• Course Description: Welcome to English 9!  This course is designed to provide you with a strong foundation in basic language arts skills.  We will read and study works from various genres, such as poetry, short stories, and novels.  In conjunction with the literature we read, we will be utilizing the writing process as we explore the various modes of written expression.  As a student in this class, you will be expected to read and write often and to be a positive contributing member during class sessions.  Please read the following expectations carefully to help ensure your success in the upcoming year.

     

    Texts:

    Pearson Common Core Literature- Grade 9                                          Romeo and Juliet- William Shakespeare

    To Kill a Mockingbird- Harper Lee*                                                      The Odyssey- Homer

    Animal Farm- George Orwell                                                               Of Mice and Men- John Steinbeck*                        

    *Denotes a text on the ALA “frequently challenged” list

                     

    Expectations:

    1. Be respectful of others                 Be responsible for yourself                    c. Be ready to learn

     

    Grading: Your grade each marking period is based on the following:

    • 70% Performance Assessment: tests/quizzes/essays/projects/skill-based performance measures
    • 20% Formative Assessments: Class work, participation, Bell Ringers/Exit passes, other formative assessment measures used to monitor progress
    • 10% Homework Assignments: practice material

     

    Late Work:  Work that is not turned in when it is due will be subjected to the school-wide late work policy. 

     

    UNIT

    OBJECTIVES

    TEXTS

    ASSESSMENT

    UNIT 1: Literary Elements

    ·         Literary Elements Review

    ·         Introduce & practice the process and skill of close reading

    ·         Introduce & practice text analysis

    ·         Introduce & practice constructed responses

    Short Stories: The Scarlet Ibis, Cask of Amontillado, Gift of the Magi

    Of Mice and Men

    Pre-test

    Post-test

    Constructed Responses

    Expository Essay

    Symbolism & Allegory

    ·         Review symbolism

    ·         Introduce allegory

    ·         Practice allegorical analysis

    Short Stories: Emancipation Fable, Golden Kite Silver Wind

    Animal Farm

    Test

    Constructed Responses

    UNIT 2: Nonfiction

    ·         Genre Study: Introduce & practice identifying and analyzing elements of nonfiction

    ·         Close reading nonfiction

    ·         Text analysis

    ·         Text comparison

    Speeches: “I Have a Dream,” “First Inaugural Address”

    Essays:

     

     

    Test: “cold read”

    Constructed Responses

    Research

    ·         Introduce & practice identifying reliable resources

    ·         Close reading of sources

    ·         Works Cited

    Unit 2 Speech

    Teacher-provided Article

    Student-selected website

    Essay (3-4 pages)

    Historical Fiction

    ·         Genre Study- characteristics of historical Fiction

    ·         Text analysis

    To Kill a Mockingbird

    Quizzes

    Constructed Responses

    Essay

    UNIT 3: Poetry

    ·         Genre Study: Introduce & practice identifying and analyzing poetic conventions

    ·         Close reading poetry

    ·         Text Analysis

    ·         Theme comparison

    Varied poems

    Test

    Constructed Responses

    UNIT 5: Epics

    ·         Genre Study: Introduce & practice identifying and analyzing the elements of epics

    ·         Close reading narrative poetry

    ·         Text Analysis

    The Odyssey- selections

    Quizzes

    Constructed Responses

    Essay

    UNIT 4: Drama

    ·         Genre Study: Introduce and practice identifying and analyzing dramatic conventions

    ·         Elizabethan language/Renaissance Period

    ·         Close reading drama

    ·         Text Analysis

    Romeo and Juliet

    Quizzes

    Constructed Responses