Arts & Humanities English and American Studies/Civics Integrated Course
(9th grade) -“What is truth?” This course will cover specific aspects of ancient history, and students will focus
on the question “What is truth?” Students will explore different philosophies, myths, poems, and nonfiction works
of different time periods and differentiate of what is truth and what is myth based on their knowledge of historical
events. Student will determine what they think is true through their own art form. Students will learn the influences
of earlier civilizations on early American history and government.
Grading
ASSIGNMENTS-(Writing projects, projects, larger homework assignments, etc…)
(20%)
Each Theme will have a corresponding performance task. The performance task will include one of the
following:
ESSAYS AND PAPERS: The process for completing these will be provided. The final essay is up to the student
to complete individually.
PRESENTATIONS:
Students who will present will be chosen at random. Directions for the oral and visual presentation will be given.
There will be a limit to the amount of words permitted on each slide.
Note: Points will be deducted from late projects/presentations.
TESTS-Tests & quizzes will varying point values to determine weight
(25%)
Tests are formatted as multiple choice, matching, and short answer. Tests will be announced. For
projects/presentations students who will present will be chosen at random. There will be a limit to the amount of
words permitted on each slide.
QUIZZES: Short assessments will be given to check student understanding. These are formatted as multiple
choice, matching, and short answer. Some will be announced. Others will not.
QUARTERLY/FINAL EXAMINATIONS: Cold Read & Performance Tasks
(30%)
These may be in exam or project form. This has yet to be decided.
CLASS PARTICIPATION: Homework, classwork, and class participation
(25%)
Half of this grade depends on your attendance and behavior in school and class. The other half depends on
participation in and completion of class activities and discussions.
Most notes will be completed in outline format. Some other organizers may be utilized as well. These are used for
students to prove reading comprehension and responsibility in preparing for class. Notes will be taken on assigned
readings, slide shows, and videos. Your understanding of content determines your group placement in class daily.
Note: Points will be deducted from late assignments.
SCHEDULE
Quarter 1
English: Chivalry & Rebellion (Note: Also introduction unit to mythology, Epics, and Heroes)
Social Studies Focus: Influence of Ancient Greece, Rome, and Asian civilizations on American Government both
national, state, and local governments Resources: Epic of Gild mesh, The Odyssey, Socrates, a Martyr to Truth,
Plato and his theory of ideas (The Republic), Aristotle, the Encyclopedic Philosopher. (Ethics and the Politics),
Quotes of Marcus Tullius Cicero, Anthem by Ayn Rand (novel), Greek and Latin Roots
Quarter 2
English: Turbulence and Tranquility
Social Studies focus: Transition from the Roman Empire to the middle Ages and its influence on American history,
culture, and government and documents. Resources: Dante Alighieri’s Inferno (Honors), Night by Eli Wiesel,
“Emancipation Proclamation”, “Letter from Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther. King, Jr. (Informational) (Nonnegotiable), “The Four Freedoms” by Franklin D. Roosevelt, “We grow accustomed to the Dark” by Emily
Dickinson (Poetry) “Acquainted with the Night” by Robert Frost (Poetry)
Social Studies: Magna Carta, English Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights,
The Federalist Papers
Quarter 3
English: Attitudes & Obstacles
Social Studies: Middle Ages 5th Century to 13th Century influence on American history, culture, and government and
documents. Resources: Pathos, Logos, & Ethos, "Women" (non-negotiable), Lord of the Flies or In Times of
Butterflies (regular), "The Girl Who Can" by Ama Ata Aidoo (Story) (Non-negotiable), "Rules of the Game" by
Amy Tan (Story), Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan, “Imagine” by John Lennon
Song: “Blowing in the Wind” by Bob Dylan
English: Perception & Reality Social Studies: Middle Ages 5th Century to 13th Century influence on American
government and documents. Resources: The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams (Drama) (non-negotiable for
Honors English I), "Sonnet 73" by William Shakespeare (Poetry) (Non-negotiable), “The Raven” by Edgar Allan
Poe (Poetry) (non-negotiable), "We never know how high we are" by Emily Dickinson (Poetry), "Much Madness is
divinest Sense" by Emily Dickinson (Poetry), "Hope" is the thing with feathers" by Emily Dickinson (Poetry),
Biographical information on an author covered in this unit. “Carry Your Own Skies” by Lian Dolan (Persuasive
Essay) “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell (Story) "First Inaugural Address" by Franklin Delano
Roosevelt (Nonfiction) (Non-negotiable), From “The Carolina Way” by Dean Smith (Non-fiction)
"The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant (Story), "Button, Button" by Richard Matheson (Story) (non-negotiable),
"The Minister's Black Veil" by Nathaniel Hawthorne (Parable), “All in a Summer Day” by Ray Bradbury , “Once
Upon a Time” Nadine Gordimer , “The Life you Save My be your own” by Flannery O’Conner, Flannery O'Connor
“Good Country People”
Quarter 4
English: Creation & Destruction
Social Studies: Renaissance influence on early American society, economy, politics, and history. Resources:
"The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allan Poe (Story), The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
(Drama), Historical Background for Shakespeare and the Globe Theatre (Informational), Excerpts from
Shakespeare's Biography (Film)
The instructor(s) reserve the right to alter the syllabus as needed during the course of the semester. You will be
informed of any changes in class or by webpage. It is your responsibility to stay informed about what is expected of
you.