TEXTBOOK

Beers, Kylene, et al. Georgia Collections. Orlando, FL: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, 2015. Print.

Strunk, William, and E.B. White. The Elements of Style. 4th ed. New York: Longman, 2000. Print.

 

TRADEBOOKS

While students may check out copies of the tradebooks we study in class, I highly recommend that students purchase their own copies of these texts, as writing their notes into the texts will aid them in close-reading and later in writing their papers. However, all students need to purchase the first text, The Elements of Style, as it is the most clear and concise

grammar book on the market, and students will be able to

utilize this text through college.

 

Please purchase:

Strunk, William, and E.B. White. The Elements of Style. 4th ed. New York: Longman, 2000.

 

Recommended to purchase:

Alighieri, Dante. The Inferno. Trans. Michael Palma. Ed. Guiseppe Mazzotta. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2008.      

       Print.

de Botton, Alain. Consolations of Philosophy. New York: Vintage, 2001. Print. (NOTE: This work requires parental permission)

Hoff, Benjamin. The Tao of Pooh. New York: Penguin Books, 1982. Print.

Huong, Duong Thu. Paradise of the Blind. New   York: Perennial, 1991. Print.

 

STANDARDS

 

Based on the Georgia Standards of Excellence, students will be able to    

1. Determine a theme and/or central idea of a text and closely analyze its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text. ELACC9-10RL2.

2. Analyze how the author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the order in which the

    points are made, how they are introduced and developed, and the connections that are drawn between them. ELACC9-10R13

3. Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance

    that point of view or purpose. ELACC9-10R16.

4. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen 

    details, and well-structured event sequences. ELACC9- 10W3.

5. Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. ELACC9-

    10W9.

6. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing and speaking.

   ELACC9-10L1.

 

NOTE: This is not an inclusive list. Every unit developed will include  the Literary and Informational Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening, and Language Standards. You may find these standards at https://www.georgiastandards.org/Georgia-Standards/Frameworks/ELA-9-10-Grade10-Literature-Composition-Standards.pdf

 

 

TESTS/PROJECTS/ESSAYS

There will be a comprehensive test for each unit as well as a formal essay and a narrative and/or creative project.

 

RESEARCH

There will be one semester research project, which constitutes 20% of the semester’s average. All assignments related to the research project - citations, rough draft, final draft, etc. - will be entered into the research category.

 

HOMEWORK REQUIREMENTS

• Homework is due at the beginning of class. Homework and daily work are major grades that reflect student attitude and effort. I do not accept late work. 

• Plagiarized homework will result in a zero.

• Even if there is no assigned homework, review your class notes regularly, as your summative assessments come from your daily work, your homework, and your class notes.

 

DAILY WORK

Daily work, whether the work is in the form of individual or group work, is designed to prepare students to succeed in the given unit. Remember, much of the test material comes directly 

from homework and daily work. It is important to complete and keep up with your work. Your daily work average will come from your completed daily assignments and class participation.

NOTE: NOT EVERYTHING CAN OR WILL BE GRADED. ALL WORK IS DESIGNED TO ENABLE YOU TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN MY CLASS.

 

QUIZZES 

There will be formative quizzes given throughout each unit as well as pop-quizzes on outside readings.

 

FINAL EXAM

The final exam is comprehensive. Be sure to keep all of your work and notes from your previous units so that you will have these for review. Your study guide for the exam is your notes. 

 

ATTENDANCE AND MAKE-UP WORK

• Excused absences: Assignments and tests missed during your absence may be made up within five days of your return to school. Previously assigned tests and work are due on the day you return to class.

• Check-ins/outs: Check-ins/outs to avoid assignment deadlines are not allowed. If you check out of school, your work is due before you leave, and if you check into school, your work is due before the end of the day.

• Unexcused absences: You will not receive credit for missed work if you have an unexcused absence.

• Ask about missed assignments before or after class.

   

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

I strictly adhere to the county’s plagiarism policy, which you will find attached. Any plagiarized work results in an automatic zero with no chance to make up the assignment and a discipline referral for academic dishonesty. 

 

All assignments are designed for a learning purpose and to help you succeed in this class and in future classes. These assignments reflect your effort and attitude. DO YOUR OWN WORK.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LATE WORK POLICY

I will accept late work on tests and research only. However, if you choose to hand in your work late, you must set an appointment with me to review your work with you before or after school, as the accountability for the assignment needs to rest on you, the student. Also, I will deduct 10% per day the assignment is late. Remember, I do not accept late homework.

 

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR AND EXPECTATIONS

• Be on time. To be on time means to be seated in your desk, not running through my door as the bell is ringing - this is disruptive. The first tardy is a warning. The second tardy is a teacher detention. After the second tardy, students are referred to the administration.

• Be prepared. Bring your texts and materials to every class.

• Be attentive. Paying attention in class and completing your work will ensure your success in the class. You will not succeed by being a zombie.

• Be respectful - to the teacher and fellow students.

• NO food or drink are allowed in the classroom.

 

TECHNOLOGY

Technology is an amazing tool and will be used on occasion for educational purposes in the class. However, to avoid temptation, KEEP YOUR CELL PHONE IN YOUR LOCKER! I will announce the use of technology in the classroom in advance, and the sign in the front of the class will be turned to green. However, texting and gaming will not be permitted and the devices need to be used appropriately for the given assignment. When the sign is turned to red, it is not permissible to use electronic devices. Remember, the use of school technology and personal technology (BYOT) is a privilege, not a right. 

 

The consequences for technology misuse will be a warning on the first offense, a teacher detention on the second offense, and an administrative referral for all future offenses.

 

WRITING LAB

You will be given time to work on writing assignments and presentations in the writing lab. Lab time is limited, so please utilize your time wisely. It is your responsibility to complete assignments that you do not finish in the lab before or after school or at home. The lab is open from 8:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M., as is the school library.

 

EXTRA HELP

I am available for extra help on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and Wednesday mornings. Of course, if you are struggling with something in class, please see me to set up an appointment.

 

EXTRA CREDIT

Your grade is a direct reflection of your effort and will not be a result of extra credit. I do, however, host one extra credit movie night per semester that you may choose to attend. I also bank extra credit questions into the tests. As the extra credit is minimal, be sure to keep up with your work.

 

REMIND 101 

Receive text messages for class reminders: http://remind.com/join/gifted10th or text @gifted10th to 81010. Students and parents may sign up for these alerts.

 

CLASSROOM NEEDS

Donations of Kleenex, hand sanitizer  and black EXPO markers are always needed and appreciated.

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

The best way to contact me is via email, at cunningham.sonya@mail.fcboe.org. I will respond to your message within one business day. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions, comments, concerns.