English 9
In this discussion-based, fast-paced A-G course, high school students are exposed to classical works of various literature genres including: biography, science fiction, short stories, mystery, Shakespearian drama, poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and fairy tales. Regular writing assignments, vocabulary exercises, oral presentations, group projects, and memorization exercises help develop essential skills that will follow high school students through their adult lives.
Course Info
Course content will include studying various genre of literature, vocabulary exercises, essay writing, memorization and recitations, oral and multi-media presentations, and exams. Students will receive instruction on writing research, descriptive, persuasive, and opinion essays, as well as writing poetry and short stories. Students will take unit exams, complete a long-term research project, and give a multi-media presentations Instruction will include reading comprehension, writing strategies, text analysis and annotation, research, grammar and spelling mechanics, giving oral and multi-media presentations, and more.
This rigorous class requires that students complete daily reading and homework assignments, and turn them in for evaluation every week. Parents, students, and the instructor will collaborate through the year to ensure understanding and completion. Grades will be assigned according to the students homework, tests and quizzes, writing assignments, presentations, and class participation.
Unit 1 – Introduction to Writing Process
Instruction on how to write a perfect five paragraph essay
Practice in writing thesis sentences and topic paragraphs
Review of grammar, punctuation, and writing mechanics
Five paragraph biography essay assignment on person of student’s choice
Unit 2 – Fiction – To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Read, write analysis, and discuss To Kill a Mockingbird
Discussions regarding historic racism, courage, and various literary devices
Additional instruction on essay writing
Five paragraph essay assignment on themes of To Kill a Mockingbird
Novel unit exam
Unit 3 – Mystery – And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Read, write analysis, and discuss And Then There Were None
Instruction on elements of mystery genre
Discussion of literary devices used in mysteries
Instruction on historical significance of Agatha Christie
Instruction on how to write news articles
Newspaper article writing assignment
Unit 4 – Fairy Tales – Just Ella by Margaret Peterson Haddix OR Cinder by Marissa Meyer and Various Selections
Read, write analysis, and discuss Just Ella
Read/view at least ten versions of Cinderella tales
Study elements of a fairy tale and classic Cinderella elements
Creative narrative assignment writing a new version of Cinderella
Unit 5 – Non-Fiction/Autobiography – A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah
Read, write analysis, and discuss A Long Way Gone
Instruction on Non-fiction and autobiographies
Discussion of genocide both historical and current
Guest speaker presentation on genocides
Research project essay on student selected genocide
Oral multi-media presentation on student selected genocide
Optional field trip to The Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles
Group service project benefitting genocide victims
Unit 6 - Shakespeare – Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Read, write analysis, and discuss Romeo and Juliet
Historical instruction on William Shakespeare
Read and discuss the elements of tragedy
Viewing at least three different versions of Romeo and Juliet
Five paragraph comparative essay assignment
Unit 7 – Short Stories – Various Selections
Instruction on elements of short stories
Read, write analysis, and discuss “Desiree’s Baby” by Kate Chopin
Read, write analysis, and discuss “The Monkey’s Paw” by Edgar Allan Poe
Read, write analysis, and discuss “Lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl
Read, write analysis, and discuss “Thank You, Ma’am” by Langston Hughes
Read, write analysis, and discuss “The Most Excellent Game” by Richard Connell
Instruction on how to write a narrative story
Creative narrative writing assignment
Unit 8 - Poetry – Various Selections
Read, write analysis, and discuss “The Seven Ages of Man” by William Shakespeare
Read, write analysis, and discuss “Because I Could Not Stop for Death” by Emily Dickinson
Read, write analysis, and discuss “The Raven” by Edgar Allen Poe
Read, write analysis, and discuss “As I Walked Out One Evening” by Robert Frost
Read, write analysis, and discuss “My Mistress’ Eyes are Nothing Like the Sun” by William Shakespeare
Other poems may be added to the syllabus at teacher’s discretion
Instruction in sonnets, limericks, haiku, and other various poetry forms
Writing of various types of poetry
Memorization of famous poem and performance at annual poetry recital
Unit 9– Epic Poem – The Odyssey by Homer
Read, write analysis, and discuss The Odyssey
Discuss elements of epic hero tales
Instruction on historical significance of this work
Summarization writing project
Group puzzle summary assignment
Class Materials
Students in this class will need to supply the following:
(audio books or digital forms of these works are acceptable)
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Just Ella by Margaret Peterson Haddix OR Cinder by Marissa Meyer
(students are allowed to choose their preferred novel)
A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah OR The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom OR Night by Elie Weisel
(students are allowed to choose their preferred autobiography)
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare- No Fear Shakespeare version
Lined paper and paper/pens in class
All other materials will be provided by the instructor
*This class requires printing several materials at home. Please have paper and ink in your printer!