Mr.

Kralt ENGLISH 9 COURSE SYLLABUS 2010/11

Availability
in person – after school until 4:00
email – kraltd@wrca.bc.ca
phone extension – 109
homework blog – http://kralt.blogspot.com/

COURSE INTRODUCTION

God has created humankind to use language responsibly and responsively in our world
for the purpose of building community with Him and our society. Human language is a
systematic, dynamic gift from God to be used in service of God, community and self.
Students will become effective communicators as they are actively engaged in various
forms of language (i.e.: reading, writing, listening, speaking, technical communications
and media activities) so that they may better understand the world and themselves,
discovering meaning, problem solve, and learn independently.

English 9 is a course that will continue to develop a student’s reading comprehension and
writing skills in the context of a variety of writing genres, both fiction and non-fiction.
Specific themes that will be covered in this year include (but are not limited to)
understanding others, tolerance, violence/non-violence, and creative expression.

COURSE UNITS/THEMES

Unit 1: SHORT STORY UNIT

Approx: September - October

Resources: Various Short Stories
Essential Questions Covered:
How does studying short stories increase our understanding of others?
What role does story telling play in our understanding of right and wrong?
How does studying short stories increase our understanding of ourselves?

Unit 2: Novel: The Chrysalids

Approx: November - December

Resource: The Chrysalids
Essential Questions Covered:
What all is implied when the word “tolerance” is used?
What dangers can result from a society’s persistence in being overly idealistic?
What are the dangers of religious fanaticism?
How can an overly legalistic society also become a hypocritical one?
How can science fiction literature explore and reveal truths?
What potential consequences exist in the age of nuclear arms?
Unit 3: Poetry

Approx: January - February

Resource: Various Poems
Essential Questions Covered:
What is poetry?
What does poetry show us about the power of language?
How des writing and reading poetry increase our understanding of the world and
others?

How does writing and reading allow us to express and understand emotions?

Unit 4: Novel: I am David

Approx: April - June

Resource: I am David
Essential Questions Covered:
In the face of adversity, what causes some people to prevail while others fail?
Is violence ever justifiable?
How do negative and positive experiences shape us as human beings?
How does the world reveal to us the grace of God?
Are people naturally trusting or skeptical?

Unit 5: Speech Contest

Date to be determined
Resource: Write in Style
Essential Questions Covered:
How does knowledge of persuasive public speaking techniques improve
communication?
How can good speaking impact people for change?
How does good public speaking allow us to express ourselves?

ASSESSMENT

Daily work:
For many reading assignments, students will be required to respond to given
questions in the form of a short essay/paragraph/critical analysis. The questions posed
will require students to delve beyond the literal meaning of the text, formulate an
argument and then support it with examples from the text or their personal life. These
will be marked for content as well as mechanics. Students will be evaluated on group
and/or partner projects, will be involved in peer evaluation of group presentations peer
editing, collaboration and self-evaluation.
Major Assignments:
In each term, students will be required to do 2 or 3 major projects. These will be
in the form of writing portfolios, essays and/or individual or group presentations. Essays
will be graded using the 6 + 1 traits writing rubric

Tests:
There will be a test at the end of each unit. Test questions will be derived from
class lectures and discussions, daily assignments and assigned reading.

Quizzes:
Quizzes for reading content occur at the beginning of each class during a novel
study.

Final Exam – The final exam will be worth 20% of year mark. Please note that there
will no longer be exam exemptions for academic courses.

REQUIRED SUPPLIES

Journals:
Most classes sill start with a brief journal response to a prompt that will be written
on the board. These responses will be assessed on content and on the quality of thought
given. They will not be collected every class but will be gathered at random. Students
must bring their journal notebooks to class EVERY CLASS. It will be the student’s
responsibility to purchase the journal.

*Students are also responsible for bringing writing utensils, a binder, and loose leaf paper
and, during a novel unit, the proper novel.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

Attendance

English class is about more than just reading and writing. It is about exploring and
discussing ideas, expressing and articulating thoughts, and wrestling with a variety of
issues. Because of this, your in class attendance is important in making the most out of
class.

Unexcused absences will be dealt with by the administration according to the guidelines
given in the student handbook.

Late arrivals will not be tolerated. Late time will be made up after school by performing
clean up or maintenance tasks. Failure to appear after school without making appropriate
arrangements with either parents or teachers will result in a call home. Repeated lates
will be dealt with increasing severity and will also be dealt with by the administration.
In Class Conduct

Because so much of English class is about discussion, it is of the utmost importance that
students know the appropriate behavior expected of them. Meaningful discussion needs
broad participation. You will be expected to participate and listen respectfully to your
classmates. If students do not feel safe in class, they will not feel free to share their
opinions and it is only by sharing that we gain a fuller understanding of each other;
something necessary for us as Christians trying to build God’s kingdom here on earth.

General expectations for in class behavior are that you listen respectively, that you raise
your hand, that speak with respect for your teacher and your classmates, and that you
refrain from using derogatory comments. In all discussion, your aim should be to build
up your classmates and to demonstrate your faith through love.

Electronic Devices and Uniform.

As stated in the student handbook. All electronic devices (MP3’s, cellphones, Ipods, etc.)
will be confiscated and brought to the office, regardless of whether or not the item in
question was being used at the time it was confiscated. KEEP ALL ELECTRONIC
DEVICES IN YOUR LOCKER DURING SCHOOL HOURS.

For any uniform violations, you will be sent to the office where you will be required to
fill out a uniform violation form. DO NOT WEAR JACKETS OR HOODIES TO
CLASS.

Neatness and School Property

Being a part of the WRCA community means that we all take ownership for the school
facilities. Our attitude and respect towards the things God has entrusted us with is
demonstrated in how we treat those things. The classroom and class property is to be
treated with respect.

This means that the class is to be kept neat and orderly – trash placed in trash receptacles
not in desks. Recycling is also to be placed in the proper receptacles.

With the exception of bottled water, NO FOOD OR DRINK is to be brought into the
classroom. This includes gum.

The student(s) responsible for any vandalism to the classroom, classroom books, chairs,
desks, etc. will be responsible for either repairing and correcting the damage or for
purchasing new items if that is required. Students who write on or in desks will be
responsible for cleaning or repainting desks if necessary.
Backpacks/Sports bags/Purses

Do not bring any backpacks, sports bags, purses, sports equipment, etc. to class. These
items may be confiscated and taken to the office.

Preparedness

It is not only important for you to come to class on time but to come to class prepared to
learn. Bring the appropriate materials to every class. Forgetfulness or accidentally
bringing the wrong book to class may be excused occasionally but not habitually.
Repeated infractions will be treated as a late.