Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District
Grade 9 Course Offerings for 2023-2024
Additional Information is available in the RIH Program of Studies
English Department
ENGLISH 1 H, CPE, CP (5 Credits)
The English 1 program is a required course that provides the foundation for success in all areas of the language arts and at all ability levels. Focusing on the theme of “identity,” students will read and respond to a variety of texts, including short stories, novels, drama, and poetry, as well as to a variety of non-fiction essays taken from both departmental collections and from contemporary newspapers and magazines. As they work with these materials, students will make thematic connections while learning and practicing analytic and critical reading skills. Students will learn and engage in all stages of the writing process, including prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. In so doing, they will recognize and practice the strategies and skills of content development, organization, and mechanical construction that are the building blocks of effective written communication. To monitor their growth, students will maintain writing portfolios of all compositions, along with periodic reflections of their writing strengths and weaknesses. As part of their experience in English 1, students will also engage in vocabulary development through exercises in word recognition, understanding new words in context, and review of roots, prefixes and suffixes; speech development through activities of oral presentation and speeches; and study skill development through an emphasis on note-taking and listening strategies. They will also apply the research process to a variety of assignments, each requiring the student to effectively find, evaluate, and use both electronic and paper-based sources. Central to all of the above, students will learn and apply the skills of critical reading, problem solving, decision-making, and self- managing that will support their success in the English program.
Mathematics Department
ALGEBRA 1 CPE (5.0 Credits)
This course consists of an introduction to the study of algebra, including topics such as linear equations, systems of linear equations, families of functions, polynomials, and quadratic functions. Elementary probability and statistics will also be introduced, and there is a strong emphasis on problem solving and real-world applications.
Students who demonstrate superior achievement in Algebra 1 CPE may wish to study both Algebra 2 and Geometry during their sophomore year. These students should maintain an “A” average in Algebra 1 and have a positive teacher recommendation.
GEOMETRY H, CPE (5.0 Credits)
This course includes the properties of figures in a plane and in space as well as the use of real numbers in the measure of distances, angles, arcs, areas and volumes. Some topics for discussion and analysis are lines, planes, angles, triangles, direct and indirect proof, congruence, similarity, parallelism, perpendicularity, circles, areas of polygons and circles, areas and volumes of solids, and trigonometry related to triangles. A coordinate approach or a transformational approach will be utilized in developing some units.
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
ALGEBRA 2 H, CPE (5.0 Credits)
This course continues the study of algebra, including topics such as quadratic functions, complex numbers, polynomial functions, rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and trigonometric functions. Sequences and series are also introduced, and there is further study of statistics and probability.
Prerequisite: Geometry
Science Department
BIOLOGY CP (7.5 Credits)
This College Preparatory laboratory-based course provides a fundamental understanding of biological concepts. The process of scientific inquiry and the integration of concepts within life experiences are stressed through class activities and laboratory investigations. Students will gain an understanding of the structure, characteristics and basic needs of organisms and will investigate the diversity of life. This course meets all of the Next Generation Science Standards in Biology and prepares the students for the New Jersey Biology Competency Test (NJBCT). *DISSECTION OPTION*
Co-requisite: Algebra 1 CP
BIOLOGY CPE (7.5 Credits)
This College Preparatory Enhanced course provides the student with an in-depth study of the life sciences. Biological principles and concepts are studied using the inductive approach and laboratory investigations allow students to explore the relationships between the principles and applications of biology. Topics of study are organized by interactions, foundation and interactions, development, and diversity of life. This course meets all of the Next Generation Science Standards in Biology and prepares the students for the New Jersey Biology Competency Test (NJBCT). *DISSECTION OPTION*
Co-requisite: Algebra 1 CPE or Geometry CPE
CHEMISTRY H (7.5 Credits)
This laboratory-based chemistry course provides the student with an opportunity to study how the properties of and interactions with matter are consequences of their structure. Fundamental principles, including atomic theory and structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, kinetic theory, gas laws, thermochemistry, equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamics are developed. The principles of chemistry are studied quantitatively and the student’s mathematical and analytical skills are strongly utilized throughout this problem-solving course. Extensive student laboratory work will progress to a high level independence in experimental reasoning and analysis.
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
Co-requisite: For Incoming Freshmen: Algebra 2 H, Algebra 2 CPE, or Geometry H
Social Studies Department
WORLD HISTORY CPE, CP (5.0 Credits)
This required survey course in World History for ninth grade students begins with the First Global Age in the 14th century and continues to the present. Students study historic, social, economic, geographic, and political events of the Renaissance, Reformation, explorers, Enlightenment, Revolutions, and Imperialism. A significant emphasis is given to the events of the 20th century including World Wars and regional conflicts, human rights issues, the arts, the impact of technology, and the economy in contemporary Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe. Students in World Civilizations CP develop their skill of chronological thinking, geography, and decision-making. Students in World Civilizations CPE develop their skills in reading, writing, working with maps and charts. The importance of organizational habits and note-taking skills in the study of history is emphasized.
WORLD HISTORY H (5.0 Credits)
This is a survey course in World History for ninth grade students with excellent reading and writing skills. This course begins with the Emergence of the First Global Age in the 14th century and continues to the present. Students will learn about the importance of religion and philosophy, the Enlightenment, Revolutions, and imperialism. A significant emphasis is given to the events of the 20th century including World Wars and regional conflicts, human rights issues, the arts, the impact of technology, and the economy in contemporary Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe. Students in this course develop their skills of critical and chronological thinking, analysis and interpretation, geography, research, and decision-making. Students use primary documents, express their views in essays, editorials, and debates, and are expected to work independently in their study and reading about historical events.
World Languages Department
CHINESE 1 H (5.0 Credits)
This is the first course of a two-year sequence. It is designed for highly self-motivated students with an interest in the Chinese language and culture. A principally oral-aural method with intensive drills to develop concurrently the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing Mandarin Chinese, the most widely spoken dialect in China. An introduction to the Chinese culture will be immersed into daily activities and will be an essential component of the Chinese 1 curriculum. Students who wish to enroll in this course may take it concurrently with other language courses.
Prerequisite: Students must have a teacher recommendation for placement in the Honors program.
FRENCH 1 CPE (5.0 Credits)
This course is the first course of a four-year sequence. The course is designed for students new to the study of world languages with exciting themes such as authentic foods, daily life, meeting people, shopping and leisure activities. Students will learn interesting aspects about the French culture and will be able to express themselves in presentational, interpretive and interpersonal modes of communication through reading, writing, listening and speaking. Communication with real life situations is the number one goal for the district, meeting the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.
FRENCH 2 CPE (5.0 Credits)
This course is intended for students that have completed the equivalent of French 1 CPE. Students will improve their knowledge about the French culture and will continue to improve their communication skills through presentational, interpretive and interpersonal modes of communication. Students are exposed to weekend activities, entertainment, French cuisine, describing oneself, authentic foods and shopping. There is a continued emphasis to combine reading, writing, listening and speaking into daily lessons and forms of assessments. Communication with real life situations is the number one goal for the district, meeting the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.
Prerequisite: French 1 CPE
ITALIAN 1 CPE (5.0 Credits)
This course is the first course of a four-year sequence, however, enrollment is not restricted to students who wish to complete two years of a world language. The course is designed for students new to the study of world languages. Students will learn exciting aspects about the Italian culture including but not limited to la piazza, la Sicilia and Roma. The students will be able to express themselves in presentational, interpretive and interpersonal modes of communication through reading, writing, listening and speaking activities. Communication in real life situations is the number one goal for the district, meeting the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.
ITALIAN 2 CPE (5.0 Credits)
This course is intended for students that have completed the equivalent of Italian 1 CPE. Students will improve their knowledge about the Italian culture including open-air markets, the role of the family and studying abroad. The students will continue to improve their communication skills through presentational, interpretive and interpersonal modes of communication. There is a continued emphasis to combine reading, writing, listening and speaking into daily lessons and forms of assessment. Communication in real life situations is the number one goal for the district, meeting the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.
Prerequisite: Italian 1 CPE
SPANISH 1 CP (5.0 Credits)
This course is the first course of a two-year sequence. The course is designed for novice students or students new to the study of world languages. Students who wish to study Spanish, but find the pacing of the CPE program too rapid and too inclusive, will find this course to be appropriate for their needs. Students must have teacher/counselor/case-manager recommendation to be placed into the CP program. This course is not designed to prepare the student for Spanish 2 CPE. Students will learn exciting aspects about the Hispanic culture and will be able to express themselves in presentational, interpretive, and interpersonal modes of communication. Students will be exposed to the following themes: physical and personality traits, likes and dislikes, sports and leisure activities, school events and classes, locations within the community, and the home and household chores through reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities. Communication is the number one goal for the district, meeting the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.
SPANISH 1 CPE (5.0 Credits)
This course is the first course of a four-year sequence; however, enrollment is not restricted to students who wish to complete two years of a world language. The course is designed for students new to the study of world languages. Students will learn exciting aspects about the Hispanic culture and will be able to express themselves in presentational, interpretive, and interpersonal modes of communication through reading, writing, listening and speaking activities. Students will be able to communicate about topics including likes and dislikes, leisure activities, the school, places in the community, food and restaurants, health and exercise, family and celebrations, and the home. Communication is the number one goal for the district, meeting the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.
SPANISH 2 CPE (5.0 Credits)
This course is intended for students who have completed the equivalent of Spanish 1 CPE. Students will improve their knowledge about the Hispanic culture and expand their communication skills to include discussions about school and extra-curricular activities, daily routines, shopping and clothing, childhood pastimes, holidays and special celebrations, and issues impacting the environment. The students will continue to improve their communication skills through presentational, interpretive, and interpersonal modes of communication. There is a continued emphasis to combine reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills into daily lessons and forms of assessment. Communication is the number one goal for the District, meeting the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.
Prerequisite: Spanish 1 CPE
ELECTIVES