Course Description

Students pursue a balanced, integrated literacy program of literature and language study. In literature, students develop strategies to construct meaning and interact thoughtfully with all genres of literature and nonfiction texts. Writing activities are extensions of experiences developed through reading literary and nonfiction works. Students will engage in a variety of expository and creative writing tasks which connect literature and their life experiences. Students will use writing process activities in a variety of genres including persuasive, expository, narrative, and literary analysis of texts. Students also receive instruction in the conventions of written language, effective oral communication, and research techniques.

Guaranteed Curriculum

First Semester

Reading Expectations:
Summer Reading unit
Three major units of study using a whole-class novel or textbook unit (i.e. 2 novels and 1 textbook unit OR 1 core text and 2 novels)
Common core text: Black Boy
Common assigned textbook unit from Pearson's My Perspectives: Outsiders and Outcasts
Outside Reading as assigned

Writing Expectations:
2 process piece essays, including response to literature and Symbolism informational/explanatory speech
Culminating project for outside reading

Second Semester

Reading Expectations:
Three major units of study using a whole-class novel or textbook unit (i.e. 2 novels and 1 textbook unit OR 1 core text and 2 novels)

Writing Expectations:
Research paper with citations and works-cited
Informative speech/Research project
Rhetorical Analysis essay