9 Quest English
Syllabus 2015 - 2016
Ms. Palmen Room 3109 - 3110
karen.palmen@spps.org
(school e-mail - submit QUESTIONS to the above address)
Share Google Docs to this address:
Palmencentral4@gmail.com
(4th Hour)
Course Description:
This is an intensive
literature course that introduces freshmen to the thematic focus of Quest
courses. The class is intended to develop the skills necessary for growth in
the Quest department that includes skills in effective oral and written
communication skills, analysis of fiction, drama, and poetry related to two
themes: the individual's identity in the fall and the individual's place in
society in the spring. This course is a humanities based course rooted in the
Socratic method. Students complete ongoing, self-directed tasks in class and
outside of class-projects and assignments that incorporate a variety of writing
and speaking skills. Students develop and practice interpersonal communication
strategies.
Course Materials:
Students will be expected to maintain a journal
throughout the course in a composition book. This journal will be used
to record thoughts, feelings and analysis of the reading materials for the
course. Students’ ongoing journal
will be evaluated several times during the quarter.
CLASS
LIST of OTHER MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED:
A writing utensil
An iPad (when you receive it from the
district)
Ear Buds or Head Phones
A BOX of TISSUES
Curriculum:
Quarter One and Two
· · Writing Unit – Overcoming Obstacles,
o
Summative Assessment - Narrative Writing
· · The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian,
o
Summative Assessment - Challenge Project Presentation
· · House on Mango Street/ Autobiography Unit
o
Summative Assessment - Personal Novella, an extended Narrative (including
position piece on a social justice issue)
· · American Born Chinese
o
Summative Assessment – Challenge Project Presentation
Quarter Three and Four
· · “What’s the Problem” - Expansion of Social Justice Paper
o
Summative Assessment – Research Paper, Informative Writing
· · The Bluest Eye
o
Summative Assessment – Character Development Presentation
· · Lord of the Flies
o
Summative Assessment - Writing an Argument , The
Acquisition of Power and Control
· · Independent Novel Study
o
Summative Assessment – Challenge Project Presentation
Class Activities:
Writing activities accompany all units of
study. These will include a formal research paper and several short
essays. Students will study literature in many ways including informal
journals, small groups, large group discussion, dramatic and creative projects,
and oral presentations.
There are several longer
assignments that will need to be typed in MLA format
(we will learn this in class). MLA is required for every English class at
Central High School.
If you do not have a
computer with Internet at home there are resources in the community to help you
meet your school requirements. Many community centers and all public libraries
have computers with Internet available for public use. Central library also has
computers for student use.
For peer
editing days, you
will need to bring a HARD COPY of your writing for your partner to read or your
personal laptop (although, I would caution against this for security purposes).
Peer editing is calculated into your writing process grade. As a courtesy to
your partner, please do not peer edit with a hand-written copy.
Homework:
Students will be expected
to complete several hours of homework outside of class each week. Sometimes, homework blends into classwork and participation. A
student must prepare his or her homework AT HOME in order to fully participate
in groups and activities and to successfully complete the classwork IN
CLASS. Much of this homework is
reading and writing.
Written Homework Assignments: It is preferable that students submit papers to Ms. Palmen via google docs. Every student in Saint Paul Public Schools has a gmail account, so it is important that students get acquainted with everything it has to offer including GOOGLE DRIVE in which a student can create documents and submit them to the appropriate address.
Course Expectations and Grades:
Students are expected to complete reading and writing assignments
outside of class. Students are also expected to participate in large and small
group discussions, reading journals, group and individual presentations, formal
and informal writing assignments, and peer editing. Students are expected to
teach or present to the class specific selections from literary works. Students
need to be in class daily and turn in class assignments on time.
State Standards and Benchmarks: In English 9 Quest, students acquire skills in the areas of
vocabulary, comprehension, literature, writing, spelling, research, speaking
and listening, and media literacy. These skills are aligned with the districts
and states Common Core English/Language Arts Reading, Writing,
Speaking/Listening, and Media Literacy standards which can be found online:
Grading: Grades are based on a combination of written work and class
participation on a point/unit basis. Assignments will be assessed not
only quantitatively, but also qualitatively. Students will be expected to
work at an accelerated level, manage their time independently, complete many
assignments outside of class, and take personal responsibility for the quality
of their work.
Classwork, Effort and Participation: 30%
Homework: 10%
Assessment: 60% (projects, presentations and
papers)
AGAIN: Completing homework is vital to your success in classwork and participation. You must complete your homework in order to fully participate in groups and activities and to successfully complete the classwork.
It is a school policy that each 9th grade
student will complete a research paper. We
have placed this project in second semester’s curriculum. Students
cannot and WILL NOT receive a passing grade in English second semester without
completing the work for the research paper.
Late and Make-up Work Policy:
Excessive absenteeism and
late or missing work will result in lowered grades or failure.
PLEASE NOTE THAT CHALLENGE
PROJECT PRESENTATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED LATE. The only exception is if a student was absent
during their presentation time. The student must present an EXCUSED absence
admittance slip in order to schedule another presentation date.
For all other assignments,
the following rules apply:
1.
If you are having a problem with an assignment, it is your
responsibility to speak with me in advance of the due date.
2.
No work may be made up if the student does not provide an EXCUSED
Admit slip.
3.
Students
with EXCUSED absences are responsible for asking about and picking up their own
make-up work. Due dates will remain in place unless the student and the teacher
make a reasonable arrangement.
4.
Students are responsible for recording assignment due dates in
their daily planners. Some students find it easier to record their
assignments and due dates in their calendar on their iPad or Smart Phone. Students
need to keep track of their work and turn it in on time to achieve high grades
in English 9 Quest.
I look forward to an
exciting and productive year. If you have any questions or concerns, you may
e-mail me at karen.palmen@spps.org.
Thank You,
Dr. Palmen
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