English 9: Introduction to Literature

Students are introduced to literary approaches and terminology within the various genres of literature: short story, poetry, drama, and the novel. Emphasis will be placed on the five-paragraph essay, the writing process, grammar, revision, and introduction to revision strategies, along with reading comprehension, vocabulary, and test preparation. Students will participate in class discussions, group activities, presentations, and use of technology.

Materials and resources used throughout this course may include but are not limited to the materials and resources listed here. Materials and resources used during this course are available to parents and students by using student login information on a district-issued iPad.

Perceptions of Reality Impact Responsibilities and Actions

In this module, reading, writing, speaking, and listening are centered around the big idea of the how perceptions of reality impact responsibilities and actions. This module addressed the essential question: How do our perceptions of reality impact our moral, legal and human responsibilities and influence our actions? Students read from, and write to, informational texts as well as classic and contemporary literature. They engage in class discussions involving informational text and literature to decipher the impact of perceptions of truth and reality. Students address how perceptions of reality impact moral, legal, and human responsibilities and influence actions. Key outcomes include identifying the strategies an author uses to develop an argument; analyzing how the author unfolds an argument; evaluating the validity of an author’s claim, reasoning, and relevance of evidence; and constructing an argument in which students use evidence to defend, challenge or qualify a claim.

Outside Influences Impact Relationships and Decision Making

In this module, reading, writing, speaking, and listening are centered around the big idea of how outside influences impact relationships and decisions. This module addressed the essential question: How do our perceptions of reality and outside influences impact our relationships and decisions? Students read from, and write to, informational texts as well as classic and contemporary literature. They engage in class discussions involving informational text and literature to decipher influences on perceptions of truth and reality, as well as our relationships and decisions. Key outcomes include identifying how the writer creates complex characters to develop realistic plot situations and conflicts; analyzing the elements of drama and how they impact a reader’s perception of the plot; evaluating the author’s use of language, style, and poetic devices; and constructing a letter tightly crafted to the appropriate audience based on information in the text.

Current Scientific Research Impacts Long Held Societal Beliefs

In this module, reading, writing, speaking and listening are constructed around the big idea of the perceptions of truth and reality. This module addressed the essential question: What impact does current scientific research have on long held societal beliefs? Students read from, and write to, informational text as well as classic and contemporary literature. Students engage in class discussions involving the informational text and literature to decipher perceptions of truth and reality. Students apply a broad range of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills to address the impact current scientific research has on long held societal beliefs. Key outcomes include identifying and analyzing the strategies an author uses to inform readers of a specific topic; analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating how an author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events, including how evidence is used, in informational text; acquiring and using accurately general academic and domain-specific vocabulary; and constructing a well organized informative/explanatory essay.

Stereotypes Impact the Understanding of Others

In this module, reading, writing, speaking and listening center around the big idea of how stereotypes impact our understanding of others. This module addressed the essential question: How do stereotypes, misconceptions and prejudices impact the way one interacts with and understand others? Students read from, and write to, informational texts as well as classic and contemporary literature. They engage in class discussions involving informational text and literature to decipher perceptions of truth and reality. Students address how stereotypes, misconceptions, and prejudices impact the way one interacts with and understands others. Key outcomes include identifying point of view and how it impacts the reader’s understanding of the plot; analyzing how an author draws on and transforms themes, topics, character types, and/or other text elements from source material in a specific work; evaluating the author’s use of imagery, figurative language and other literary devices; and constructing an argument with developed claim(s), supplying evidence while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience’s knowledge level and concerns.

Perceptions of Beauty Influence the Understanding of Self

In this module, reading, writing, speaking, and listening center around the big idea of how perceptions of beauty influence our understanding of self. This module addressed the essential question: How do perceptions of beauty influence our understanding of ourselves and the world around us? Students read from, and write to, informational text as well as classic and contemporary literature. They engage in class discussions involving informational text and literature to decipher perceptions of truth and reality. Students address how perceptions of beauty impact our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Key outcomes include identifying how audience and purpose influence a writer’s choice of organizational pattern; analyzing different perceptions of beauty based on texts or other mediums; evaluating self-perception and global awareness influenced by multiple media sources; and constructing a speech and/or essay using information from the primary text.