Course Syllabus

Honors English 1

Welcome to class. I’m Mr. Johnson

 

** TWO IMPORTANT CHANGES TO SEMESTER 2 POLICIES: 

1. NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER 30 DAYS

2. ALL LATE WORK MUST BE TURNED IN BY MAY 15TH (NO EXCEPTIONS!)

About me:

I love all things outdoors (skiing, hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking). I’m a plant/gardening nerd. I keep honeybees and chickens. I also love web design, computer coding, philosophy, and many other things. Chances are, there’s some way we can connect, even if English isn’t your favorite subject.

I received my English degree and Master’s degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage. My wife and I (high school sweethearts) are the proud parents of Elias, River, and Aurora. I am passionate about literature, writing deeply, and living deeply -- I am excited to share my passion with you. 

 

About this class:

In 9th grade English (also called English 1) we’ll spend the year focused on genres. With each genre, we’ll also explore different themes:                               

                                             Genre                                                 Theme

Fall Semester             Short Story, Poetry                             Telling our stories

                                    Epic Drama                                         Defining heroism                                                                    

                                     Fiction                                                 Coming of age

Spring Semester       Memoir and Autobiography                The human condition

                                    Nonfiction                                            Making your voice heard

                                    Drama                                                 Decisions and consequences

 

In terms of assignments and grades, I like to mix things up. On a given day, you may be working collaboratively, creating real-world projects, taking traditional quizzes and tests, etc.

 

High School Life

  • Grades count! You can set yourself up for success or dig yourself a pretty deep hole based on your performance this year.
  • You're an independent learner. In years past, your parents may have had a big role in helping you get your schoolwork completed. In high school, it's important that you advocate for yourself, keep your own schedule, and prove to the world you're ready to be independent!
  • I will treat you like an adult. Act like one. I really believe that you are a "baby adult." It's one of the reasons I enjoy teaching high school so much! You're looking at the world through adult eyes, but without the cynicism that many adults possess. High school is a great place to practice "adulting." I will commit to treating you like an adult, but you must act like one!  ** Be aware that some of the content we'll read or discuss this year will likely have adult themes you may not have encountered before. Topics may touch on sexuality, drugs, suicide, and other adult topics. If any of the content we read makes you uncomfortable, please reach out to me privately and we'll problem-solve together. Also, if we are discussing adult topics, please keep it classy.

 

Expectations:

  • Bring your best self
  • Be present and involved
  • Craft good work
  • Be quick to extend grace

 

Technology:

  • Please bring your chrome books, properly charged, to class every day.
  • You’re old enough to know when it’s appropriate to use personal electronic devices. If devices become a continuing distraction, I may confiscate them, give them to the office, create a discipline referral, and/or contact your parents.

 

Homework and Assignments:

There will be homework or reading most nights.  Your success in my class is entirely dependent on you coming to class prepared by having your materials handy and your homework completed. 

If you miss class for any reason, it is your responsibility to make up any missed work. Consult the file folders in the classroom for any handouts you may have missed. Make-up work must be completed in a timely manner, as specified in the student handbook.

Please write legibly. I highly prefer work that is typed when possible.

 

Late Work:

Homework is due by the beginning of class on the day it is due (or as stated in Canvas) . That means papers and assignments are printed and ready to turn in when you walk in the door. If your assignment is not completed by the beginning of class, it will be considered late.

If an assignment is late (up to 24 hours) you will receive no more than 50% of the original points. If your paper is more than 24 hours late you will not receive credit.  Be careful! Zeros are deadly!

I will often give extensions on assignments IF you let me know about extenuating circumstances well before the assignment is due.

 

Academic Dishonesty:

Part of crafting good work is keeping your work honest. I have a “zero-tolerance” policy for cheating, copying, plagiarism, or “unapproved collaboration.” If you are discovered being dishonest, your assignment (and your friend’s assignment if you are copying) will be marked as a “0” without the option of re-completing the assignment. Additionally, your parents will be contacted and a discipline referral will be sent to the main office. Be very careful to make sure all the work you submit is entirely your own creation.

Additionally, if I see students copying or cheating on work for another class, I will confiscate the work and notify the appropriate teacher.

 

Extra Credit:

I rarely give extra credit, but there are usually 1 or 2 opportunities per semester to receive extra credit. Students may only earn extra credit if they have one or fewer “0”s. Extra credit will only increase a student’s grade by a maximum of 5%.

 

Contact Information:

My email:                                johnson_erik@asdk12.org

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. I’m usually available before and after school, as well as during lunch. Feel free to swing by; I'm here to help!

 

-Erik Johnson