Mrs.

Paris Viens
Room 2318
Contact number is 912-395-6750.
E-mail: paris.viens@sccpss.com
Website: http://internet.savannah.chatham.k12.ga.us/schools/nhs/staff/Viens/default.aspx
Alternative Website: http://viensenglish.weebly.com Electronic versions of assignments can be
submitted here. The website will notify me once you submit it using the contact form.

SYLLABUS
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9 Grade Honors Literature and Composition

Monday Friday

INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS
This course focuses on the study of literary genres and informative texts; additionally, the students will
develop an initial understanding of both the structure and the meaning of the focused works. The
students will explore the effect of the literary form in regards to textual interpretation. Throughout the
course, the students will read across the curriculum in an effort to develop academic and personal
interests in a variety of subjects. In addition, students will demonstrate their competency in different
writing genres that include argumentative, informative and explanatory. The students will engage in
research, timed writings, and the writing process; furthermore, their daily writing will prepare them for
the Georgia Milestones End of Course Test. Moreover, Language Conventions instruction will occur
within the context of reading, writing, and speaking, rather than in isolation. Please be advised, this is
an accelerated course designed to promote critical thinking and enhance reading, writing, speaking,
listening, and presentation skills.
At the end of this course, you will understand and satisfactorily perform the Georgia Standards of
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Excellence for 9 Grade Honors Literature and Composition. Additionally, you should be able to
complete the course, and the Georgia Milestones End of Course Test, with a final grade of 70 or
above.
For full standards, please visit the Georgia Standards website, or ask me for a copy.
https://www.georgiastandards.org/Georgia-Standards/Frameworks/ELA-9-10-Grade-9-LiteratureComposition-Standards.pdf
Required Supplies:

3-ring notebook (2 binder)

Notebook paper
5 Dividers for notebook
Pens/Pencils
Jump Drive (4 gb) or access to Google Drive
Computer accessibility at home may be helpful with some assignments ( if not available,
accommodations will be made)

Suggested Supplies:

Highlighter markers (any color)

Post-its

Summer Reading: Summer reading is mandatory. The summer reading logs will be collected during
the first full week of the semester and will count as a homework grade. An assignment over the
summer reading selections will be administered around August 28, 2015.
Online Resources

www.readwritethink.org

www.usatestprep.com

COURSE SCHEDULE
Unit 1 Trials and Triumphs: The Heros Journey 9 weeks
Various texts that include The Odyssey, supplementary short stories, essays, and poems.
Several Assessments to gauge comprehension and mastery of skills each student learned and used
throughout the unit.
Unit 2 Paradoxes of Life and Language 9 weeks
Various texts that include Romeo and Juliet, supplementary short stories, essays, and poems.
Several Assessments to gauge comprehension and mastery of skills each student learned and used
throughout the unit.
Unit 3 Defining Courage 9 weeks
Various texts that include To Kill a Mockingbird, supplementary short stories, essays, and poems.
Several Assessments to gauge comprehension and mastery of skills each student learned and used
throughout the unit.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Rules:
1. Follow directions at all times. This is non-negotiable
2. Be respectful of your fellow students, and me, at all times. This includes, but is not limited to, no
derogatory language, no inappropriate touching, no yelling, and no disruptive behavior.
3. Adhere to school and district rules at all times. Please refer to the handbook you received at the beginning
of the school year for clarification.
4. No electronic devices allowed except when approved for a lesson; if allowed to use the devices, do not
look at inappropriate site, do not text, do not take pictures, and do not use social media. If the device is on
the desk, in your hand, in someone else's hand, or plugged in the wall, I reserve the right to confiscate the
device until the end of the school day.
5. To be determined during the first two weeks.
6. To be determined during the first two weeks.
Please be advised that it is expected that students arrive to class on time with a willingness to learn.
Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and disciplinary action may be initiated. Excessive tardies or
absences may negatively affect grades.

Bring Your Own Technology Policy:

No electronic devices allowed except when approved for a lesson; if allowed to use the devices, do not look
at inappropriate site, do not text, do not take pictures, and do not use social media. If the device is on the

desk, in your hand, in someone else's hand, or plugged in the wall, I reserve the right to confiscate the
device until the end of the school day. If the device is confiscated, the student can retrieve the device at the
main office.
Grading Policies:
Class work and homework will account for 40% of the quarter average. Tests/quizzes, essays, projects, etc.
will account for the remaining 60% quarter average. The Georgia Milestones End of Course Test (EOCT)
accounts for 20% of the overall semester average.
Homework is due at the beginning of the class period. Please be aware that in order to grasp many of the
concepts in this course, a commitment outside of the classroom is necessary. Additionally, some homework
may be extended over a weekend; however, this will be the case only if it is necessary.
Plagiarism:
If you write an assignment, do not plagiarize the materials within the assignment. If you do plagiarize, you
will receive only one warning, a call home to your parent, and one opportunity to re-write the assignment. If
you are caught plagiarizing for a second time, or more, you will receive an automatic 0 (zero) for the
assignment, a call home to your parent, and an automatic referral. If you are unsure if you are potentially
plagiarizing an assignment, please see me immediately. I would rather you ask for clarification than
plagiarize, put your grade at risk, or be reprimanded by the school for your actions.
Late/Missed Assignments:
In the event of an absence, whether excused or otherwise, students have a maximum of five days to turn in
any missed assignment(s). After five days, a zero will be recorded for the assignment. If students are not
absent on the due date, they will have three days after the due date to turn it in late; furthermore, a letter
grade will be deducted for late assignments. After the three-day period, no late work will be accepted. If a
student is absent during a test, the student will still have five days from the date of return to make up the test;
after the five days, a zero will be recorded. It is the students responsibility to arrange with the teacher to
make up the test during tutorial.
Grading Scale:
90-100% =A
80-89% =B
70-79% =C
Below 70% =failing

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Reading is essential to being successful in English and on the EOCT. Students are encouraged to read as
much as possible outside of the classroom. There will be extra credit opportunities to encourage students to
read and write about their personal reading choices.
Detention and Tutorials will be held on Wednesdays from 4-5pm. (Must be scheduled 24 hours in
advance with detailed information for tutorial focus.)
Tutorials are for your benefit. They allow you the opportunity for one-on-one time in an effort to master
difficult concepts or assignments. Please be advised, these times are not a time to attempt to complete all
missing or late assignments that you failed to complete. Additionally, during weeks 8 and 9, tutorial is for the
students who attended tutorial for at least one of the first 7 weeks. If you cannot make a detention or tutorial,
please reschedule. Missed detentions, if not formally rescheduled, are automatic referrals.

This sheet must be signed and returned by Friday, August 14, 2015. It will become part of the
students file for this class, and will count as a homework assignment.

Honor Code
All students are expected to adhere to the honor code for this class covering plagiarism, ownership of
work, and academic honesty. Violations will be reported to parents and administration, and will result in
the consequences referenced above.
Students, please sign to acknowledge that you have read and understand the requirements for this class,
INCLUDING THE ELECTRONICS POLICY. Signing this also indicates that you are aware you will have
out of class reading assignments that must be completed in order to perform well.
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I have received the syllabus and understand the expectations for 9 Grade Honors Literature and
Composition.
Print Student Name_____________________________________ Block________

Student Signature: _____________________________________ Date: ________

Parents, please sign to acknowledge that you have read and understand the requirements for this class,
particularly the sections on grading scales, conduct, the electronics policy, and outside work.

Print Parent/Guardian Name _______________________________Relationship_____________

Parent Signature: _____________________________________ Date: ________

Parent Phone # : __________________________ Parent E-mail:______________________