Course Title: Dystopian Literature (Grade 12-Mini-Course)

Course#: 088

Grade: 12 Level: Academic/Standard Semester: 5x Credits: 2.5

Course Description:

Designed to develop proficiency in the specific critical thinking skills required in college freshman English classes, this course focuses on the reading of and writing about more complex, dystopian texts than those previously encountered in high school. The course will begin with a discussion of the dystopian model of fiction in general - its tendency toward envisioning oppressive societies and regimes - and students will reflect on why writers create such alternative models of the world. Students will examine a variety of literary techniques in each novel (e.g., the use of metaphor, symbol, language, moral fable) and will consider how these techniques help us understand issues of identity, self-development, social problems, struggles of the individual against society, and larger theoretical questions concerning genre. The course includes a research project in which students will answer a question, solve a problem, or present a stance about dystopian literature by gathering, evaluating, and synthesizing information from multiple print and digital sources.

Course Proficiencies:

The following is a list of proficiencies that describe what students are expected to know and be able to do as a result of successfully completing this course. The proficiencies are the basis of the assessment of student achievement. The learner will demonstrate the ability to:

  1. Read and comprehend complex literary texts independently and proficiently to determine what the texts say explicitly and to make logical inferences from them. (RL.11-12.1)
  2. Determine and identify the themes of texts and analyze their development over the course of a text. (RL.11-12.2)
  3. Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story and how to structure specific parts of a text (RL.11-12.3,5)
  4. Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text to determine connotative and figurative meanings, tone and purpose and aesthetic impact. (RI.11-12.4)
  5. Analyze how understanding point of view requires distinguishing what is directly stated in a text from what is really meant (e.g., satire, sarcasm, irony, or understatement). (RL.11-12.6)
  6. Analyze and compare how two or more texts address similar themes or topics. (RL.11-12.9)
  7. Prepare for and participate in a range of discussions and collaborations with classmates, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively. (L.11-12.1,2; SL.11-12.1,4,6)
  8. Write routinely and frequently in reaction to reading in forms such as reader response, summary, outline, and explanation of complex ideas. (W.11-12.10)
  9. Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence. (W.11-12.1)
  10. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content. (W.11-12.2)
  11. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (W.11-12.4)
  12. Conduct research based on questions, information, or controversial issues demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation. (W.11-12.7)
  13. Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, assess the credibility and accuracy of each source, and integrate the information while avoiding plagiarism. (W.11-12.8)
  14. Maintain a portfolio of all writing assignments along with a self-assessment form. (W.11-12.6)
  15. Develop and strengthen writing by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, and engaging in peer review. (W.11-12.5; SL.11-12.1)
  16. Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown words and phrases by using context clues, word parts, and general and specialized reference materials. (L.11-12.4)
  17. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar, usage, and mechanics. (L.11-12.1,2)
  18. Acquire and use accurately a range of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases. (L.11-12.6)

Assessments:

The evaluation of student achievement in this class is based on the following:

·  Research Project

·  Essays/writing prompts (i.e. expository, argumentative, critique, review, persuasive, and research)

·  Tests/Quizzes

·  Peer conferences

·  Writing Portfolio

·  Participation in cooperative activities

·  Participation in analytical, critical-thinking class discussion

·  Final Exam