Course Overview
We will be reading and discussing many short stories and books, and each of you will be able to read critically and analyze character motivations. At the same time you will learn to write critically in response to questions based on our readings. You will learn how to write grammatically correct sentences as well. Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are very important in literature, and we will develop an understanding and appreciation for these aspects of language.
You will be tested once we complete major units, short stories, and books. These tests will contain both short answer and multiple choice questions. Between tests, there will be at least one quiz within each unit. Spelling and vocabulary are very important to having a firm grasp of a language. Therefore we will have spelling and vocabulary tests once a month. You will also have a research paper to complete on a writer of your choice.
Materials
You are expected to bring a writing utensil (pen or pencil), a three ring binder, loose leaf paper or a spiral notebook, any assignments, and any books, stories, or handouts that we will be working with on that day.
Curriculum
Note: Some of the units may run shorter or longer, this is just a rough timeline. Many of the units will overlap with one another. Example: the creative writing and poetry units
September Introduction to the Six Traits of Writing
October – November Short Story Unit
December Creative Writing Unit
January – February Poetry Unit
February – March Shakespeare’s Hamlet
March – April William Golding’s The Lord of the Flies
April – May Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird
May – June Ernest J. Gaines’s A Lesson Before Dying