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British 
Literature

12th grade

In this engaging and dynamic A-G level course, high school students will concentrate on classical literature written by British authors from early works through writings of the 21st century. In addition, much attention will be devoted to ensuring students are equipped to write proficiently at the college and professional level. Class discussions and formal presentations will offer opportunities for students to grow as educated communicators.  
 

British Literature

This rigorous course requires that students complete daily reading and homework assignments, and turn them in for evaluation every week. Students will take unit exams, complete a long-term research project,  give oral and multi-media presentations, and participate in lively class discussions. Parents, students, and the instructor will collaborate through the year to ensure understanding and completion. Grades will be assigned according to the student’s homework, tests and quizzes, writing assignments, presentations, and class participation.  

 
Unit 1  – Essay Writing Beyond High School  

  • Instruction and practice on writing college application essays 

  • Practice in writing thesis sentences and topic paragraphs that get attention and acceptance letters

  • Review of grammar, punctuation, and writing mechanics

  • **This unit will be beneficial for students who are applying to colleges, and those who are pursuing other avenues after high school

  • ***OPTIONAL - College Essay Writing Intensive - Students who need expert help writing their college essays can attend a one-day intensive taught by multiple PCLC staff members. Attendance in this workshop includes essay editing and proofreading help prior to submission. This workshop takes place in late September. 

 
Unit 2 – Fiction – Lord of the Flies

  • Discussion of persuasive elements in The Lord of the Flies by William Golding

  • Persuasive essay writing instruction

  • Persuasive essay assignment

 
Unit 3 – Macabre Literature

  • Read excerpts from Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Dracula and others

  • Discuss elements of macabre genre

  • Write an original macabre short story

  • Group analysis and creative project

 
Unit 4 – Mystery – Short stories of Sherlock Holmes

  • Analysis of several works 

  • Elements of a short story

  • Comparative essay writing assignment

 
Unit 5 – A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

  • Analysis and discussion of themes in A Christmas Carol

  • Argumentative essay focusing on themes in A Christmas Carol

 
Unit 6 - Shakespeare – Macbeth and various poems

  • How to read and appreciate Shakespeare

  • Optional class field trip to the theater

  • Discuss literary elements of Shakespearean poetry

  • Memorize Shakespearean poetry

  • Persuasive essay writing instruction

  • Persuasive essay writing assignment

  • Memorization of famous British poem and performance at annual poetry recital

 
Unit 7 –- Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

  • Analysis of several British classic children’s stories 

  • Discussion and analysis of dystopian literature 

  • In-class response essay

 
Unit 8 – Non-fiction and personal project

  • Analysis of several non-fiction works

  • Completion of various self-assessment projects

  • Resume writing assignment

  • Blog writing assignment

  • Personal project oral presentation

  • Email etiquette instruction 

  • Business letter writing 

  • Response writing assignment

Honors Unit – Optional add-on

  • Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

    • Analysis of Shakespeare’s masterful use of language, character development, and dramatic irony

    • Detailed literary theme exams​

    • Analysis essay

  • 1984 by George Orwell

    • Detailed literary analysis questions​

    • Propaganda poster assignment

Class Materials

Students should have paperback copies of the following novels:​

Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, OR Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, OR

Dracula by Bram Stoker (student choice)
Macbeth by William Shakespeare - No Fear Shakespeare version
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Lined paper and paper/pens in class

All other materials will be provided by the instructor

This class requires printing several materials at home. Please have paper and ink in your printer! 

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