English 9
This 1 credit required English class will introduce the following literary genres: Novel, Short Story, and Poetry. Students will engage in critical thinking through literary analysis of class texts. They will learn to work in collaborative teams. Students will build on what they have learned in previous years, as they develop as readers, thinkers, speakers, and writers. This is a required course for freshmen. 9th Grade English is intended to develop your skills in reading, writing, critical thinking, speaking, and listening. You will be using each skill in a variety of ways. You can expect to read, write, think, speak, and listen every day. On top of our class texts, you will also have the opportunity to read books of your choice. There will be independent reading projects or various assignments at least once per term, based on your independent reading selection/s.
Prerequisites: None
1 credit
Course Outline
Unit 1: Short Fiction and Literary Analysis
We will engage in analysis of various story elements, and how those elements develop to create a cohesive story. Our focus will be on the way that plot, conflict, characters, and setting work together to develop the theme of a text.
Unit 2: Language & Poetry
In this in depth look at the way that authors use language, students will analyze, annotate, and appreciate poetry in its many forms. We will have a strong focus on figurative language, and the various ways authors create vivid writing. Students will use their close reading skills to think and write analytically about various aspects of poetry.
Unit 3: Characters & Theme in Romeo & Juliet
While reading Romeo & Juliet, students will study drama and its place in literature, as well as become familiar with some canonized literature. Students will begin to deeply analyze how canonical texts speak to one another across time and place.
Unit 4: Conflict and Characterization in 12 Angry Men
Students will deeply analyze various characters, conflicts, suspense, and the complex interplay of personal bias and reason.
Unit 5: Narrative Nonfiction: Parallel Journeys
Students will gain exposure to World Literature through reading Parallel Journeys. Students will evaluate the protagonists’ decisions through a lens of critical literary analysis and empathy and create a personal definition of resilience, and the importance of being resilient.
Unit 6: The Power of Symbols in Fahrenheit 451
Students will read Fahrenheit 451 and use critical literary analysis to create their own ideas about knowledge, and the impact of the past on the present.
Classroom Expectations
All students are to adhere to rules and expectations set by the Pittsville Student Handbook. In addition:
Students should arrive to class on time every day ready to give their best effort. This means having all materials as well as a learning-centered mindset..
Students are expected to be respectful of all people, spaces, and materials.
Cheating is not tolerated. This includes plagiarism and the use of AI to do writing assignments/assessment. Cheating will result in an alternate assessment, and a discipline referral.
Grading Policy
Assessments (including essays, tests, quizzes, and projects)………………………….……….……..100%
Note: All other work, while not ‘graded,’ is designed to help students build and practice knowledge and skills that are necessary for the skills being assessed. Assessments will not be administered until other work is completed satisfactorily. If students wish to retake / retry assessments, they must follow the classroom retake policy which will be in the “Important Documents” section of Google Classroom.
Grading Scale
100 – 93 A
92 – 90 A-
89 – 87 B+
86 – 83 B
82 – 80 B-
79 – 77 C+
76 – 73 C
72 – 70 C-
69 – 67 D+
66 – 63 D
62 – 60 D-
Below 60 F
Essential Standards Covered in 9th Grade
RL.1: Cite relevant textual evidence that strongly supports analysis of what the text says explicitly/implicitly and make logical inferences, including determining where the text is ambiguous; develop questions for deeper understanding and for further exploration.
RL.2: Objectively and accurately summarize texts, from a variety of genres, to determine one or more themes or central ideas and analyze its development, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details.
RL.3: In literary texts, analyze how complex and/or dynamic characters develop, interact with other characters, advance the plot, or develop a theme.
RL.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases, including figurative and connotative meanings. Analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning, tone, and mood. Examine technical or key terms and how language differs across genres.