Honors English 9 is a year long, 10-credit course that combines the study of world literature with reading, writing, listening, and speaking. We will read a variety of novels, short stories, and poetry from different regions of the world. Students will also practice different writing domains, memorize and use new vocabulary words, practice test taking strategies, and review grammar throughout the year.
The curriculum for Honors English 9 is aligned with the California State English and Language Arts Standards. References to these standards are noted in the categories below.
Literature
(Reading 3.1 - 3.12,
Listening & Speaking 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.7, 1.9, 1.11, 1.12, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3)
Unit 1
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Unit 2
The Odyssey by Homer
Unit 3
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Unit 4
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
Unit 5
The Weight of All Things by Sandra Benitez
Unit 6
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Writing/Grammar
(Writing 1.1 - 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.9, 2.1-2.3)
Sentence revision, sentence construction, paragraph development,
usage and mechanics, parts of speech, multi-paragraph literary essay, writing portfolio
Vocabulary
(Reading 1.1 - 1.3)
Vocabulary Workshop, vocabulary in context
Independent Reading
(Reading 1.0, 2.0)
Class Expectations
Be Prompt: Students will be expected to be in class and on time daily. The school tardy policy will be strictly enforced. Unexcused absences and tardies will result in a loss of 10 points for the day.
Be Prepared: Students are responsible for supplying standard lined paper, a blue or black pen that writes clearly, and a three-ring notebook. This notebook is to have dividers that separate the notebook into the following sections:
1- Literature Notes
2- Vocabulary/Grammar
3- Formal Writing
4- Reader Response
Additionally, students will be expected to utilize computers and the internet consistently throughout the course to develop both independent and group analysis. Plan for access to a computer and the internet on a regular basis.
Be Professional: Work must be written neatly in blue or black ink, or word-processed when specified. Students are expected to keep an organized 3-ring binder for their English notes. Students are expected to write down all homework assignments.
Grades and Points
Students should always put their best effort into all assignments. Some classwork and homework will be checked off for credit, while essays, quizzes, and tests will be evaluated for a grade. The standard grading scale will be used. Student grades are compiled approximately into the following categories: