Course Overview

Welcome to English 9H.  This year we will work rigorously to build a strong foundation for your

future studies in high school and college.  Studying literature and writing about it are valuable

both academically and personally; in doing so we may deepen our understanding of ourselves and together we will read the classic literary works Romeo and Juliet and Great Expectations.  

We will also study short stories, contemporary poetry, and the modern novels The Chosen and The Catcher in the Rye.  We will be writing a great deal throughout the year, and our emphasis will be on analytical writing.  Creative writing, group work, and public speaking will also be elements of this course.  Please expect approximately 35-45 minutes of homework in English every night.

You will receive assignment sheets in advance; please plan your time wisely!

Through our readings and writing assignments we will explore essential questions such as:

• How and why do characters lose their innocence and gain experience?

• What catalyzes characters’ personal transformation and growth?

• What factors inform the choices that characters make?

As the course evolves, students will:

• Write multi-paragraph analytical essays about character, theme, and the methods a writer

has employed to convey meaning;

• Deepen and refine their personal and creative responses to literature;

• Expand their understanding of literary devices and, in their close analysis of texts,

actively identify the function of such devices; and

• Develop their public speaking skills.

Students are responsible for demonstrating effective effort by…

• Managing their time wisely to ensure timely, thoughtful completion of assignments;

• Completing all reading assignments and rereading literary selections when

necessary to ensure understanding;

• Using the writing process to draft and revise each paper before submitting a final

• Participating as an active listener and contributor during class discussions and

• Meeting with me to discuss goals for growth and to seek assistance when needed.