English 1/9

COURSE CONTENT

This year-long course will include a study of literature (short stories, poems, novels, plays, speeches, and essays) focusing on our relationships in life and how we can become more tolerant human beings in today's increasingly intolerant world. We will also concentrate on writing, grammar, vocabulary and endeavor to become articulate writers, readers, listeners and speakers. Throughout the year, we will develop the skill of evaluating characters and literature in order to gain insight into the human condition. All major units will address some aspect of the California State Standards for the English language, and assist you in preparing to take the High School Exit Exam (HSEE). Please click the "State Standards" icon to the left for more information.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

Students are expected to read, think, listen, speak, and write each day. If for some reason you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to make up any missed work. You will be required to keep a SPIRAL NOTEBOOK. You must leave it in the classroom, or remember to bring it each and every day. At the beginning of each day, check the overhead and add to the Table of Contents. You will keep ALL of the work you generate in the class in your spiral notebook. All notes, handouts, worksheets, outlines, journal entries, grammar games, etc. will be PASTED into the spiral notebook each day. Periodically, I will check the notebooks for organization and completeness. The SPIRAL NOTEBOOK, along with attendance, is counted as a major part of class participation and is worth up to 25% of your grade. DO NOT LOSE YOUR SPIRAL NOTEBOOK!

SPIRAL NOTEBOOK RUBRIC

MAJOR LITERARY UNITS

The following pieces of literature form the backbone of my curriculum. Next to each "bookmark" you will find a brief synopsis and links to appropriate Internet locations regarding the work.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY and SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Our textbook, LITERATURE AND LANGUAGE, and other sources will provide us with a wealth of material to explore and write about ourselves! During this introductory period we will write an autobiographical essay, deliver a personal presentation, and write some poetry. This is a time to reacquaint ourselves with our English skills, and to assess our strengths and weaknesses.

Writing Applications: Calif. Standard 2.1 Autobiographical Narrative

LITERARY RESOURCES ON THE INTERNET

MYTHOLOGY

Using Edith Hamilton's MYTHOLOGY, as well as other texts, we will explore Greek and Roman heroes, gods, goddesses, myths and monsters. The Greek gods and heroes of antiquity have inspired many of the masterpieces of Western civilization, and we will use these stories as a springboard to the rest of the ninth grade curriculum.

MYTHOLOGY RESOURCES ON THE INTERNET

Writing Applications: Calif. Standard 2.2 Responses to Literature

THE ODYSSEY by Homer

Homer's epic poem of Odysseus' return to his island home after the Trojan War is one of the most enduring classics of Western literature. The model for the adventure story, THE ODYSSEY has been reproduced in countless forms since its creation over 2600 years ago. In this tale, Odysseus spends years battling gods and monsters of the Greek pantheon to reach his family and his home.

Writing Applications: Calif. Standard 2.3 Expository Compositions

ODYSSEY RESOURCES ON THE INTERNET

ROMEO AND JULIET by William Shakespeare

Two households, both alike in dignity (In fair Verona where we lay our scene), From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.

So begins Shakespeare's cautionary tale of two "star-crossed lovers," whose tragic love ends the feud between two powerful families. ROMEO AND JULIET teaches us that untamed romantic love is as dangerous as unreasoning hatred.

Writing Applications: Calif. Standard 2.4 Persuasive Compositions

SHAKESPEARE RESOURCES ON THE INTERNET

NIGHT by Elie Wiesel

Elie Wiesel's autobiographical narrative gives us a frighteningly personal glimpse into the horror of the Jewish Holocaust. During WWII, over six million Jews were systematically exterminated by the German Gestapo in death camps. This is the story of one young man's struggle to keep himself and his father alive during one of Europe's darkest hours.

Writing Applications: Calif. Standard 2.1 Autobiographical Narrative

HOLOCAUST RESOURCES ON THE INTERNET

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee

Harper Lee's story about coming of age in the deep South teaches another generation about civil conscience. This unforgettable novel became an instant classic when it was published, then won the Pulitzer prize a year later, in 1961. Gregory Peck created the role of Atticus Finch in the Academy Award-winning film version of the novel.

HARPER LEE RESOURCES ON THE INTERNET

Writing Applications: Calif. Standard 2.2 Responses to Literature

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