Annenberg Musical/ English 9

Margaret Berg

Course Outline

Welcome to Annenberg Musical/English 9!  This course has a strong theatre component, but will cover all of the elements necessary to further solidify your skills in reading, analyzing literature, writing and speaking.

Expectations

            - Please come prepared to work.  You are responsible for

              bringing a 3-ring binder, loose leaf paper and a pen and pencil to class  

              every day.  We will generally take notes that will be used to build on assignments and you will                  want to have them with you in class. 

            -           Follow school rules.  Be respectful to those around you as well as the space                  you are in. 

            -           Learn to work independently as well as with others in small and large group                   settings.

            -           Participate.  Push yourself to contribute even if you do not feel totally                             comfortable.  Take chances.  TRY.

            -           Use words to express yourself, and remember, people can't make you react a               certain way without your consent.

            -           Don't waste your time or the time of those around you.

            -           Come to school every day.  Don't be late to class, it's rude.

            -           Have fun!  It'll make the time go faster.

Curriculum

Our areas of study for the first semester include:

            * The short story

            * Vocabulary

            * Writing Intensive

            * Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck or Night by Eli Weisel

            * Writing a literary analysis

            * The Days of Rondo by Evelyn Fairbanks

            * Writing an autobiography

            * Acting and theatre training

            * Staging, rehearsing and performing a piece of musical theater with Ms. Lee's choir       class.

Grading

Your grade will depend on the completion of daily and long-term assignments on time, weekly vocabulary, and participation both individually and in groups. 

Every assignment counts and you are responsible for all of the work we do in class or that is assigned as homework.  Participation is key - attendance will affect your grade.

All papers need to be typed using 12 point font and double spaced, or handwritten and double spaced in blue or black ink, one side of the paper only.

Unless your absence is excused by a parent or guardian, all late papers will receive a grade of 'C' or below.

A Final Note

Please feel free to ask me any time about assignments, grading, expectations or any other concerns you have regarding this class.  We will meet in room #210 or the auditorium.  After first hour I may generally be found in my office, #209.  My direct extension/voice mail is 668-3082, and my e-mail address is mberg@mpls.k12.mn.us.  I'm looking forward to a great year and hope you are, too!