PATHS 9th Grade Contemporary Literature
Syllabus: 2013_2014
Contact Information:
Ms. Duggar, M.Ed., NBCT
Email: duggarde@osceola.k12.fl.us
Web Page: http://path.osceola.k12.fl.us/reading/SitePages/Home.aspx
Phone: 407-518-5407 X 15812
Course Description: An Advanced Reading/Contemporary Lit course engages students in the careful reading and critical
analysis of classic and contemporary literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students will deepen their
understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. Students will
practice their composition skills while learning to analyze a texts’ structure, style, themes, and the use of
figurative/descriptive language and symbolism. It is the goal of this instructor to encourage students to develop a lifelong habit of reading for pleasure.
Homework:
(Access to a computer and the Internet is imperative for successful completion of the homework)
1. Assigned sections of the novels: “Farenheit 451,” by Ray Bradbury and “The Things They Carried,” by Tim O’Brien
2. Supplemental readings to support the novels: these are online via Moodle
3. Empower Differentiated Reading – One article per week which counts as a Test grade
First Nine Weeks
Instructional Focus: Approaching Fiction/Novel Reading, Elements of Literature, as well as FCAT 2.0 Review
Novel Selection: “Fahrenheit 451,” by Ray Bradbury
Selected Short Stories
Informational Text (2)
Introduction to A.P. Writing: “The Flowers,” by Alice Walker
Writing a Literary Analysis Paper About Fiction: “Fahrenheit 451” text
Journal entries
Project: Student choice based on the reading of “Fahrenheit 451”
Second Nine Weeks
Instructional Focus: Approaching Poetry, Drama
Novel Selection: “The Things They Carried,” by Tim O’Brien
Selected Poems
Selected Short Stories
Informational Texts (4)
Drama: three short plays by contemporary playwrights
Writing a Comparison and Contrast Paper About Poetry
Project: Final Essay on the Themes of ‘The Things They Carried,’ by Tim O’Brien
Classroom Resources/Materials:
1. Single Subject wire bound notebook – preferably with pocket
2. 3 packages of Sticky Notes
3. Paperback copy of ‘Fahrenheit 451,’ and ‘The Things They Carried,’ by Tim O’Brien. I have a class set of both;
however, if your student wants to make notes in the book, take it home, etc., they will need their own copy. Paperbacks
of the two titles can be purchased for less than $7.00 on Amazon.com. My classroom copies do not leave the classroom.
4. Contemporary Literature Text: Approaching Literature 2nd Edition
Remind 101
I send weekly reminders of homework, projects, and other important issues to PARENTS who sign up. Remind 101 is a
District approved text notification app for your mobile device; one way text notifications with all numbers private.
Follow the directions below to receive weekly notifications:
1. To receive messages via text, text @contlit to (786) 837-6523
2. Follow the prompts to complete
PATHS/Ms. Duggar’s Home Page
1. Click on the link: http://path.osceola.k12.fl.us/reading/SitePages/Home.aspx to access my Webpage
2. I post a calendar of assignments - updated weekly
3. Links to Quizlet, Achieve3000, and Moodle for assignments/documents
I apply the following instructional strategies in my classroom: Differentiated instruction, gradual release model, small
group instruction, collaborative pairs, and the use of technology as a learning tool. Students should be prepared to
engage in a lot of reading and writing to be successful in this course; as well as abundant class participation. Learn to
manage your time here at PATHS and allocate sufficient time for homework in each subject. Students are expected to
complete the bulk of the reading assignments at home.
“You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.”
~Ray Bradbury
“They carried all they could bear, and then some, including a silent awe for the terrible power of the things they
carried.”
― Tim O'Brien, The Things They Carried