We will achieve our goals by focusing on the following areas of study:
Literature
Students will be exposed to a variety of genres through thematic units. During these units, students will analyze, discuss, and respond to literary selections through class discussions, tests, and writing assignments.
Brief Overview of Thematic Units
Unit One: Identity
This base of this unit will be our study of Night. We will also study related short stories, informational text, essays, poems, and non-fiction selections.
Unit Two: Utopia
This unit will focus on the concept of utopias in literature, art, and societies. We will study Fahrenheit 451 and a variety of short stories, essays, informational text and poems in which the writers have explored the idea of a perfect society.
Unit Three: Choice/Decisions
Antigone will be the major focus of our Choice Unit. We will also analyze short stories, poems, and nonfiction articles that examine decisions and consequences.
Unit Four: Justice
The Legend of King Arthur will be the major focus of our Justice Unit. We will also read and analyze related short stories, poems, informational texts and nonfiction selections.
Research
Over the course of the next eight months, students will complete a research project on a topic of their choice. A detailed explanation of the project will be sent home during the first few weeks of school.
Writing
Our writing program will be an integral part of our class. At the beginning of the year, we will examine content, organization, voice (word choice, sentence structure and fluency), and conventions (grammar).
Throughout the year, students will write documented essays on literary works, research papers, and descriptive, persuasive, expository, and narrative pieces. All papers will be evaluated using HSAP and Write Traits guidelines. In order for students to improve their writing, most assignments may be revised within two weeks of receiving the graded copy. However, students are encouraged to seek help before the paper is due.