English Language Arts 9 Course Outline 2009-2010
Mr. J. Ferguson (403) 749-3838 There are two basic aims of grade 9 English language Arts. One aim is to encourage, in students, an understanding and appreciation of the significance and artistry of literature. A second aim is to enable each student to understand and appreciate language and to use it confidently and competently for a variety of purposes, with a variety of audiences and in a variety of situations for communication, personal satisfaction and learning.
Content
The English Language Arts Program highlights 6 language arts: - Listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and representing. Five general student learning outcomes act as the foundation of the program. General Outcome 1 – Students will listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to: - - explore thoughts, ideas, feelings and experiences General Outcome 2 – Students will listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to: - - comprehend literature and other texts in oral, print, visual and multimedia forms, and respond personally, critically and creatively General Outcome 3 – Students will listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to: - - manage ideas and information General Outcome 4 – Students will listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to: - - create oral, print, visual and multimedia texts, and enhance the clarity and artistry of communication General Outcome 5 – Students will listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to: - respect, support and collaborate with others. Timeline .
Unit 1 – All that I Am What shapes who we are 6 weeks (September – October) Unit 2 – Short Stories: Turning Points Change and Initiation 6 weeks (October – November) Unit 3 – Novel Study Wild Children by Felice Hofman 3 weeks (November – December) Unit 4 – Media Mix: Fast Forward Television, movies, advertising and the internet 5 weeks (December – January) Unit 5 –Issues: Do the Right Thing Values and Choices 6 weeks (February – March)
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Unit 6 – Practical Writing Letters and Essays 4 weeks (March – April) Unit 7 – Novel Study Yet to be determined 5 weeks (April – May) Unit 8 – Review 3 weeks (June)
Resources Major novel Study: The Wild Children by Felice Holman Crossroads 9 Other media; including television, radio and Internet sources Evaluation Coursework (80%)
Reading (quizzes, comprehension tests, personal responses) Writing (critical/analytical essays, research papers, script, in class essays) Listening/Speaking (speeches, oral presentations, debates, drama) Viewing/Representing (visual projects, models, artwork, photographic essays) Collaboration (group work/participation in discussion) Knowledge of course material (tests, exams)
Final Exam (20%) The final exam will be the Provincial Achievement Test. The test has 2 components: Part A: Writing Wednesday, May 12 Part B: Reading Wednesday, June 23 Course Expectations Daily Routines Each class will contain a reading component; student selection as well as assigned readings. Materials Students are expected to be in class on time with the materials necessary for a successful and productive session. These include; pencil or pen, binder, textbook, agenda and any assigned homework. Homework Homework will be assigned on a regular basis. For the most part this will include individual assignments, reading, review and study. Students who are experiencing difficulty with their homework are urged to talk to me. It is expected that students will list and keep track of their homework and other important dates in their agendas. Late Assignments Late assignments will not receive a penalty, but must be completed prior the end of each reporting period, otherwise an incomplete will be given. Students missing three assignments will be required to complete the work at lunch or another prearranged time.
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