South Paulding High School
Believe - Achieve - Succeed
Syllabus for Honors Ninth Grade Literature and Composition
Strickland
COURSE TITLE: Honors 9th Literature & Composition
TEACHER EMAIL: Mr. Strickland – rdstrickland@paulding.k12.ga.us
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Focusing on a study of literary genres, the student develops initial
understanding of both the structure and the meaning of a work of literature. The student
develops initial understanding of the way the form of a work of literature affects the meaning of
the work and of the process of interpretation of a text. The student reads thoughtfully and
purposefully, constantly checking for understanding of the author’s intent and meaning in order to
determine a sound interpretation. The student writes coherent and focused texts that convey a
well-defined perspective or tightly reasoned argument. The writing exhibits the student’s
awareness of audience and purpose. When appropriate, the texts contain introductions,
supporting evidence, and conclusions. The student regularly progresses through the stages of the
writing process (e.g., prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing successive versions). The student
demonstrates an understanding of listening, speaking, and viewing skills for a variety of
purposes. The student observes and listens critically and responds appropriately to written and
oral communication in a variety of genres and media. The student speaks in a manner that
guides the listener to understand important ideas. The student uses Standard English
conventions to help readers understand and follow the student’s meaning. The student
encounters a variety of informational and fictional texts in all genres and modes of discourse.
FOR A DETAILED LIST OF STANDARDS: Visit www.georgiastandards.org View 9th
ELA CCGPS
TOPICS/UNITS:
Mythology Unit (Selections include but not limited to)
The Odyssey by Homer
Novel Study Units (Selections include but not limited to)
The Education of Little Tree
To Kill a Mockingbird
Drama Unit (Selections include but not limited to)
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
The Short Story Unit (Selections include but not limited to)
The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allan Poe
The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell
The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst
The Lady or the Tiger by Frank R. Stockton
GRADING POLICY:
Formal Grades (Test/Essay/Project)
71%
Informal Grades (Quiz/Assignment)
29%
An End of Course Test will be given (Milestone), which will count for 20% of the
student’s overall final average.
BE READY — BE RESPONSIBLE — BE RESPECTFUL
Students must be in their assigned seats by the ringing of the bell, or be marked tardy.
Students will remain in their assigned seats throughout the duration of the class. The bell does not
dismiss students. Students will raise their hand for permission to move about the classroom.
Students will be given 5 emergency passes each nine weeks to be used at the discretion of the
student; not before the first 15 or last 15 min of class.
No eating or drinking in the class, however gum and water are permitted.
No cell phones or other electronic devices unless permission is granted by the instructor for
instructional purposes only. Failure to comply will result in a discipline referral.
All students must participate
Failure to follow the procedures listed above or to comply with general school rules could result in the
following consequences: Warning, Parent Contact, Detention, or Discipline Referral.
Required Materials
Paper
Pen or pencil
Binder (at least one inch)
Recommended Materials
Crayons, Colored Pencils, or Markers (Pack of 8 is fine)
Highlighter
USB Flashdrive (Highly recommended – could be used for
other classes as well)
RECOVERY AND MAKE-UP POLICY: A student has a two week time frame to recover or make-up any
work which they may deem necessary (excluding finals). Only Summative/Formal grades are able to be
recovered and may require before or after school tutoring prior to retaking a test. IT IS THE STUDENT’S
RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE UP THE WORK OR TO ASK FOR RECOVERY! If the absence is
unexcused, work is not allowed to be made up.
***The policy of the English Department is to only offer make-up for assignments that are attempted and
no make-up work will be accepted after two weeks. Each assignment will be 10 points off each day that it
is late!
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: Cheating is considered a serious matter. Students will not be allowed to talk
during any test or quizzed activity. The parents of a student who has been involved in cheating will be
notified and the student will receive a grade of zero. Students will not be able to make up work until
parents/guardians are notified.
For this course, cheating is defined as, but is not limited to, the following acts:
 Copying anyone’s answers to questions, exercises, study guides, class work or homework
assignments
 Plagiarism
 Looking onto another student’s paper during a test or quiz.
 Having available any study notes or other test aids during a test or quiz without the teacher's
permission.
 Collaborating on assignments when independent work is expected.
Parent Portal Grade Viewer: Parents may access the Parent Portal at the Paulding County School
District Website: http://www.paulding.k12.ga.us/