9th HONORS ENGLISH SYLLABUS

Ms. Caroline Rhude

Room: B-2
Email: caroline.rhude@gmail.com
Website: www.crhude.com
COURSE OVERVIEW
9th Grade English is a comprehensive, one-year survey of authors from Homer to John Greene. The major emphasis
of Honors 9th grade English explores the symbols and themes common to a variety of texts, spanning both genres
and eras for the social and cultural identity. By analyzing the various techniques the writers employ, students
should gain a keen understanding of the elements of literature. In addition, students will be asked to read non-fiction,
write with journalistic techniques and take the first steps into academic research. The course will include writing
workshops and peer editing to help students cultivate the thematic unity and clear voice essential to formal essays.
REQUIRED TEXTS*
Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet and Much Ado About Nothing
Homers The Odyssey
Toni Morrisons The Bluest Eye
Maxine Hong Kingstons Woman Warrior
* Titles are subject to change at teachers discretion
CLASSROOM POLICIES
Homework is due at the beginning of the period, before the bell rings for class to start. Tardy students
must have a tardy excused note or the assignment is late.
o Because homework and process assignments (i.e. rough drafts, etc) pertain to the lesson of the
day, students earn no credit if they do not submit those assignments on the due date.
o Students who miss an in-class assignment or quiz have two school days to make up upon their
return; otherwise, they will receive a zero on the assignment.
o The grade book closes at the end of each grading period; consequently, late work from the
previous five-week grading period will no longer be accepted, resulting in no credit for the
assignment.
Students who were absent on the day the work was assignment must hand it in within two school days of
their return for full credit. If the assignment was assigned prior to the absence, it is due the day the
student returns to school. A student whose absence was not excused or due to suspension must hand in
the work on the day of his/her return for any credit.
Athletics, school performances or other planned absences require submission of assignments prior to the
scheduled absence for full credit. Therefore, students must make a conference appointment prior to a
planned absence. Students will not pass this course if their work is consistently late. Computer issues
are not valid excuses for late work.
Cheating or plagiarism on schoolwork will result in a zero on the assignment and could result in
further consequences (See Academic Integrity below).
Cell phones must be turned off during class time. Any cell phone use during class time may result in
disciplinary action.
ALL final drafts of major written assignments are to be typed and must adhere to the proper MLA
format unless otherwise specified. The students academic grade will be determined as follows:
A = 90.0 %- 100%
B = 80.0% - 89.99%
C = 70.0 % - 79.99%
D = 60.00% - 69.99%
F = 0/ INCOMPLETE 59.99%

All assignments will be accessible through www.crhude.com

MATERIALS
Required materials include: a college-ruled notebook for class notes and vocabulary, 3-ring binder with
loose leaf collegiate lined paper, blue or black pens, flash drive, Internet connection or access, and
personal dictionary
All assignments and current text brought to class each day

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
All students are required to do their own work. This includes written and oral work.
If students are believed to plagiarize work, meaning without proper citation or credit, they will receive no
credit for that assignment, parent or guardian will be notified and the student will not receive a letter of
recommendation from me.
Students who are found to have plagiarized or are caught cheating more than once will face additional
consequences
All students are expected to be people of integrity and this requires honesty and good citizenship.
FILM/MEDIA
All films and websites will be relevant to the curriculum and will be studied. A film rated R may be
viewed with parent approval. Parent signature on this letter indicates that parents/guardians are apprised of
this possibility. If parents/guardians do NOT wish their child to view a R film, please make a notation
after you sign. An alternative assignment will be provided for students not viewing the film
During each semester students will work toward completing one major project in addition to daily course work.
These projects will require students to research, collaborate, analyze, and present. The explanations and rubrics for
each project will be posted on my website. Students will also be required to read an assigned novel in addition to
textbook readings during the year. Students may decide to purchase the assigned novels or acquire a library copy.
*Titles subject to change at teachers discretion

Please sign and return this page to Ms. Rhude

I have read and understand the contents of the student parent packet for American Literature.
Class: ________________________

Period: ______________________

Students Name: _________________________________________________________

Student Signature:

_________________________________________________________

Students Email: _________________________________________________________

Parent/ Guardians Name: ___________________________________________________

Parent/ Guardians Signature:

___________________________________________________

Parent/ Guardians Email: _____________________________________________________

Additional Comments: Please note if your child has a IEP, 504 Plan, or any additional notes youd like to convey.