INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS

This course focuses on close reading of fundamental British literary works. Special emphasis will be given to the historical origins and cultural context in which these texts were written so as to foster an understanding of the overall continuity of British literature and its movements. Texts will include, but are not limited to, Beowulf, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Hamlet by William Shakespeare, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, and Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh.

At the end of this course, you will

• understand the importance of close reading of literature
• be able to identify the characteristics of the major historical periods associated with Western literature
• know the origins of English language and literature
• be able to critically analyze literature on your own, and make use of available scholarly literary criticism
• gain a new appreciation for the beauty of the English language and its literature
• be able to write literary research and analysis papers

NEEDS AND RESOURCES

Required Background

To successfully complete this course, you must have completed American Literature Honors.

Required Materials

To successfully complete this course, you will need:

·         Prentice Hall Literature: the British Tradition

·         Grammar in Practice: Usage

·         Wordly Wise Vocabulary book

·          Beowulf trans. Seamus Heaney

·         Sir Gawain and the Green Knight trans. J. A. Burrow

·         Hamlet by William Shakespeare

·         Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

·         Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh

·         Writers Inc.: a student handbook for writing and learning

·         a binder with pockets for handouts

·          loose leaf paper for note taking and in-class writing assignments

·          pen and pencil at all times

Additional Print Resources

• “The Monsters and the Critics”, an essay on Beowulf by J.R.R. Tolkien

COURSE SCHEDULE

Each quarter will include, but is not limited to, a major test and a major term paper. This course is taught in historical, chronological order.

·         1^st quarter: British Literature of the Early to High Middle Ages

·         2^nd quarter: British Literature from Late Middle Ages to the Renaissance

·         3^rd quarter: British Literature from the Enlightenment through the Victorian Age

·         4^th quarter: British Literature of the Twentieth Century

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

General Rules:

Class room behavior expectations: A class room environment conducive to learning is an essential element of this course

·         Always behave with respect towards the teacher and other students.

·         Come to class on time.

·         Come to class prepared to learn, with all materials needed for the day. Always have pen and paper and your books.

·         Never disrupt the lesson.

·         Raise your hand before speaking.

·         Do not get out of your seat during class lessons.

·         Go to the bathroom before you arrive to class.

·         Never bring electronic devices to class. They will be confiscated.

·         Do not bring food or drink to class.

·         Do not throw garbage on the floor.

·         Do not cheat.

***FYI-Failure to behave according to the guidelines will result in detention. Inappropriate class room behavior will also adversely affect your grade.

Grading Policies:

Assessment of this course is on a straight point system. Each assignment will be given a point value. Weightier assignments, such as term papers and test, have correspondingly high point values. At the end of each quarter these assignments will be added up and averaged. In addition, you will be evaluated on your reading for this class, as well as your participation and behavior in this course each quarter. Types of assignments may include, but are not limited to, tests, quizzes, essays, term papers, homework questions and reflections, oral exams, memorization and, most importantly, assigned READING. All term papers will be assigned at least a month in advance, therefore all due dates must be respected.  No late papers will be accepted.