Course Description:
English 9 focuses on reading, writing, listening, and research. You will be reading literary novels, and I will also supplement these novels with poetry and short stories to further your understanding in the key topics listed below. In addition to reading, you will be writing narrative, persuasive, and argumentative essays. In journals, you will have an opportunity to express yourself informally under something called "low-stakes writing", which is graded less strictly. These journal entries are more for your purpose to keep track of your progress and growth as a thinker/writer during your freshman year. We will also be studying grammar and vocabulary for language development.
Key Topics of Study:
- Conflict
- Love and Friendships
- Mythology
- The Nature of Evil
- Skill-Building
- Personal Narrative
- Analysis and Symbolism
A List of Literature We Will Cover This Semester:
- Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare (in Prentice Hall textbook)
- The Odyssey by Homer (in Prentice Hall textbook)
- A Separate Peace by John Knowles
- Lord of the Flies by William Golding
- Night by Ellie Wiesel
Essential Questions We Will Look at & Answer:
- How does individual power change in relationships with others?
- What are universal issues facing people throughout time?
- What makes a hero?
- Is redemption possible?