Academic+English+IV+Syllabus

CONTACT INFORMATION
 * English 9 **

Mrs. Juliana Nahra, Teacher

Phone: (440) 439-1500

E-Mail: jnahra@bedford.k12.oh.us ABOUT THE COURSE English 9 is a 9th grade class, and it is NECESSARY to pass this class in order to advance to the 10th grade. You also cannot proceed to a higher level English class without first passing English 9. As a team teacher, it is my goal to work with your other teachers to help you maintain goals and a strong work ethic. We have built in many incentives and interventions to assist you with earning the best grade possible. Setting you up for a successful high school career and exploring your post-secondary options is one of our goals.

SUPPLIES FOR CLASS
 * Folder (with or without prongs) – any color. **Needed by 9/4**
 * Pen or pencil in class every day!
 * Paper
 * Text Book (provided by teacher)

COURSE COMPONENTS
 * This course is made up of three components: grammar, literature, and writing.


 * We will focus greatly on perfecting the 5-paragraph essay.


 * We will review and enhance grammar and vocabulary skills using grammar review activities and Word Within a Word.


 * Students will be required to complete projects, which may include oral presentations.


 * All students are required to keep an ENGLISH FOLDER, which may be kept in the classroom for the student’s convenience.


 * Skills for passing the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT) will be strengthened.


 * The district grading scale will be used. Grades will be based on homework assignments, quizzes, test, projects, and participation.

** COURSE SYLLABUS: Please note that dates are tentative and subject to change. ** **Unit 1: Literary Elements and the Short Stories** (6 weeks: August & September)

Essential Question: Why do we tell stories? This unit uses a variety of short stories for reviewing common literary elements, as well as for appreciating the art of great storytelling. **Unit 2: The Novel – Honor**  (6 weeks: October-Election Week)  Essential Question: Is honor inherent or bestowed? This unit focuses on the novel as a literary form and explores the unifying theme of honor in the classic American novel //Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck//.

**Unit 3: ****Poetry – Beauty ** **(6 weeks: Week after Election Week-Christmas break) ** //Essential Question: ////How does poetry reveal what we might not otherwise recognize? //  This unit uses a variety of poetry to help students encounter a new literary genre—poetry.

**Unit 4: Drama – Fate ** **(8 weeks: January - Week 1 of March) ** //Essential Question : ////Are we governed by fate or free will? //  This unit uses the classic tragedy //Romeo & Juliet// by William Shakespeare to address a new literary form for the grade level: the drama.

**Unit 5: Epic Poetry – Heroism ** **<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic',sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">(6 weeks: Week 2 of March - End of April) ** //<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic',sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Essential Question: ////<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic',sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Are epic heroes brave, smart, or lucky? //  <span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic',sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This unit focuses on epic poetry- //The Odyssey -// as its own genre. It introduces students to the classic epic and addresses the themes of epic hero and heroism.

**<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic',sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Unit 6: Literary Nonfiction – Reflection ** **<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic',sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">(6 weeks: May, June) ** //<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic',sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Essential Question: ////<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic',sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">How is reflecting different from remembering? //  <span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic',sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This unit focuses on three kinds of literary nonfiction: the memoir, the essay, and the speech. Within this unit, we will read //Night// by Elie Wiesel.