Magen David Yeshivah High School English Language Arts: Grade 9 September 2013-November 2013 Instructor Contact Information:

Raquel Franco Email: Twitter: rfranco@mdyhs.net @rockitt185

Course Description: The first trimester of this course will focus on the texts of ancient civilizations to understand their beliefs and cultures as described through their myths and legends. Students will read and analyze different works of literature coinciding with units of study in your Ancient history courses. We will analyze how art reflects the culture that produced it. We will learn how to use digital tools to discuss literature. Course Outline: September: Study Skills NYT Project Exam on summer reading Literature circle: Tao of Pooh September-October: Ancient Myths and Early Civilizations The Epic of Gilgamesh Tower of Babel Native American myths Mythical Narratives Vocabulary Units 1-2 November: Ancient Greece and Rome Excerpts from Heroes, Gods and Monsters by Expository Essay: Greek God/Goddess

Course Objectives: By the end of the first trimester, you will be expected to: Learn multiple strategies for studying, note taking and time management. Compare and contrasts myths and legends of ancient civilizations as conveyed through primary source documents and selections of literature. Identify and explain elements of Ancient myths and Greek Mythology. Relate myths to present day events and to examine why myths are still relevant today. Create a myth and publish it on a class website. Write an expository essay Use peer review and draft writing to culminate in a cohesive piece of written text. Required Texts and Other Supplies: It is necessary you come to class prepared with the following materials: Folder for handouts (by Monday 9/9) Notebook and folder for literature discussions (by Monday) Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths, by Bernard Evslin (by October 1) Highlighters Post it notes Journal writing notebook/loose-leaf

Assignments (September-November): Major Assessments: Projects and Writing Assignments (30%)

Personal myth Expository Essay: Greek Mythology

Homework Assignments: These assignments will be administered 3-4 times a week: (20%)

Journals Worksheets Short essays Vocabulary homework will be assigned weekly and be completed online using Membean program. All homework assignments are to be typed. Late homework assignments due to printer issues will be marked late. To avoid receiving a late homework grade, it is acceptable to e-mail homework assignments. Homework is graded with a 1-5 scale. Homework that is submitted late will not receive a grade higher than a 3. Homework (only when submitted on time) can be corrected and re-submitted for higher grades. Cheating is unacceptable and homework that has been suspected of plagiarism will receive no credit with any opportunity for make-up. The lowest homework grade is dropped once a semester.

Class Participation: (15%)

Students are expected to come to class prepared. Missing supplies will lower your classroom participation grade. This class is based on student discussion. Students are encouraged to participate in class discussions in a respectful manner. Group work is essential to this course. Sometimes the groups will be pre-assigned and other times students will create their own groups. Either way, students are expected to participate in all aspects of group work and presentations, as well as to remain on-task at all times. There are no switching groups once they are created. Lateness and unexcused absences will be penalized in accordance with the MDY Policy.

Quizzes: (15%)

Bi-weekly vocabulary quizzes Pop up quizzes to assess student participation The lowest quiz is dropped once per semester.

New York Times Project: (10%)

Exams: (15%) Test/Quiz Policy:

Students must sit in their assigned seats when taking a test or quiz. Otherwise, they will not be allowed to take the exam. Students who are late to a test or quiz will not receive extra time. Students who call out during a test or quiz, or come to class unprepared, will lose ten points for each infraction. If a student misses a test, he/she can retake the test on the school makeup day with a note from a parent. If a student misses a quiz, there will be no opportunity for makeup. Please feel free to e-mail me throughout the term if you have any questions! I hope to have a great year!!