English 9
9th grade
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.
English 9: Literature & Composition
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
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Instruction on how to write a perfect five paragraph essay
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Practice in writing thesis sentences and topic paragraphs
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Review of grammar, punctuation, and writing mechanics
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Five paragraph biography essay assignment on person of student’s choice
Unit 2 – Fiction – To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
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Read, write analysis, and discuss To Kill a Mockingbird
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Discussions regarding historic racism, courage, and various literary devices
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Additional instruction on essay writing
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Five paragraph essay assignment on themes of To Kill a Mockingbird
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Novel unit exam
Unit 3 – Mystery – And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
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Read, write analysis, and discuss And Then There Were None
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Instruction on elements of mystery genre
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Discussion of literary devices used in mysteries
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Instruction on historical significance of Agatha Christie
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Instruction on how to write news articles
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Newspaper article writing assignment
Unit 4 – Fairy Tales – Just Ella by Margaret Peterson Haddix OR Cinder by Marissa Meyer and Various Selections
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Read, write analysis, and discuss Just Ella or Cinder
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Read/view at least ten versions of Cinderella tales
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Study elements of a fairy tale and classic Cinderella elements
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Creative narrative assignment writing a new version of Cinderella
Unit 5 – Non-Fiction/Autobiography – A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah
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Read, write analysis, and discuss A Long Way Gone
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Instruction on Non-fiction and autobiographies
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Discussion of genocide both historical and current
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Guest speaker presentation on genocides
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Research project essay on student selected genocide
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Oral multi-media presentation on student selected genocide
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Optional field trip to The Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles
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Group service project benefitting genocide victims
Unit 6 - Shakespeare – Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
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Read, write analysis, and discuss Romeo and Juliet
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Historical instruction on William Shakespeare
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Read and discuss the elements of tragedy
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Viewing at least three different versions of Romeo and Juliet
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Five paragraph comparative essay assignment
Unit 7 – Short Stories – Various Selections
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Instruction on elements of short stories
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Read, write analysis, and discuss “Desiree’s Baby” by Kate Chopin
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Read, write analysis, and discuss “The Monkey’s Paw” by Edgar Allan Poe
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Read, write analysis, and discuss “Lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl
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Read, write analysis, and discuss “Thank You, Ma’am” by Langston Hughes
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Read, write analysis, and discuss “The Most Excellent Game” by Richard Connell
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Instruction on how to write a narrative story
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Creative narrative writing assignment
Unit 8 - Poetry – Various Selections
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Read, write analysis, and discuss “The Seven Ages of Man” by William Shakespeare
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Read, write analysis, and discuss “Because I Could Not Stop for Death” by Emily Dickinson
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Read, write analysis, and discuss “The Raven” by Edgar Allen Poe
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Read, write analysis, and discuss “As I Walked Out One Evening” by Robert Frost
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Read, write analysis, and discuss “My Mistress’ Eyes are Nothing Like the Sun” by William Shakespeare
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Other poems may be added to the syllabus at teacher’s discretion
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Instruction in sonnets, limericks, haiku, and other various poetry forms
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Writing of various types of poetry
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Memorization of famous poem and performance at annual poetry recital
Unit 9– Epic Poem – The Odyssey by Homer
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Read, write analysis, and discuss The Odyssey
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Discuss elements of epic hero tales
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Instruction on historical significance of this work
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Summarization writing project
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Group puzzle summary assignment
High School Payment
475
One semester payment of $475
Valid for 4 months
Please make payment at the beginning of the semester
High School Quarterly Payment
237.50
Every 2 months
$475 per semester, 4 payments of $237.50
Valid for 8 months
High School Payment Plan
118.75
Every month
$475 per semester, 8 payments of $118.75
Valid for 8 months
High School Honors Payment
515
One semester payment of $515
Valid for 4 months
Please make payment at the beginning of the semester
High School Honors Quarterly Plan
257.50
Every 2 months
$515 per semester, 4 payments of $257.50
Valid for 8 months
High School Honors Payment Plan
128.75
Every month
$515 per semester, 8 payments of $128.75
Valid for 8 months
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
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 pencils/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!