English 9-1
Ms. Mandy K. Laubach
Room B4
610.847.5131x 2316 or
Description of course
The objective of this course is to provide students with the tools for understanding the short story, the novel, drama and poetry. Compositions will require that students demonstrate mastery of specific writing techniques. At all levels a unit on the epic and research project will be included. Vocabulary development is stressed. Paragraph structure, usage and punctuation will be reviewed in the context of writing. Development of independent reading strategies will be emphasized. Analytical and critical thinking skills will be stressed. Students can expect homework to vary based on unit of study.
Textbooks
McDougall Littell Literature, (9th grade orange book) (required)
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Econoclad, 1965 (required)
Night by Elie Wiesel (required)
Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, Econoclad, 1954 (supplemental)
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes (supplemental)
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (supplemental)
Other supplemental materials
Course objectives
Students will gain a better understanding and appreciation for literature based on individual and group work and other activities designed using both fiction and non fiction works of literature, short stories, drama and poetry. Students will also develop and master specific writing skills. Vocabulary skills will also be enhanced.
Course schedule
We will meet every day, for one semester, for 90 minutes.
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – Vocabulary and S.S.R.
Nightby Elie Wiesel1 week
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare4 weeks
The Odyssey by Homer3 weeks
Short Stories2 weeks
Poetry3 weeks
The Research Paper3 weeks
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee4 weeks
Vocabularyongoing
Speech2 weeks
Policies: i.e. plagiarism, lateness of assignments, cost of materials, etc
Policies listed in the Palisades High School Student Handbook will be followed.
Description of how grades are earned
Quarter 140% of final grade
Quarter 240% of final grade
Final Project20% of final grade
Individual assignments are assessed using a point system.
Methods of evaluation include the research paper and process rubric, the PSSA writing rubric, project and presentation rubrics, tests, quizzes, and homework assignments.
How can I get extra help?
Extra help is always available after school in room B4. I would appreciate if you would tell me that you want to stay the day prior so I can guarantee that I don’t have any conflicts in my schedule and I can prepare whatever materials that we will need.
Opportunities are provided for retesting and rewriting compositions as appropriate.
Additional reading, writing, and speaking are incorporated into units at all levels for students who would benefit from enrichment activities. Individual projects reflect the strengths and learning styles of the students.
Description of portfolio-quality project
In your portfolio you must include a reading log.
You may also include a novel project, a writing piece, a poetry project, a speech evaluation, a research paper, or a video presentation.
“Course content may vary from this outline to meet the needs of this particular group.”