TENTH GRADE ENGLISH CURRICULUM

PIUS X HIGH SCHOOL

RATIONALE

The tenth grade curriculum continues the objectives and philosophy introduced in the ninth grade curriculum. It continues to meet the academic and developmental needs of the students.

GOALS
1. Further develop an understanding and appreciation of literature.
2. Apply the values found in literature to basic Christian values.
3. Discuss and understand the correlation between situations in literature and in life.

OBJECTIVES
1. Review and introduce various literary terms and techniques used in the study of literature.
2. Learn how language is organized and structured through the study of grammar principles.
3. Experience a variety of written assignments which utilize the five-step writing process from pre-writing to final draft.
4. Develop various study skills focusing on note-taking.

LITERARY UNITS OF STUDY

Each of the four literary units includes readings offered in an anthology, grammar study, and a writing project. These units are designed thematically:
1. Personal Conflict and Commitment

2. Family Relationships

3. Nature and Our Natural world

4. Global Cultures

These units will be used to:

1. Reinforce note- taking skills. A notebook is created throughout the year to collect information on each of the selected readings. This information includes author notes, literary terms and their application to the work, a summary of the work, and vocabulary.
2. The study of literature is used as means to understanding literary devices and poetic techniques. Discussions also include the exploration of the story as it relates to an individual reader.
3. The study of grammar is incorporated into lessons that lead to a writing project with each literary unit.
4. Writing projects continue the five-step writing process which includes pre-write, first draft/revising, peer-conferring, second draft/editing, and final draft.
5. Students read self selected material within the parameters set by the teacher. Three books per semester are completed outside of class time. Books will be evaluated by student and teacher.

SHAKESPEARAN UNIT : THE TRAGEDY OF JULIUS CAESAR

1. Elizabethan life and theatre is studied as it pertains to William Shakespeare.
2. THE TRAGEDY OF JULIUS CAESAR is read, viewed, and interpreted by the students. Vocabulary is included in this unit.

NOVEL UNIT : TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is studied with an emphasis on the social and racial values of the time. There are a variety of quizzes and tests. Vocabulary is included in this unit. Discussions compare the events of the story to our own attitudes and current prejudices.

ASSESSMENT

1. STUDY SKILLS- Students' notebooks will be checked at the teacher's discretion for organization and completeness.
2. HOMEWORK- This is determined by individual teachers. Total points are also determined by the teacher.
3. READING QUIZZES- Reading quizzes are used to evaluate student's understanding and completion of the assignments.
4. UNIT TESTS- Tests are used to evaluate student's comprehension of unit material. Both objective and subjective qualities will be used as a basis of evaluation.
5. WRITING PROJECTS- Students are evaluated based on evidence of the five-step writing process, their individual growth as a writer, and the mechanics and clarity of their work.
6. COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM- This exam is administered at the end of each semester. Total points are determined by the teacher.

7. Contributions to students' individual four-year portfolios will be required throughout the year.