Mr. Robinson
2012-2013
Honors English 9
PURPOSE OF THE COURSE
Students in Honors English continue to build upon the strong foundation they have from the middle
school level in language arts. They develop critical thinking skills through analysis and discussion of
literature, foster their creativity and acquire more advanced writing skills.
OVERALL COURSE CONTENT
Reading: Students will read various genres of literature (drama, novel, short story, poetry, epic
poetry, essays, and articles). Students will study the forms and techniques of the different genres as
well as explore the ideas and beliefs expressed in each piece of literature.
Writing: The emphasis will be on furthering students’ skills in writing essays. A specific focus will
be on developing persuasive and compelling support for original and thoughtful thesis statements.
Students will review (or learn) the essay form, how to write thesis statements, and plan logical
arguments. Throughout the course, there will be an emphasis on revising written work in order to
craft the best piece of writing.
Speaking/Listening: Students practice effective verbal and listening skills in discussions,
presentations, and performances.
General Activities and Major Assignments
Trimester 1: Essay writing, the personal essay, The Odyssey by Homer, essay on The Odyssey, group video project,
persuasive essay, poetry
Trimester 2: British short stories, personal essay, Silas Marner by George Eliot, essay on Silas Marner, creative
projects, speech/presentation
Trimester 3: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, group performances, essay on Romeo and Juliet, Romeo
and Juliet creative adaption
Yearlong: Daily Language Workouts; Independent Reading (One novel per trimester)
ASSESSMENT AND GRADING
Formative Assessments (30%): Formative assessments are the essential practice to the
understanding of learning targets. Typically formative assessments are quizzes, homework, in-class
assignments and participation. Formative assessments will give students and the teacher valuable
information on what they have to work on in order to do well on the summative assessments.
Summative Assessments (70%): Summative assessments allow students to show the learning that
they have mastered. Typically these assignments will be tests, papers, projects and GRAD standards.
LEARNING TARGETS
Below is a detailed set of learning targets for students to master this academic year.
Writing: 1. The student can write a thesis statement and support it with evidence.
2. The student can organize supporting evidence coherently.
3. The student can use transitional words and phrases.
4. The student can use an appropriate style for the audience and purpose of the writing.
5. The student can write creatively in different genres and from different perspectives.
6. The student can use literary techniques in their own creative writing.
Speaking/Listening
7. The student can research a given topic.
8. The student can organize evidence clearly and logically.
9. The student can present clearly to an audience of their peers.
10. The student can use effective visual aids.
11. The student can use effective listening skills.
Reading: 12. The student can analyze, interpret and draw inferences from texts.
13. The student can determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development.
14. The student can summarize a text.
15. The student can analyze character development.
16. The student can determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text.
17. The student can self-select texts for personal enjoyment and interest.
GRAD STANDARDS:
By the end of the year, all students will be able to do the following: 1) write a coherent and
persuasive essay, 2) adapt a literature selection into other literary genres, 3) present a speech and a
performance to their peers in class.
ABSENT AND LATE POLICY
I expect that all work will be turned in on time. If it is late, I will deduct 20% of its point value. I will not
accept work that is more than five days late.
If you were absent, it is your responsibility to make up and turn in any work that you miss. Check the
class website to find out what the class did during the day you were absent:
https://moodle2.bloomington.k12.mn.us/course/view.php?id=307 In a hanging file basket, you will find
any handouts. I will not be able to personally remind you about these things during the course of the year.
You are responsible for getting the material.
Work turned in late due to excused absences will not be penalized. On the day you return from an
absence, you will be held responsible for previously announced tests or due assignments.
OFFICE HOURS
I expect that all students will show intellectual curiosity and a desire to learn from literature, the teacher
and each other. If you need further assistance during the year, take the initiative and see me after class or
after school. I am available to help students in room 227 from the end of school until 3:15 on Tuesday,
Thursday and Friday. I will be happy to assist you in your work. You can also contact me by email. My
address is MRobinson@bloomington.k12.mn.us
PARENT COMMUNICATION
I will not be sending home grade reports, but I will be posting grades regularly. You can expect a new
grade posting once a week. Feel free to contact me at any time. The best way to reach me is via email.
See above.
To keep your parents or guardians informed, please have a parent or guardian read over this syllabus and
sign below.
Your name
Parent Signature