Pre-IB English 9

Instructor: Poole

Room: B205

E-mail: bdpoole@okcps.org

Website: www.oocities.org/vpaenglish

Course Description-The Pre-IB English program for grade 9 is designed to prepare students for the rigorous demand of the International Baccalaureate program in English. The class has a strong emphasis on literature and student analysis of American literature. Students will read independently as homework and occasionally in class. Guided instruction in essay writing will give students a format for both formal essays and other modes of writing. Students are expected to grow in their writing skills and in their reading analysis as the school year progresses. Students will study the literature in units based on literary periods with the study of novels being interspersed during the school year. The study of grammar will continue with a focus on improving studentís general usage and writing.

Course Goals-

• Focus on an in depth study of all genres of American literature
• Stress a study of the analysis of literature including: universal themes, archetypes, conflicts and symbols.
• Awareness of literary periodís characteristics of literary movements as well as influential authors.
• Learn and refine close reading and annotation skills.
• Refine individual writing skills and literary analysis.
• Practice writing in the following formats: narrative, exposition, persuasive, descriptive, research and literary analysis.
• Begin to develop personal tone and voice in writing
• Incorporate critical thinking skills in writing and discussion.
• Create and present to class orally in the following forms: individual presentations, group panels, group discussions or seminars, and poetry readings.
• Develop a mature vocabulary in speaking and in writing.
• Refine research techniques and use MLA format.
• Review study skills and testing techniques for standardized tests.

Class supplies:

The following should be brought daily:

--Textbook: McDougal-Littell American Literature

--Current novelñ The school will supply novels; however, students are strongly encouraged to purchase their own so that they may write in it or highlight it.

--Notebook paper.

--Blue or black pens.

--A folder or binder of your choosing that can contain all your returned assignments.

Grading Scale (cumulative per the semester):

A -100-89.5

B- 89.4-79.5

C- 79.4-69.5

D-69.4-59.5

F-59.4 and below

Grade Distribution-

Essays: 30%

Quizzes and Tests: 30%

Daily work and homework: 20%

Journals and Circle Discussions: 20%

Tentative Syllabus:

FIRST NINE WEEKS:

Summer Reading Tests

Colonial American Lit:

Slave Narrative, Puritan/Pilgrim/Southern Planter, Spanish Explorers

Descriptive Essay

Review of Clauses

Bless Me, Ultima

SECOND NINE WEEKS:

American Revolution

Romanticism: Whitman and Thoreau

Realism, Naturalism. (Test)

Business Letter

Black Boy

THIRD NINE WEEKS

Essay Writing Unit

Modernism

Compare and Contrast Essay

The Scarlet Letter

Analysis Essay

FOURTH NINE WEEKS

Post Modernism

House on Mango Street

Research Paper

The Joy Luck Club