INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS

This honors level course in literature will focus on sharpening student’s critical thinking and analytic skills. Primary focus will be placed upon examining literature through the use of literary elements and devices. All genres of literature are considered: novel, play, short story, poetry, folktale, and essay. Students will consider a work’s structure and themes as well as such elements as the use of metaphors, irony, symbolism, tone, etc... An additional concentration will be sophisticating a student’s writing style. Mastery of a literature based thesis essay (with a focus on the critical lens thesis) will be paramount. Finally, students will explore other forms of writing (research, creative) as well. Primary texts include: Prentice Hall Literature: Penguin Edition – Grade 10, and Writer’s Inc. Enrichment readings for the first semester include Williams’ Glass Menagerie and Kafka’s The Metamorphosis.

NEEDS AND RESOURCES

Required Materials

Texts:  Prentice Hall Literature: Penguin Edition - Grade 10

Writer’s Inc.

            Notebook; Dictionary and Thesaurus

            1 Pocket Folder; Looseleaf Paper (quizzes, collected assignments)

COURSE SCHEDULE

Semester 1:

Unit I:    Use of Literary Elements and Devices in the Analysis of Poetry: Part I

Unit II:   Composing a Thesis Essay

Unit III: Analysis of Glass Menagerie by Williams

Unit IV:  Composing a Critical Lens Thesis

Unit V:   Analysis of The Metamorphosis by Kafka

Unit VI: Use of Literary Elements and Devices in the Analysis of Poetry: Part II

Unit VII: Exploration of Creative Writing

Grammar and vocabulary skills will be sharpened on a weekly basis. Writing Assignments (i.e. thesis essays) will given for all units. 

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

General Rules:

N.B.

1.       Restroom/Drinking Fountain Privileges: Use your discretion. 

2.       Do not be late for class.

3.       Late Assignments: They will only be accepted one day late. It is your responsibility to show me the assignment. I will not ask you about it. You will receive LATE credit for the assignment. THIS IS FOR HOMEWORK ONLY. 

4.       THESIS ESSAYS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED LATE.

5.       Do not ask to go to your locker. If you forget your text or any other supply, you will be marked unprepared; this adversely affects your participation grade. 

6.       Plagiarism: If you decide to copy another person’s thoughts, you will receive a zero and face the school’s disciplinary consequences. 

7.       Any expression of disrespect, immaturity, or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. 

8.       Extra Help (class, etc.): Make an appointment to see me before or after school.

9.       If you cut class, you will receive a zero.

10.   NO FOOD IN CLASS.

11.   Reminder: If you fail English class for the year, you must attend summer school. 

12.   All students must type all class assignments. Modern Language Association’s standards for writing are to be followed. 

Grading Policies:

            Thesis Essays/Unit Tests                       *           60%

            Homework & Class Participation             *           20%

            (discussion, texts, notebook, pen/pencil)

Quizzes (Vocabulary, grammar, reading) *           20%     

Grading Scale may be revised based upon change in assessment procedures. 

CONTACT INFORMATION