WestIslandCollege

2010-2011

ENGLISH 632-212

Code: 632-212

Teachers: Number of periods: 5 per week, all year
Ms. C. Segal
Mrs. F. Myers-Magder
Mr. C. Merritt
Mr. J. Thompson

Required course materials: Anthologies: Decisions, Decisions and Justice For All

Communicating Skills

Course Description:

English II reflects the integrated curriculum philosophy of the Quebec Education Programme first introduced in English I. The second year English programme builds on the approach that language is both a means of coming to terms with ideas and experiences and a medium for communicating with others. The English course is a literacy programme whereby there is an integration of reading, writing, literary analysis, grammar, public speaking, media literacy and other components of traditional language instructions. The competencies to be evaluated are:

1)Uses language / talk to communicate and to learn -25%

  • Oral presentations, public speaking, cooperative learning

2)Represents her / his literacy in different media -25%

  • Newspaper, videos, computer presentations

3)Reads and listens to written, spoken and media texts -25%

  • Level tests, quizzes, literary analysis

4)Writes a variety of genres for personal and social purposes -25%

  • Creative writing, expository writing, poetry

The final mark will be the superior result of either:

a)The equally weighted cumulative average of evaluated terms as well as the final complex task/exam. To wit: Annual course 20% each term and a final complex task/ exam 20%

b)The final complex task/exam

The core curriculum has been divided into modules. These include major and minor literary works and a variety of related activities. These modules are outlined below.

In addition, the course includes several activities which are ongoing throughout the year, including portfolio writing, vocabulary development, independent reading, and orals.

Elements of the English programme include:

1) Comprehension and appreciation of literature

2) Responding to literature and developing questioning techniques

3) Distinction between formal and informal written communication

4) Awareness of voice, audience, style, and purpose

5)Language, structure, grammar

6) Conferencing skills and working cooperatively

Required Module 1

Anthologies: Decisions, Decisions

Justice For All

This unit will be ongoing throughout the year. Through responding to selected literature in the anthology Decisions, Decisions and Justice For All, students will begin their education in literary analysis. Through study and response to selections in Language and Writing 8, students will begin their education in varied writing skills.

Major Components:

  • literary terms
  • short stories
  • introduction to poetry

Required Module 2

Shakespeare – A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare

Major Components:

  • study of plays written for different audiences, media and eras
  • linking of literature and life ( i.e. that compelling literary themes are taken from life)
  • recognition of different styles and techniques used by playwrights
  • introduction to Shakespeare - his pre-eminence in English literature, characterization, soliloquy

Optional Module 3

The Greek Legacy

Investigation of one of the following pieces: The Odyssey by Homer or The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin.

Major Components:

  • historical context and background
  • importance of folklore, myths, legends, fables
  • study of heroic characters

Required Module 4

Prejudice and Racism

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee -the Pulitzer Prize winning novel of accusation, trial and aftermath in a quiet southern town in the USA of the 1930’s, as seen through the eyes of a nine year-old girl.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck,published in 1937, it tells the tragic story of George Milton and Lennie Small, two displaced migrant ranch workers during the Great Depression in California.

Major Components:

  • historical context and background including the Civil War, racism, the K.K.K , the modernization of the American South, the Civil Rights Movement
  • the use of dialect
  • structure, voice, characterization, point of view

Writing Skills:

  • descriptive writing
  • narrative writing
  • poetry writing
  • hard news stories
  • editorials
  • letters to the editor
  • responding to literature

Extra-help and teacher availability:

Remediation is an important component of the learning process. If students are having difficulties with the course material, it is important that they seek help immediately.

Due to the individual nature of the courses, the request for extra help may come from the student, the parent or the teacher. Extra help will be provided by appointment with the teacher (at lunchtime or after school) and the student will be obliged to attend.

Students must assume responsibility in this area – for attending the extra help session and for any necessary follow-up.

Parents will be informed of any problems that arise as well as the role they should play in the remediation process.

Student’s Signature ______

Parent’s Signature ______