The Purpose of the new District Curriculum Framework is to increase achievement by aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessments to state standards. Additional reading selections and material will be supplemented on an as needed basis.
Grading Policy:
Summer Reading 20% *English Department Requirement*
Classwork and Homework 15%
Quizzes 15%
Essays/Projects 25%
Tests 25%
Expectations:
*Be on time, prepared, and ready to learn everyday.
*Respect your peers, as well, as yourself, and the teacher.
*Learn one new thing everyday.
Supplies:
1. Binder
2. Flashdrive
3. Paper, pens, or pencils
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Unit #1: Nonfiction: Introduction to the Memoir
In the textbook:
1. “The Struggle to be an All-American Girl” (pg.136)
2. “Only Daughter” (pg. 276)
3. from Black Boy (pg. 299)
4. “Escape from Afghanistan” (pgs. 307)
Guiding Questions:
· How does an individual’s desire to fit in to American culture reflect the common challenges and experiences of those who immigrate from another country?
· How do the actions of one character affect other characters in the story?
· How does the narrator’s point of view affect other characters in the story?
· How does dialogue with others help us see how to solve our problems and pursue our dreams?
· What can we learn about ourselves from readings about others and how they face assimilation, perseverance, or overcoming adversity?
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Unit #2: Memoir and Personal Narrative: The Survivor’s Tale
Core Novels: Maus by Art Spiegelman and Night by Eli Wiesel
Guiding Questions:
· How does conflict drive a person’s perceptions of an event?
· In the readings, how does a sense of hopelessness affect people’s actions?
· Based on the readings, what positive qualities can develop as a result of stressful experiences?
· What are the people in the readings willing to sacrifice in order to survive?
Unit #3: Writing a Personal Memoir
Grammar and Composition Handbook:
1. Writing Workshop, Autobiographical Narrative (pgs.422-429)
2. Writing Handbook (R28-R29)
Guiding Questions:
· How can you use the elements of a memoir to create a vivid mental picture for the reader?
· How does a person select a significant event about which to write?
· What kind of language is used in building descriptions for the mind to imagine seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, touching, and feeling?
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Parent/student Contract
Course Syllabus: 9th Grade English
Ms. Vican 2012-2013
Classical High School
I have reviewed the Course Syllabus for Ms. Vican’s Ninth Grade English Class with my son/daughter. After careful discussion with (student’s name) _______________, I understand the classroom rules, expectations, and grading policies of this course.
*Please feel free to contact me at 456-9145 with any concerns you may have. I am looking forward to a new and exciting school year with your children!
Sincerely,
Ms. Vican
Parent’s Name: ____________________
Signature: ___________________ Date: ______
Student’s Name: ________________________
Signature: _____________________ Date: ______
*IMPORTANT: Literary Terms and Figurative Language
We will continue to add to this list of important literary terms each quarter!
Part I: (Literary Terms Working With Plot Etc.)
1. plot:
2. exposition:
3. point of view (p.o.v.)
4. setting:
5. antagonist:
6. protagonist:
7. characterization:
a. physical description
b. What the character “says”
c. What the character “thinks”
d. What the character “does”
e. What other characters “reveal”
f. What the author “reveals”
8. conflict:
a. Internal Conflict: Man vs. Himself
b. External Conflict: Man vs. Man
Man vs. ____________
Man vs. ____________
Man vs. ____________
9. rising action:
10. climax:
11. falling action:
12. resolution/denouement:
13. foreshadow:
14. flashback:
15. “A”lllusion:
16. theme:
17. irony:
18. Symbolism:
Archetypes in Symbolism:
A) The 4 Seasons:
WINTER
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
B) Animals:
C) Titles/Jobs:
D) Colors
Part II: (Figurative Language)
1. imagery:
2. simile: 3. metaphor:
4. personification:
5. alliteration:
6. repetition:
7. hyperbole:
8. onomatopoeia:
We will continue to add to this list of important literary terms each quarter!
Part I: (Literary Terms Working With Plot Etc.)
1. plot:
2. exposition:
3. point of view (p.o.v.)
4. setting:
5. antagonist:
6. protagonist:
7. characterization:
a. physical description
b. What the character “says”
c. What the character “thinks”
d. What the character “does”
e. What other characters “reveal”
f. What the author “reveals”
8. conflict:
a. Internal Conflict: Man vs. Himself
b. External Conflict: Man vs. Man
Man vs. ____________
Man vs. ____________
Man vs. ____________
9. rising action:
10. climax:
11. falling action:
12. resolution/denouement:
13. foreshadow:
14. flashback:
15. “A”lllusion:
16. theme:
17. irony:
18. Symbolism:
Archetypes in Symbolism:
A) The 4 Seasons:
WINTER
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
B) Animals:
C) Titles/Jobs:
D) Colors
Part II: (Figurative Language)
1. imagery:
2. simile: 3. metaphor:
4. personification:
5. alliteration:
6. repetition:
7. hyperbole:
8. onomatopoeia: