Mrs. Opperman's English Class



2101850-419100Western Center Academy(951) 766-90302345 Searl ParkwayHemet, CA 92543Mrs. Samantha Opperman9th Grade English Honorssopperman@Office Hours: 3:00pm-4:00pmAnd By AppointmentWelcome Welcome to a new school year at Western Center Academy! My name is Mrs. Opperman. I graduated with a B.A. from California State University, Long Beach in English Education and an M.A. in English Literature from California State University, Los Angeles. I decided to start teaching after receiving my Masters and returned to my alma mater CSULB for my Single Subject Teaching Credential in 2012. The Course at a GlaceThe course that we will be engaged in, 9th Grade English Honors, will pose the following questions: What is literary analysis and how do I achieve it? How do I read literature and appreciate it as an art form? How do different contexts influence literature? How do universal themes in text inform the reader? Following instruction, students will be able to examine texts from various time periods and cultural contexts. Students will then be able to examine and articulate the ways in which those texts both express and shape social perspectives surrounding the time the text was written, as well as the present and the future. Further, Students will be able to form concise and well researched arguments and be able to convey those arguments in written form as well as orally. Students will be able to understand poetic forms of expression as well as write their own poem and first-person narrative. Students will be able to define and recognize literary devices in Literature.Personal ExpectationsTeacher Expectations:As your instructor, I will be expected to teach the course material in such a way as to make it accessible to everyone in the class. I will be expected to be reachable by email and return any messages promptly. Further, I will be expected to maintain reasonable office hours, to be present for them, and to be available to help students with relevant academic questions and concerns. I will also be expected to be prompt and engaged in our class material, as well as be fully prepared for each day of instructors.Parent Expectations:I expect parents to be supportive towards their students and to help them with their work outside of school. I expect parents to facilitate their child’s education by being sure that their student has enough sleep before school, enough food to stay alert and focused during class time, and enough down time after school to complete assignments. Parents are expected to be engaged in what their students are learning and to be available to both their students and the instructor for questions and concerns regarding the course and student performance therein.Student Expectations:Students will be expected to attend class every day and be on time to every class. Students are further expected to complete all assignments by posted deadlines and to come to class prepared and ready to learn. Students are expected to be engaged in the content of each class and to behave in accordance with the class Code of Conduct. Students are expected to seek out help if they need it from the teacher or from parents. Students are expected to be respectful of their classmates and to be responsible for their actions.Expected AssignmentsStudents can expect the following types of assignments to be assigned over the course of this semester. Assignments are subject to change and may be added to at the teacher’s discretion. Required ReadingStudents will be assigned reading for their core novels as homework. Any night that does not have assigned reading or work will require students to read their independent reading book.TextsStudents will be provided with copies of the texts, however it would be beneficial for students to purchase their own copies if they so desire (writing notes directly into a text is recommended, however, not at all required).The Odyssey – Homer (Individual copy provided to students)Lord of the Flies – William Golding ISBN: 9781573226127Unbroken – Laura Hillenbrand ISBN:9780812974492Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone ISBN: 9780590353427Harry Potter and Philosophy ISBN: 9780812694550Romeo and Juliet – William Shakespeare ISBN: 9780812035728Weekly Quizzes:There will be a quiz scheduled periodically throughout each of the units. For some of the quizzes, students will receive prior warning, however, some quizzes will be given without notice at Mrs. Opperman’s discretion. The quizzes will not always be on the same day of the week, but will include only the material covered from the time of the previous quiz to the next. Quizzes will be worth 10 points and will be graded on an A-F scale. A = 9, 10, B = 8, C = 7, D = 6, F = 5 and under.Daily Warm Ups:Students will complete the daily warm up provided in class every day. Student responses will be collected at the end of every week and points will be awarded based on the level of skill demonstrated on a 5-point scale.Independent Reading:In addition to the texts assigned, students will be required to read two (2) outside reading books of their choice per semester. Students will have to complete a book review (rubric to be handed out to class prior to assignment). Details for the book review will be provided on a separate assignment sheet. Students will also be required to maintain a reading log that will be checked for 10 points that the end of every week..Group Presentations:For the group presentations, students will be given time to meet with their assigned groups during class time, and will also be expected to meet outside of class as well to design a well researched and well presented argument on the topic assigned. Students will designate each group member to a section of information on their topic to dedicate to memory and present in class. Students will further create a visual to better explain their topic through a technological medium (PowerPoint, video, etc.). The presentation must last at least four (4) minutes, but not exceed ten (10). Each group will also be responsible for a three page reflection of their stance and a works cited page outlining all of the evidence they cited both in their reflection and in the oral and visual presentation. Students will receive three grades for this assignment and it will be worth 100 points. The essay is worth 25 points and will be graded based on the rubric on the official handout, the individual oral presentation is worth 25 points, the visual will be worth 25 points and be graded based on a 5 point rubric (handed out with the assignment), and finally the peer reviews of each student will also be worth 25 points. Outline:The essay outline will be word processed, with an MLA compliant heading, and use a numerical multilevel list. The outline will start with roman numerals (I, II, III…) denoting the different paragraphs. The outline will include and introduction paragraph section, a one-sentence thesis statement, three body paragraph sections with MLA cited evidence relevant to the topic of the paragraph, a topic sentence for each, and a transition sentence at the end (see hand out for template). Also, the outline will have a conclusion section with a restatement of the thesis statement based on the evidence presented in the body paragraphs. This will be a credit/ no credit assignment. Worth 10 points.Essay Draft:Student essay drafts will be a draft of the final essay based on the outline turned in. It must be word processed, double spaced, and have an MLA compliant heading. The draft does not have to be formal, except for the quotations and citations, and may include bullet points. The draft is not the outline and must have sections of complete sentences that you intend to use for your final draft. This will be a credit/ no credit assignment. Worth 20 points.Final Essay:The final essay will be a word processed, MLA compliant, original document with no fewer than four pages without counting the annotated bibliography. It will be handed in on the designated due date in class, stapled, and dropped into our “assignment drop box.” This essay will be worth 100 points and will be given a corresponding letter grade. The rubric will be handed out with the official assignment sheet. Mid Term and Final Exam:The final exam will be a multiple choice, short answer, and essay question cumulative test that will cover subjects ranging from literary devices to texts and authors covered during the semester. A score out of 100 will be used to grade the exam and will correlate to a letter grade. A = 90-100, B = 80-89, C = 70-79, D = 60-69, F = under 59.Required SuppliesBooks:Students will bring either the novel, short story, or packet we are covering in class every day. Students are also required to bring their composition books as well as their Student Planner.Supplies:Three ring binder dedicated to English 9HCollege ruled loose leaf paperAt least one folder (three-hole-punch that fits into the binder)Pens (blue or black ink)PencilsPost-its, several stacks (any color)Highlighters (at least two different colors)1 100 Sheet College Ruled Composition BookCode of ConductRules:Raise your hand and wait for permission to speak.Work quietly and independently unless instructed to do otherwise.Do not consume food or beverages in class.Do not use cell phones during class.Remain alert and focused during instruction.Unless directed to do so, do not use any electronic devices during class.Procedures:Entering Class: Students will enter class prepared and ready to learn by doing the following:Form a quiet line at the door and wait to be admitted to class.Entering the class one at a time without talking.Taking their seat quietly.Take out homework and composition book (something to write with).Complete the daily warm up.Sit quietly (or read IR book) while awaiting further instruction.Leaving Your Seat: Students will only leave their seat after being given express permission from Mrs. Opperman:Student will raise their hands for permission to leave their seat.If leaving the classroom, students must take a pass and return within five 5 minutes. Any student who does not return within the allotted time period will receive consequences.Student will re-enter the room or return to their seat quickly and quietly. Any student who becomes disruptive will lose privileges. Tardies: A tardy is defined as not being in the room when class starts. A tardy may be excused with a handwritten and signed note from a parent. The student who brings an excused tardy not is responsible for requesting any work missed after class. An unexcused tardy will result in the following consequences: 1st tardy = a tardy notice sent home + 15 minute lunch detention, 2nd tardy = a tardy notice sent home + 30 minute lunch detention, 3rd tardy = a tardy notice sent home + two 30 minute lunch detentions, any more than four unexcused tardies will result in a one hour after school detention and a referral to administration.Absences: Students cannot learn if they are not present in class, thus students are expected to be in class on time every day. If a student has an excused absence (please see the student handbook for procedures regarding excusing absences) that student will have the same amount of days to complete make up work as they were absent. Those students will also be responsible for completing the current work assigned in class. Students who know that they will be absent are encouraged to request work ahead of time so that they do not fall behind. Turning in Late Work: Late work will be handed in to the teacher only. The student MUST fill out a late-work sheet explaining why they have missed the assignment the day that the assignment is due. Any late work that is NOT the result of an absence will be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Mrs. Opperman reserves the right to refuse acceptance of any late work. After five school days, late work will no longer be accepted.ConsequencesConsequences will vary based on the severity of the offense, however, consequences will generally be given for behavior as follows:First Offence – WarningSecond Offense – Second warning and held after classThird Offense – Lunch detentionFourth Offense – Referral to administration and detention---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please sign and returnI, ______________________________[student] acknowledge and understand the guidelines and procedures expected of me in Mrs. Opperman’s English class and do agree to adhere to them to the best of my ability. I further understand and agree to the consequences of behavioral issues and will accept any justified consequence given to me as a result of unacceptable behavior.____________________________________________________________Student Signature Date____________________________________________________________ Parent Signature Date ................
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