FREDERICK DOUGLASS ACADEMY
DR. GREGORY HODGE, PRINCIPAL
MR. M. WALKER, ROOM 376
COURSE SYLLABUS for ENGLISH 1 & 2:
SURVEY OF WESTERN AND EASTERN LITERATURE
Greetings Parents and Guardians,
I am Mr. Walker and I will be your child’s ninth grade English teacher for this academic year. This is an integral period in your child’s education because it is the foundation upon which success can be built or destroyed. I will need your full support in ensuring that accomplishment is the focus and ultimate goal for our students. This course is modeled from a college level literature course where students develop a broad, rich association with literature from around the world: the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. The purpose is to establish a solid infrastructure for students to appreciate the diversity of literature geographically and chronologically as well as culturally. We will be examining how historical events shape the literature of that time period as well as how the genre of literature works to express the author’s point of view and theme. Given this, we will be reading fiction, essays, speeches, short stories, poems and non-fiction accounts as well as using films as supplemental material. Please be mindful that this syllabus is subject to change relative to students’ needs and/or the New York State Standards in English. Here are some specific ways you can help your child to succeed:
· create a safe space and scheduled time at home for your child to complete reading and writing
· minimize time spent watching television and playing video games
· encourage your child to complete independent reading assignments
· engage in dialogue about what your child is learning, reading and writing about
· spend time quizzing and questioning your child on vocabulary and other terms learned
· set specific expectations with rewards when your child reaches and exceeds them
· attend teacher conferences, PTA meetings and contact me when you have questions
We will be watching a series of films and documentaries to supplement our reading material.
After viewing the list below, please indicate any comments or concerns you may have:
· Of Mice and Men (1992)
· To Kill A Mockingbird (1962)
· Amistad (1997)
· Sleepy Hollow (1999)
· A Raisin in the Sun (1961)
· The Crucible (1996)
· Untold Story of Emmett Till (2005)
· Scottsboro: An American Tragedy (2001)
· Glory (1989)
· Voices of Civil Rights: Biography of Martin Luther King Jr. (2006)
· When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts (2006)
· Food Inc. (2008)
TEXTS: Of Mice and Men, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, To Kill A Mockingbird, Anthem, The Epic of Gilgamesh, 47, A Raisin in the Sun, Things Fall Apart, The Crucible, Shabanu, excerpts from Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience and Prentice Hall Literature: World Literature, Advancing Vocabulary Skills, Writer’s Choice: Grammar Workbook, Instant Vocabulary
COMPONENTS OF CLASS:
1. Quizzes – 10% On a regular, unannounced basis quizzes will be given based on previous lessons.
2. Tests – 20% These will cover units of vocabulary, grammar and/or literature read.
3. Homework – 25% Daily independent reading, revision of essays, specific literary questions
4. Projects/Essays – 25% Creative assignments that measure students’ learning will be given per marking period.
5. Classwork – 20% Grammar, vocabulary , do nows, and writing activities done in class
FDA GRADING POLICY
A. 1ST Marking Period – 20%
B. 2nd Marking Period – 30%
C. 3rd Marking Period – 30%
D. Final/Regents Exam – 20%
SUPPLIES
A. 2 Composition Notebooks
B. 2 Two-pocket folders
C. 4 Dark Blue and/or Black Pens
D. 2 Highlighters and/or Colored Pens
E. 1 Pack of College Ruled Loose-leaf Paper
F. 1 Flash Drive (at least 1.0 GB)
CLASS RULES:
1. Be On Time – Attendance is taken daily and lateness will mean a deduction of points from your Classwork grade.
2. Be Attentive - Participate in your education by raising your hand to ask critical, serious questions or share your thoughts on the topic being discussed.
3. Be Diligent -Apathy, complacency and laziness are abominable in this classroom so regardless of the difficulty of an assignment, make an effort.
4. Be Respectful -Speak to and about your peers and myself with respect for us as human beings and part of your academic community. No food, gum or candy; only water!
5. Be Your Best - Never do mediocre work or less than you are capable of accomplishing.
CONTACT
Please contact me via email, phone or by scheduling an appointment with your child’s guidance counselor:
C. mrwalkerfda.blogspot.com (Visit this site for homework assignments, projects, web resources and relevant announcements
D. 212-491-4107 x.1376
