Syllabus For Pre-AP 9 and LA 9 Classes
Mrs. Mygatt's Class Schedule Info:
RM 1, HALL 1
1st Period (7:25-8:30): Pre AP English 9
2nd Period (8:35-9:30): Pre AP English 9
3rd Period (9:35-10:30): LA 9
1st Lunch (10:35-11:00)
4th Period (11:00:-12:00): LA 9
5th Period (12:05-1:00): Prep Period
6th Period (1:05-2:05): Pre AP English 9
Pre AP English 9:
The Pre-AP (Honors) English Literature and Composition course is about developing good habits of mind. This is accomplished through engaging students in the careful reading and in critical analysis of literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As they read, students consider a work's structure, style and themes as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism and tone. The course includes intensive study of representative works with literary merit from various genres and periods from the sixteenth to the twenty-first century, and students will get to know a few works very well. In addition to considering a work's literary artistry, students reflect on the social and historical values that the work embodies. Careful attention to both textual detail and historical context provides a foundation for interpretation. Students will demonstrate what they've learned through challenging writing assignments where they defend, refute or qualify arguments of theme and meaning through synthesis from various readings we have studied.
Students in the Pre-AP English course are presumed to be post high school readers when they walk through the classroom door. Therefore, they will be challenging themselves with Accelerated Reader (AR) books from the Pre-AP AR Book List as part of the Pre-AP course. The Pre-AP AR Book List can be found on the Helpful Links page of this web site. Students are requried to earn 35 AR book points per quarter. This reading must be done independently with the majority of reading occuring outside of classtime. Tests on the books that students choose will be conducted in class, and are computer-based multiple choice tests that take about ten minutes or less to complete. Students will know the test score they achieved immediately. It is recommended that students develop the habit of reading 30-60 minutes a night, five to six nights a week, throughout the school year.
Pre AP Grade Weighting:
Assessments: Essays, Exams, Quizzes, and presentations 50%;
Daily Work: Essay outlines, drafts, in-class assignments, and homework 40%;
Independent Reading: Accelerated Reader Tests 10%.
LA 9:
The focus of the LA 9 course is to develop capability in writing. The course especially focuses on writing organization as well as articulation and connectivity of thought through a variety of challenging essay assignments. Students will engage in the careful reading and in critical analysis of literature, drama, prose and poetry. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As they read, students consider the way authors use literary elements such as figurative language, imagery, symbolism, tone, etc.. Students will write persuasive, descriptive, narrative, and expository essays, along with an analytical essay on a selected poem, as well as demonstrate effective research techniques through a challenging research essay at the end of the school year.
LA 9 students are required to earn 20 AR book points per quarter (for a total of 80 AR points at the end of the year). This reading must be done independently, with the majority of reading occuring outside of classtime. Tests on the AR books that students choose will be conducted in class only, and are computer-based multiple choice tests that take ten minutes or less to complete. Students will know the test score they achieved immediately. It is recommended that students develop the habit of reading 30-60 minutes a night, five to six nights a week, throughout the school year.
LA 9 Grade Weighting:
Assessments: Essays, Exams, Quizzes, and presentations 50%;
Daily Work: Essay outlines, drafts, in-class assignments, and homework 40%;
Independent Reading: Accelerated Reader Tests 10%.