain assignments.
* Assignments must be printed and ready to hand in at the start of class. Students who are printing in the computer lab when class begins will be subject to significant penalties.
* Failure to come to class without any required materials may lead to entirely avoidable point deductions.
* No iPods or cell phones, or laptop computers will be permitted in class unless explicitly approved by the instructor for research purposes.
Goals and Objectives
This course aims for all students:
1. To keep an organized Homework Agenda and three-ring binder;
2. To consult a dictionary regularly and to learn and retain new words;
3. To learn the Shared Inquiry model of class discussion;
4. To follow MLA format for all written assignments;
5. To develop close reading skills, reading always with a pen in hand;
6. To develop outlining and note-taking skills;
7. To become more articulate in oral and written communication;
8. To develop a personal appreciation of literature.
Course Policies and Expectations
• Students are expected to attend class regularly and to be on time. In the event of an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to contact one or more reliable, responsible classmates to find out what occurred that day in class and whether any new work was assigned. Students may also consult the school’s website for this information, but this alone is insufficient.
• Outstanding work will be due by the student’s next day at school, unless other arrangements have been made with the instructor. For this reason, students should bring home books each night so that they are available.
• The classroom is a place to study and to learn. Students are expected to actively participate in discussions and activities and to use their time productively and wisely.
• High standards of personal conduct and honesty are expected. Students are expected to be respectful of all beliefs, ideas, opinions voiced in the classroom. Disruptive or disrespectful behavior will not be permitted. Academic Dishonesty (plagiarism, cheating, etc) will not be permitted and will result in the punitive measures outlined in the Student Handbook.
• Students should take notes daily and study their notes nightly. Students should come to class prepared for any unannounced quizzes on class notes or on the reading from the night before.
• Absence or lateness on the day of a quiz may result in a zero. Do not be absent or late.
• Long-term assignments not handed in at the beginning of class on the specified due date will result in a zero on the assignment. Anticipate technical difficulties.
• Assignments may not be emailed to the instructor. Assignments may not be turned in on a disk or flash drive.
Grading
Approximately 75% of your grade comes from homework assignments, vocabulary quizzes, reading quizzes, longer essays, and general evidence of your preparedness, participation, and effort.
Approximately 25% of your grade comes from the Midterm, Final Exam, or other major papers and projects.
CLASS PARTICIPATION IS ESSENTIAL. Your contributions to daily class discussion and group work may affect your average by as much as a letter grade. Plan to be thoughtful, engaged, and vocal every day, in every class.