This course emphasizes interpretation of the literature and other texts through discussion as well as critical, creative and persuasive writing. The focus of instruction will be the critical analysis of literature and other texts with emphasis on structure and thematic foundations.

1.   Understand and apply Literary Criticism, in both analysis and synthesis modes.

2.   Evaluate & use sources in the development of an argumentative essay focusing on literature.

3.   Demonstrate improvement in critical reading skills, by identifying, defining, and locating the formal elements of literature.

4.   Analyze and interpret assigned works, particularly British fiction, in terms of formal elements such as cultural context, and in terms of rhetorical components and construction.    

5.   Show an awareness of writing process by taking essays through phases of planning, drafting, and revising, as well as peer revision.

6.   Demonstrate proficiency in organizing, controlling, and developing the formal essay with an emphasis on criticism and argumentation.

7.   Document according to MLA Style, both in-text and in a Works Cited page.

8.   Edit and proofread paragraphs and essays to correct common errors in grammar, mechanics, and usage

This course will generally follow a series of chronological paths, although there may be a bit of back and forth, especially in the first quarter.  We will begin in the Medieval era with Beowulf, take a look at Chaucer, and finish with Arthurian legend. We will then embark on a lengthy stay in the Renaissance, studying this fascinating period, becoming familiar with William Shakespeare, and critically reading excerpts from Macbeth as well as Hamlet in its entirety. We'll touch on the Restoration, analyzing political missives from Swift and Wollstonecraft, then compile our Senior Portfolios. At this point, the class will bound past the Victorian and Romantic periods in a radical deviation of chronology, as students use the tools they have acquired to dissect the Postmodern era by exploring George Orwell’s 1984. and Aldous Huxley's Brave New World. After that we’ll jump into our way-back machine and spend some time with those Romantics and Victorians. If time allows, our final unit of the year will focus on futuristic visions of the world through the eyes of Great Britain.

As often as possible, I include a visual and/or audio version (or companion work) to supplement students’ readings, and to engage students whose learning styles may be stronger using alternative methods of textual delivery.

Content: The essay meets all specified requirements, such as subject, organization, and length, and reflects critical and creative thinking. The overall presentation of ideas, including the introduction and conclusion, shows the writer’s awareness of audience and purpose.

Organization and Development: The essay has a clear and logical plan that reflects a substantive thesis. Paragraphs are focused and developed with pertinent examples, illustrations, and other supporting material (such as expert testimony, direct quotations, and statistics). When appropriate, sources of information are accurately presented and fully attributed.

Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage: The essay follows the conventions of Edited American English. One point will be deducted for each error in grammar, spelling, mechanics, and usage. These include, but are not limited to, the following: sentence fragment, comma splice, subject-verb disagreement, incorrect verb form, verb tense shift, dangling modifier, and pronoun-antecedent disagreement.

Style: The essay has appropriate, precise, and vivid vocabulary and varied sentence patterns. There are effective transitional devices between and among sentences and paragraphs. The writer’s exercise of such linguistic and rhetorical choices results in a distinctive voice.

Caveats:

 Do your work. No late work will be accepted, except in the case of an excused absence. 

 Be on time.  3 lates count as an absence, and 3 absences lower your maximum grade to a 59.

 Be prepared.  A consistent lack of materials on your part will result in a lower grade, as well as punitive          actions, including detention.

 Maintain classroom decorum.  Inappropriate language or behavior will result in a lower grade, as well as          punitive actions, including detention.

 Respect the text.  Respect me.  Respect your classmates.  Most of all, respect yourself. Before you know     it, we'll be eating ice cream at the Senior Picnic.  Enjoy the year!