Eastern Sierra Academy
Introduction to Literature:
English 9
Teacher: Ms. Sarah Taylor
Brief
Description of Course: English 9 is an introductory literature course that focuses on teaching
students to hone their skills in reading
(comprehension, word analysis & interpretation), in writing (form: English language
conventions, style, and organization and content: analytical, persuasive, and creative writing with developed
ideas, examples, and argument), and in listening and speaking
(formal and informal speeches, discussion, and various listening and speaking
strategies) in order to prepare students to meet the state English-Language
Arts Standards. Included in the course, will be the study and analysis of
mythology, poetry, drama, the short story, and the novel. In the writing portion
of the curriculum, emphasis will be given to the writing process as it incorporates
grammar, interpretation, content, and form. Writing assignments will focus
on the core literature. During the course of the year, each student will compile
a portfolio of his or her best work. In addition, students will prepare a
short research paper and formal speech.
Textbooks and other sources: Elements of Literature3rd Course, House on Mango Street, To Kill a Mockingbird, Of
Mice and Men, The Odyssey, Romeo and Juliet, and A Raisin in the Sun
Other Materials Required: 3 ring binder, dividers,
paper, and pens
Grading Procedures
Homework and class assignments
40%*
Formal essays 25%
Tests 15%
Speech/Portfolio/Independent Reading 20%
*percentages
are approximate
Independent Reading
Students will be required to read one to three books
each quarter. The Independent Reading grade will be worth 200 points. Students
will show that they have read and comprehended the book through an oral or
multiple choice exam at the end of each quarter.
A+ = 650 pages, A = 600 pages, A- = 550 pages
B+ = 500 pages, B = 450 pages, B- = 400 pages
If students read 10 pages each night or 60 each
weekend, they will easily meet the page requirement.
Special Reports/Projects
Several Formal Multi-draft Essays (6 to 7)
Formal Speech
Short research paper
Writing Portfolio
Short Story
Oral
exams for IR each quarter
Poetry Presentation
English-Language
Arts Standards
This course will focus on preparing students to meet the
Language Arts Standards for 9th and 10th grades. Students will work to improve
their vocabulary, reading comprehension, literary analysis skills, writing
strategies (in various forms), written and oral language conventions, and
listening and speaking strategies. Please see your child’s copy of the standards
for more detail.
Homework Practices
Due dates for major assignments, essays, and tests
will be indicated ahead of time. Students should check the web page regularly
for due dates and instructions. Daily homework assignments will be assigned and
posted on the web page at the beginning of each week. In general, students will
have about 30 minutes of homework a night. Students are encouraged to work on
major assignments (like essays and Independent Reading) on those days when they
finish the assigned work early.
Late Work
Although students will always be given extra time to
make up work after absences, late work will not be accepted. Because a 0 will
be given for work not handed in, students should be sure to manage their time
carefully in order to avoid missing assignments.