ENG IV Syllabus /Mr. Banks 4

ENG IV: British and World Literature- Honors Syllabus

Mr. Banks/ West Orange High School

2013-2014

(407) 905-2400 x. 2555

Course Description: This course is designed to prepare students to read and understand high level texts, to write proficiently, and to think critically. We will do this by reading, studying, and writing about various informational and fiction texts, with a focus on British literature.

Textbook Used: Elements of Literature, 6th Course, Frankenstein (novel)

Course Outcomes: What are you going to learn and how are you going to learn it?

“The Road goes ever on and on down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone, and I must follow, if I can, pursuing it with eager feet, until it joins some larger way where many paths and errands meet. And whither then? I cannot say.”- J.R.R. Tolkien, Lord of the Rings

As seniors, you are coming up to a unique crossroads in your education. This is the time to start thinking about “what next?” It won’t be too much longer when you will find yourself walking across that graduation stage and then…well, that is up to you. Use this class- the authors we will study and the insight and perception of your fellow classmates, to help you reflect on the Road ahead. Reflect on the paths that others have walked and gather what wisdom from them you can use to your benefit.

Through examination of British literary history, practiced literary analysis, writing techniques, and vocabulary acquisition, the student will

·  Understand the relationship of literature to culture and the individual,

·  Develop his or her critical thinking of the world past and present,

·  Develop the ability to coherently, logically, and passionately express that critical thinking.

·  Graduate with the ability to extend what he or she has learned to the college level.

Method of Instruction:

Literature, at its core, is a conversation. Therefore, while direct instruction and lecture will be necessary, it should lead to discussion, where a student may actively engage with the text with the instructor and with their peers. Writing prompts and essays are used to strengthen the student’s ability to express thought on paper, whether reflectively or critically.

Class Expectations

1) Respect the teacher, your peers, and the property of others.

2) Contribute to a positive classroom environment with your behavior and academic effort.

3) Enhance your learning by using electronic devices for academic purposes only.

4) Clean your area by putting all trash and recycling in the correct bins.

5) Follow all other West Orange High School rules and policies.

Procedures

·  All assignments must be turned in on time. Due dates will be posted in the classroom, and on the class website. Students are strongly encouraged to add all due dates to their planner.

·  Cell Phones: off and put away, unless we are using them for research or other classwork. If use turns to abuse phones will not be allowed at all.

·  Tardy Policy strictly enforced. Please see student handbook for details.

·  Rest room use: pass is available, but the classroom does not have a revolving door. One at a time, and at my discretion. Please ask politely and wait for a break in lecture or activity to ask.

·  Work must be submitted in blue or black ink. If it is not legible, I do not grade it, and you will lose points.

·  I will not accept papers with torn or sloppy edges.

·  Expect periodic binder and book checks to maintain organization and preparation.

Required Materials / Organization
Writing tool- pen or pencil
Spiral Notebook or binder
with loose-leaf paper / 1.  Class notes together and with you each day
2.  Place for reference handouts
3.  Place for paperwork going home to parents

Grading Scale:

89.5-100 =A

79.5-89= B

69.5-79= C

59.5-69= D

0-59= F

Note: As per district policy, any average below a 50% will be changed to a 50% at the end of each 9 weeks. This does not affect any individual assignments, only the quarter grade.

Grading Categories/ Assessment:

·  Tests/Quizzes/Projects

·  Writing Prompts/short essays/writing portfolios or journals

·  Class Work/ Homework

·  Class Participation

The Website: teacherpress.ocps.net/stanbanks

Course Outline: Semester One (18 weeks)

Each week: Vocabulary Quizzes designed to

·  Improve vocabulary knowledge and competence

·  Improve sentence fluency, sentence variety, and grammatical conventions

·  List for week is posted on the website. Words have been chosen from two primary sources: the texts we are studying, and various SAT/ACT study guides. You can find these vocabulary words at http://www.vocabtest.com

Introductory Unit:

Overview of Course and Writing Practice (approx. 2 weeks)

·  Hand out syllabus and view course website and calendar

·  Establish class expectations

·  Setting tone for the course: the study of literature, writing

·  Building writing skills through assertion/evidence/relevance

The Origins of English

·  Analytical Focus: Cultural interaction, word origins, language base

·  Thematic Focus: changing language, “the motionless river”

·  Major Assignment: Paternoster Project

Anglo-Saxon Literature: (449 AD to 1066 AD)

Beowulf, “The Wanderer,” “Dream of the Rood” (2 weeks)

·  Analytical Focus: Anglo-Saxon heroic ideal, comitatus, bards, mead hall, kenning

·  Thematic Focus: what is a hero/villain? Establishment of identity, purpose

·  Major Assignment: Beowulf Storyboard Project

Medieval Literature: (1066 AD to 1485 AD)

The Canterbury Tales: “General Prologue” (excerpts) and “The Wife of Bath’s Tale”

·  Analytical Focus: characterization, descriptive imagery, frame narrative

·  Thematic Focus: pilgrimage, gender roles, identity

L’Morte D’ Arthur and “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”

·  Analytical Focus: chivalry, dream/vision narrative

·  Thematic Focus: loyalty, loss

Renaissance Literature: (1485 AD to 1660 AD)

Elizabeth (film)

·  Analytical Focus: Royal power structure, religious conflict

·  Thematic Focus: gender roles, identity, conflict

Shakespeare’s Macbeth

·  Analytical Focus: Shakespeare’s use of language, characterization, Renaissance theater structure, tragic hero

·  Thematic Focus: power, guilt, retribution, prophecy

Othello (film)

·  Analytical Focus: tragic hero, Shakespeare’s language

·  Thematic Focus: jealousy, trust, friendship, love


Signature Page for Mr. Banks’s ENG IV Syllabus ‘14

Please sign where indicated and return to class by Friday, August 30.

I understand the requirements of this course and will put forth my best effort to succeed. I understand that it is my responsibility to ask for help when I am struggling, and request makeup work when necessary. I have read the contents of this syllabus, asked questions about any parts I did not understand, and agree to follow the rules and procedures of the classroom.

Student’s Name (Print):

______

Student’s Signature:

______

I have read and discussed the syllabus and class policies with my child. I am aware that I can contact Mr. Banks at any time with questions and concerns about my student.

Parent’s Name (Print):

______

Parent’s Signature:

______

Parent’s Preferred Phone Number:

______

Parent’s Preferred Email Address:

______

I would prefer to be contacted by (circle one): phone email

The best time of day to contact me by phone is: ______