United States · Common Core State Standards
9th Grade English Language Arts
This course focuses on analyzing complex character development and the intersection of cultural identity in various texts. Students develop critical writing skills by synthesizing evidence from diverse literary and informational sources.
The Hero's Journey and Narrative Structure
Students analyze the archetypal patterns in classical and modern epics to understand how authors structure narratives. This unit emphasizes the relationship between character motivation and plot progression.
Exploring the universal stages of the hero journey across different cultures and eras.
Examining how first and third person points of view shape the reader's understanding of the conflict.
Applying narrative techniques to write original stories based on personal experiences.
The Power of Persuasion
An investigation into rhetorical devices and the art of argumentation in speeches and essays. Students learn to identify bias and evaluate the validity of reasoning in informational texts.
Analyzing how speakers use logic, emotion, and credibility to influence an audience.
Identifying common errors in logic that weaken an argument's effectiveness.
Synthesizing multiple sources to create a coherent and evidence-based written argument.
Dramatic Tension and Social Justice
Using drama and performance to explore themes of equity and conflict. Students analyze scripts and participate in discussions regarding societal norms and individual rebellion.
Analyzing how dialogue and stage directions reveal character motivations and tension.
Engaging in structured discussions about the moral dilemmas presented in literature.
Evaluating how different artistic choices in performance change the meaning of a text.
Poetic Form and Figurative Language
A deep dive into the mechanics of poetry and how compressed language conveys complex emotions. Students analyze poetic devices and produce their own creative works.
Identifying and interpreting the layers of meaning behind metaphors and symbols.
Exploring how alliteration, assonance, and meter affect the mood and pace of a poem.
Analyzing how specific vocabulary choices impact the denotative and connotative meaning of a passage.
Investigating Informational Texts
Students explore how authors of non-fiction use structure and evidence to inform or explain. The unit focuses on summarizing complex ideas and evaluating source credibility.
Analyzing how headings, graphics, and structure contribute to the clarity of information.
Developing the skill of distilling large amounts of information without personal bias.
Critically examining how media outlets frame stories and select specific information.
Research and Synthesis
A culminating unit where students conduct independent research on a global issue. They learn to integrate multiple sources into a comprehensive final project.
Learning how to narrow a broad topic into a manageable and meaningful inquiry.
Mastering the technical skills of MLA citation and the intellectual skills of source evaluation.
Communicating complex research through digital media and formal presentations.