English 9
2008 – 2009
Mrs. Conklin
No two persons ever read the same book ~ Edmund Wilson
III.
I.
Course Description
This course emphasizes instruction in literary analysis, grammatical, structure usage and
mechanics, written and verbal vocabulary, creative and expository writing. Students will
read a variety of literary genres including novels, short stories, plays and poetry.
Successful completion of English 9 is required for graduation at Bridgman High School.
II.
Class Objective
Students in English 9 will be instructed on analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating
information from a variety of sources. These skills go beyond the basic accumulation of
facts. They require students to heighten their awareness of all they read and write, and
to combine ideas and make assessments both in their reading and their writing.
Materials
The texts are supplied by the school. The English 9 textbook must be covered with a
book cover.
Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. New York: Warner Books, 1982.
Marshall, James. Literature and Language. New York: McDougal, Littell, Houghton
Mifflin, 1994.
You must obtain the following supplies for English 9 as soon as possible:
 3 ring binder (1 inch is fine) – All handouts will be three-hole punched and will be
kept in your English binder. Please do not use your English binder for other
classes.
 loose leaf paper – for notes and handwritten assignments
I DO NOT ACCEPT HOMEWORK TURNED IN WITH SPIRAL FRINGE
 One subject spiral notebook (at least 100 pages) – This notebook will be your
English journal where you will write all your journal entries. The journal will be
collected periodically for grading, so it must be separate from other classes.
III.
Course Components
Vocabulary – Points will be awarded for students that have their vocabulary words
defined and for vocabulary quizzes. You can expect to see vocabulary terms in every
unit we cover.
Reading - The material for this course will be read both in class and for homework. It is
imperative that you keep up with the reading assignments. You can expect to see
quizzes and discussion questions associated with the reading assignments.
Spelling – Throughout the year, you will be given a list of commonly misspelled words to
study. You will be quizzed on these words.
Journals – Class will begin with a journal entry. Journals will relate to current events,
student issues, and class readings when appropriate.
Grammar – Grammar exercises will be completed throughout the year.
Book Reports – Once a semester, you will be required to turn in a book report on a
book of your choosing. The book should be at least 100 pages in length. I will announce
the due date for the book report in advance.
Units of the English 9 course
The following units will be covered during the course of this year.
“The Odyssey” by Homer
Short story unit – various short stories in the textbook
Poetry unit – study of poetry, poetic terminology, and the writing of poems
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
“Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare
“The Miracle Worker” by William Gibson