English 10

Course Description: GRADE 10 –ENGLISH 10: This course is focused on the analyzation of classical American literature through textual analysis, composition, and writing. This course is designed to meet the needs of students who may want to further their education in any level after high school. Students will be expected to develop and demonstrate competency in all Pennsylvania Core Standards and will be expected to guided and supported work in both writing and literature. English language and composition will be presented through various poems, short stories, historical fiction/nonfiction, and novels. Students will practice analytical essays as well as developing communication skills. An emphasis will be placed on problem solving skills, and each student will research, plan, and write in accordance with various prompts in accordance with the fundamentals of research writing, proper MLA citations, Collin’s Writing, and Keystone Prep Guidelines. Major course literature includes but is not limited to: The Crucible, To Kill a Mockingbird, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, Twelve Angry Men, and Civil Disobedience. Students will complete a district assessment, midterm, final exam, and participate in the Keystone Exam.

Course Objectives:

Upon the successful completion of this course, the students will be able to:

1.) Recognize, analyze, and interpret American literary works through textual analysis.

2.) Read and respond to fiction and nonfiction texts, as well as create analytical essays.

3.) Write and speak with a command of standard English conventions, at a higher level.

4.) Write in a variety of different genres with a clear focus, purpose, and logical organization.

5.) Prepare for professional careers or higher education, through career exploration.

Major Assignments:

A variety of activities and assignments will be completed throughout the year. Due dates will be provided as the activities are assigned. Course content will consist of the following:

Grammar- class notes, exercises, activities, homework, and tests.
Writing- practice exercises, bell ringers, and various longer writings focusing on textual analysis, citations, informative, narrative, explanatory, and argumentative pieces.
Literature- reading done both inside and outside of class. Class discussions, activities, written responses, and tests will also be important components. Selections may include short stories, nonfiction pieces, various poems, and at least one novel. Novels may include but are not limited to: To Kill a Mockingbird, The Crucible (Play), Twelve Angry Men (Play), and The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, more literary works will be included depending on primary and secondary source implementation, excerpts, and textual analysis activities.
Vocabulary- periodic quizzes; literary terms, grammar terms, and selected words from literary texts may also be assigned throughout the year.
Keystone Practice- guided and independent practice through reading, textual analysis, answering multiple choice questions, and writing responses.