English 9: Survey of Literature

Christopher McConnell
Cmcconnell@cwnchs.org
Mcconnell-cwnchs.weebly.com

Course Description
English 9: Survey of Literature is an integrated English course based on standards for English/Language Arts in Grade 9.
The course is a study of language, a survey of literature and composition, an oral communication with a focus on
exploring a wide range of genres and their elements. Students use literary interpretation, analysis, comparisons, and
evaluation to read and respond to representative works of historical, cultural and religious significance. Relevant and
rigorous, grade appropriate tests in classic and contemporary literature are used with a strong mix of fiction and non-
fiction works. Students complete a wide range of writing skills that span from fiction to informational writing as they
write short stories, responses to literature, expository and persuasive compositions, research reports, business letters, and
technical documents. Students deliver grade-appropriate oral presentation and access, analyze, and evaluate online
information. Additionally, business writing and skills are introduced with an emphasis on public speaking and
multimodal projects.

Course Resources
Students should come to class prepared with the following supplies:
Assigned school book (provided)
Supplemental book - book of choice each semester
English notebook and folder/binder
Composition Journal
Notepad (or assignment book)
Writing utensil
Charged laptop

If a student is not prepared for class with these materials 1/4 point will be deducted from class participation points. If
being unprepared becomes habitual, parents will be notified and additional consequences may be given.

End of Course Outcomes

Upon the completion of English 9: Survey of Literature, students should be able to:
Comprehend grade level texts
Analyze and respond to fiction and non-fiction works
Identify and write a variety of genres
Critically respond in class discussion of mixed group sizes
Successfully research a focused topic and provide proper citations
Understand and apply the use of media and technology
 Major Subject Area Academic Standards Addressed
The academic standards of English 9: Survey of Literature include but are not limited to:
Reading Independently
Reading, Analyzing, and Interpreting Text
Reading, Analyzing, and Interpreting Literature Fiction and Non-Fiction
Types of Writing
Quality of Writing
Speaking and Listening
Characteristics and Functions of the English Language
Research
Information, Communication, and Technology Literacy

Course Units by Sequence with Short Description

The following units are planned for this school year. It is important to note that course units are tentative and
may be modified or eliminated, as needed, at the discretion of the teacher.

Summer reading
o Discussion, in-class activities, and assessment for summer reading assignments
September 11
o Theme of resilience
Literary terms and annotation
o Review of literary terms and annotation for foundation of critical analysis
Writing
o Students will study and reproduce a variety of writing styles
o These will be incorporated into other units or be presented as mini units between texts
Short stories/Letter to My Daughter
o A collection of short stories to practice identifying themes, literary devices and elements, etc.
Night
o Themes of self-identity, resilience, religious formation
Left to Tell
o Themes of faith formation, sacrifice, family
The Other Wes Moore
o Themes of choice, self-identity
Of Mice and Men
o Themes of friendship, sacrifice, the American Dream
To Kill a Mockingbird
o Themes of good and evil, social injustice, stereotypes

Student Assessments
Students will be assessed using:
Exams, quizzes, essay
Projects: podcasts, newsletters, reviews, maps
Homework
Participation, in-class discussion, literature circles, in-class writing, journals
Supplemental book projects (one independent project per semester)

*Please note that extra credit is not available for this class.
 Grading
School Grading Scale
A 100-93
B 92-85
C 84-75
D 74-70
F 69-below

Late Assignments
Informal assignments will be reduced by 50%
Formal assignments will be reduced by a letter grade a day
Formal assignments will not be accepted after 5 days
Supplemental book projects will not be accepted late
Other projects, when noted, will not be accepted late

Classroom Expectations
Every day students are expected to:
Be seated and prepared when the bell rings (3 late arrivals will result in a detention)
o Have all materials out and begin working on posted journal assignment
Be ready and willing to learn and participate
Respect themselves and their peers
Follow class discussion guidelines
Not talk over one another- raise your hand and respect those speaking

Not following classroom expectations will result in:

Warning
Parent phone call
Detention
Office Referral

*NOTE: Poor behavior during prayer, mass, praise and worship in the chapel, guest speakers, or other activities
will result in an immediate detention and phone call home.

Testing Expectations
Students are not permitted to communicate (verbally or non-verbally) during a testing block or until notified by
the teacher. This includes the time after the test has been handed in. Any communication or use of electronics
(unless directed by the teacher) will result in a zero on the assessment. This is policy for any assessment- quiz,
essay, test, midterm, final, etc.

Plagiarism
Plagiarism of any kind will not be tolerated. The school policy is listed in the student handbook. Additionally,
the student will earn a zero on the assignment.
 Replacement Books
All books are the property of either Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School or the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania. They are distributed and collected throughout the year at the completion of each unit, and will be
assessed for damages at the time of return. Each student is personally responsible for the care and maintenance
of the books assigned to him/her. A charge of $25 will be assessed for lost and/or damaged books, or the student
may bring in an exact copy (same edition, cover, etc.). Damages that warrant the replacement of a book are as
follows, but are not limited to this list:
Bent/torn pages, cover, or binding
Missing pages or cover
Excessive water or liquid damage
Stains or writing/highlighting on the cover or pages

School Policy
School policies will be enforced in the classroom. This includes but is not limited to:
No headphones
No cell phones
No gum or food
Dress code expectations
Code of conduct

Communication
All communication from students should be made through the email account assigned by CWNC
If experiencing technology issues please report the problem to the IT Department immediately

Contact Information
Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School
1617 Route 228
Cranberry TWP. PA 16066
412.321.4823
cwnchs.org
 Student/Parent Agreement

I have read and understand the expectations of English 9: Survey of Literature, as well as those of Mr.
McConnell's classroom.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________
Student Name / Date Student Signature / Date

_________________________________________ _________________________________________
Parent Name / Date Parent Signature / Date

Please retain previous pages for your reference throughout the year.