English 9

At the ninth grade level, students will be reading, discussing and writing about various works of literature, including: short stories, novels, poetry, graphic novels and dramas. Students will identify themes and main ideas in the works covered. Students will analyze characters’ point of view and cultural perspectives as well as how these points of view and perspective change and/or develop over the course of a text. In class, students will participate in topic-based conversations, with an emphasis on making inferences and presenting information that is relevant to the task, while collaborating effectively with their peers. Students will work on writing arguments in support of specific claims that are backed by sufficient evidence. At the beginning of the year, the class will focus on the elements of a well-structured paragraph and then move onto writing arguents in support of claims. Throughout the second semester, students work on the development of well crafted, multiple paragraph essays that are based on clear, arguable thesis statements.

Novel study may include: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Odyssey by Homer

 

English 10

At the tenth grade level, students will be reading, discussing and writing about various works of literature, including: short stories, novels, poetry, graphic novels and dramas. Students will identify themes and main ideas in the works covered. Students will analyze characters’ point of view and cultural perspectives as well as how these points of view and perspective change and/or develop over the course of a text. In class, students will participate in topic-based conversations, with an emphasis on making inferences and presenting information that is relevant to the task, while collaborating effectively with their peers. Students will work on writing arguments in support of specific claims that are backed by sufficient evidence. During first semester, students will continue to work on the development of well crafted, multiple paragraph essays based on clear, arguable thesis statements. Throughout the second semester, students will proceed to explore the use of secondary sources in support of arguable claims.

Novel study may include: Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, 1984 by George Orwell

 

English 11

At the 11th grade level, there will be an increased emphasis on college readiness and SAT/ACT prep. In addition to literature, students will begin analyzing various other forms of writing including editorials and literary criticism. While reading, students will focus on analyzing two or more texts and comparing similar themes. During class discussions, students will work on speaking effectively by presenting findings and analysis that is backed up by concrete evidence. Students will also work on rhetorical and public speaking skills by having students present research material orally to their peers, utilizing a variety of multimedia platforms. Writing assignments will require secondary sources to be used as evidence, and sources will be evaluated for credibility. Students will be encouraged to vary their sentence structure by incorporating various clauses and phrases. Papers will be organized so that paragraphs build upon and transition to each other, creating a unified whole that maintains a formal style and tone.

Novel study may include: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

 

English 12 - Beat Literature

In mid twentieth century America, a generation of literary figures emerged who would change the way we look at our country. The “Beat Generation” has become mythologized in our culture and they have influenced everything from art and music to travel and the idea of the American road trip. Students will examine the major characters of this movement, their work and their influence on American culture. Students will be readig works by a variety of Beat writers that are included in The Portable Beat Reader by Ann Charters.