British Literature and Composition (English 12)
Teacher: Nancy Kaser
Thursdays 9:15 – 10:45 - $385 per semester (two semester A-G course)
In this engaging and dynamic 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.
Course content will include studying various genre of literature, essay writing, memorization and recitations, oral and multi-media presentations, and exams. Students will receive instruction on writing research, descriptive, persuasive, and opinion essays, as well as writing poetry and short stories. Students will take unit exams, complete a long-term research project, and give several presentations. Instruction will include reading comprehension, writing strategies, text analysis and annotation, research, grammar and spelling mechanics, giving oral and multi-media presentations, and more.
This rigorous class requires that students complete daily reading and homework assignments, and turn them in for evaluation every week. Parents, students, and the instructor will collaborate through the year to ensure understanding and completion. Grades will be assigned according to the students homework, tests and quizzes, writing assignments, presentations, and class participation.
Unit 1 – Introduction to Writing Process
Unit 2 – Fiction – Lord of the Flies
Unit 3 – Macabre Literature
Unit 4 – Mystery – Short stories of Sherlock Holmes
Unit 5 – A Christmas Carolby Charles Dickens
Unit 6 - Shakespeare – Macbeth and Julius Caesar and various poems
Unit 7 –- Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Unit 8– Non-fiction and personal project
Teacher: Nancy Kaser
Thursdays 9:15 – 10:45 - $385 per semester (two semester A-G course)
In this engaging and dynamic 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.
Course content will include studying various genre of literature, essay writing, memorization and recitations, oral and multi-media presentations, and exams. Students will receive instruction on writing research, descriptive, persuasive, and opinion essays, as well as writing poetry and short stories. Students will take unit exams, complete a long-term research project, and give several presentations. Instruction will include reading comprehension, writing strategies, text analysis and annotation, research, grammar and spelling mechanics, giving oral and multi-media presentations, and more.
This rigorous class requires that students complete daily reading and homework assignments, and turn them in for evaluation every week. Parents, students, and the instructor will collaborate through the year to ensure understanding and completion. Grades will be assigned according to the students homework, tests and quizzes, writing assignments, presentations, and class participation.
Unit 1 – Introduction to Writing Process
- Instruction on how to write a perfect five paragraph essay
- Practice in writing thesis sentences and topic paragraphs
- Review of grammar, punctuation, and writing mechanics
Unit 2 – Fiction – Lord of the Flies
- Discussion of persuasive elements in The Lord of the Fliesby 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 Carolby 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 Julius Caesar 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
CLASS MATERIALS:
Most materials are supplied in class. Students in this class will need to supply the following:
(audio books or digital forms of these works are acceptable)
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Macbeth No Fear Shakespeare version
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Lined paper and pens/pencils will be required in class every day, so a binder containing these items and to transport homework is helpful.
All other literature and materials will be provided by the instructor
*This class requires printing several materials at home. Please have paper and ink in your printer.