Honors Survey of Literature

Required Textbooks: Holt McDougal Literature Common Core Edition Grade 9, Holt McDougal. Elements of Language.
Required Materials
1. Supply of blue or black pens
2. Three-ring binder for English class only, not a copybook or a notebook
3. Set of four-subject dividers; homemade is fine – Label tabs: Class Work, Homework, Handouts, Journal
4. Supply of loose-leaf paper in binder at all times
Course Description
This course is an introduction to the characteristics of the various literary genres: novel, drama, short story, poetry, and essay), presented with representative readings from each genre. Students will strive to perfect their writing skills through the development of sound sentence structure and vocabulary expansion. Emphasis is on the teaching of grammar and the mechanics of writing, including MLA format.
Course Objectives
Students will: Develop an understanding of and appreciation for the various literary genres as well as related terms, devices, and techniques related to the various literary genres and examine how historical events relate to literature.
1. Practice the critical reading and thinking skills of classifying, evaluating, generalizing, and synthesizing.
2. Develop research and writing skills by producing expository writing assignments.
3. Continue formal study of vocabulary through exercises in the text as well as in context of various literary
works.
4. Review and develop language arts skills related to grammar, mechanics, and correct usage.
5. Participate in projects and activities, fostering a spirit of cooperation and individual responsibility.
6. Develop and apply appropriate library and research skills, including Internet usage and aspects of MLA style.
Major Units of Study:
 Selected readings from the text
 Vocabulary
 Relevant literary terms, devices
 Contextual study from readings
Grammar
 practice and review of usage and mechanics as needed to improve writing skills
Writing
 practice composing different types of writing
 experience in writing as a process
 practice writing about literature: interpretation of theme/analysis of character, setting, etc.
 introduce NDHS Learning Commons and online resources, MLA format; and assignments which focus on the writing process and critical analysis of literary elements.
Contents and Methods of Assessment:
1. Essays will be assigned each quarter. They will be evaluated on the student’s ability to develop a clear thesis and develop it effectively including use of supportive evidence, coherence and clarity of expression, paragraph development and organization, correct use of grammar, spelling, and mechanics. Essays are weighted as a test grade.
2. Tests will be given on each of the literary genres studied. Tests will be announced approximately one week in advance and a review will be provided.
3. Quizzes on reading assignments and vocabulary will help to assess each student’s efforts to prepare for class.
Quizzes will not always be announced in advance.
4. One project will usually be assigned each quarter. Students will be graded according to how well they meet the criteria provided.
5. Homework will be assigned on a regular basis. It will include long-term and short-term assignments,
as well as written and studied material. Preparation and participation is essential to success in class;
therefore, homework may be collected and evaluated, spot-checked, reviewed in class, etc. Each
daily homework assignment is worth ten points for a total of fifty to one hundred homework points
per quarter.
Writing Assignments:
All writing assignments must be submitted with shows ample evidence of the writing process: prewriting, drafting, rewriting, editing, and any relevant worksheets or classroom activities. Writing assignments must be typed according to the MLA guidelines.
To earn full credit, essays are due without exception, on the due date and time given to turnitin.com.
Failure to submit an assigned essay on the due date will result in a twenty percent deduction the
first day and fifty percent the second day late.
Attendance/Make-up and absence:
Students are required to make up any work missed because of absence. Tests, quizzes, written assignments
and notes are to be made up immediately after the student’s return to class. (one day absent=one day to make up
work, two days absent=two days to make up work, etc.)
• Advance assignments due on the day the student is absent are expected the day he/she returns.
• Students excused from class for field trips or any other reason must be prepared when they return. If possible, students should submit completed assignment before leaving school.
• Students are to access Google Class Pages for assignments missed, and should make every effort to have assignments complete.
• It is the student’s responsibility to see the teacher and make plans to complete missed work.