English – 11
Course Description:
English-11 is a two trimester course that consists of a chronological and thematic study of American literature. While increasing their understanding and appreciation for literature, these two courses are designed for students to become more familiar with American classic and contemporary works. Students will be required to read, discuss, and analyze short stories, poetry, drama, and novels while working individually or in cooperative learning atmospheres. Since they will be working on the development of their reading, writing, and communication skills, these skills will be integrated and emphasized as a means for informal and formal response to literature. Additionally, students will exercise critical analysis, employ sound research skills, and become familiar with MLA documentation.
Instructional Materials:
1. The Language of Literature—American Literature. McDougal Littell, 2000.
2. Writer’s Inc. Sebranek, Meyer, and Kemper. Write Source; 1996.
3. Selected Novels / Films– (may include, but will not be limited to):
A. The Crucible, Arthur Miller
B. The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald,
C. Jake, Reinvented. Gordon Korman
D. Out of the Dust, Karen Hesse
E. A Raisin in the Sun
4. Selected films, speeches, poems, and songs
Course Outline: *Themes to be covered (may include, but not limited to):
Puritan Tradition, Celebrations of Self, Dark Side of Individualism, A House Divided, Women’s Voices, American Dream, Alienation of the Individual
Writing/Grammar Review Integrated, MLA Research Project Native American Lit. Women’s Voices
Explorers American Dream Puritans Informative Paper / Speech American Revolution
Modernism Romanticism / Transcendentalism Independent Reading Project American Gothic / Civil War
Michigan Department of Education areas of focus:
How can forward thinking help me make better decisions?
How do I develop a realistic plan for the future?
What evidence do I have that I am committed to learning as a way of life?
How do I build a context for change in my life?
When is loyalty to myself more important than loyalty to a friend?
How will I know when to risk failure for possible success?
How do I demonstrate that I am open-minded enough to learn from my
experiences?
How can I generate new ideas for solving problems?
How can I invent new opportunities?
What are the tradeoffs for technological advances?
Which decisions I make today affect me for my entire life?
Where will I find wisdom?
Assessment: (a combination of the following forms of assessment will be used)
Journals, formal writing, cooperative learning groups, homework, projects, tests/quizzes, participation/conduct, discussions, oral presentations, student self-evaluation, writing folder