BRITISH LITERATURE (HONORS) COURSE SYLLABUS
2005 – 2006
BRITISH LITERATURE HONORS – 0198
Saint Viator High School
Fall and Spring Semesters, 2005 – 2006
Room 223, Periods 3 and 5, M – F
(INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE - E175)
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota - Program for Advanced College Credit (PACC)
Ms. Kathleen M. Hanson
Room 223
847-392-4050 ext. 300
Texts: The Norton Anthology of English Literature. The Major Authors / Seventh Edition. M. H. Abrams, Ed., W. W. Norton & Co., New York, 2001.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Hard Times by Charles Dickens
1984 by George Orwell
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
Other Materials: Agenda
Large spiral notebook to be used exclusively for this course
Two pocket folder containing unit packets, handouts, loose-leaf paper
Blue or black and red pens, pencils, highlighters
Course Description: British Literature Honors (11)
British Literature Honors is a college level course that offers students an opportunity to earn college credit and/or advanced college placement in English. Through class work and extensive outside reading, including a summer reading list of several works, the students learn to analyze, in a mature fashion, texts representative of different periods of English literature. Concurrently, the students perfect their use of the English language in writing that is clear, correct, and compelling. College credit may be earned through an arrangement with St. Mary’s University of Minnesota (E175 Introduction to Literature,
3 credits), or by taking the Advanced Placement examination.
Course Goals, Objectives, and Assessments
Goal 1. Students will derive meanings from literary works on the basis of possible historical, cultural, or autobiographical contexts and/or different critical
perspectives.
Objective: Students will be able to recognize the significance of a given context
for the meaning of a literary work.
Assessment: essays, tests, exams, discussions, presentations, informal writing activities, quizzes, homework and notebook assignments.
Goal 2. Students will describe the key functions of the various elements, such as narrative point of view, figurative language, tone, and so forth that appear in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama.
Objective: Students should recognize the fundamental elements of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama and be able to explain their significance within a given work.
Assessment: essays, tests, exams, discussions, presentations, informal writing activities, quizzes, homework and notebook assignments.
Goal 3. Students will read literary works both critically and reflectively through application of the elements mentioned above.
Objective 1. Students will be able to analyze and interpret literary texts.
Objective 2. Students will be able to compare and contrast literary texts.
Objective 3. Students will be able to articulate and defend their responses to literary works using specific references to the texts.
Assessment: essays, tests, exams, discussions, presentations, and informal
writing activities.
Goal 4. Students will formulate and defend a thesis statement about a literary work through close textual analysis.
Objective: Students should be able to write critical analyses using correct literary discourse.
Assessment: essays, tests, and exams.
Goal 5. Students will expand their vocabularies with the study of assigned vocabulary from the reading selections.
Objective: Students will be able to use acquired vocabulary in the correct context.
Assessment: tests, exams, discussions, informal writing activities, quizzes,
homework and notebook assignments.
Goal 6. Students should gain some appreciation for literature as an aesthetic form and as an expression of the human condition.
Assessment: discussion and informal writing activities.
Assessment opportunities/activities:
Points are assigned to tests, quizzes, writing assignments, oral presentations,
some homework / notebook assignments, class participation, and use of the
agenda. Grades are determined by dividing a student's earned points by the total
points possible for the grading period. Each quarter accounts for 40% of the
semester grade; a semester exam accounts for 20 % of the semester grade.
1. Tests – Dates and content of major tests are announced in advance. Typically, these will include short answer questions and essay questions.
Often, early in the study of an assigned text, students will take an
objective test.
Students will also take tests on assigned vocabulary and/or literary terms.
2. Quizzes - Students should be prepared for spot quizzes on assigned readings and notes. Class participation is included in the quiz scores.
3. Writing Assignments - The instructor will announce due dates for each stage of the writing process for major papers. Late assignments will be penalized unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor.
- Informal writing assignments frequently focus on
a specific aspect or section of an assigned text.
Usually, students write these during class time.
4. Oral Presentations - Groups will present relevant material to the class, focusing on major ideas from a novel, play, or poem. The instructor will announce due dates and assignments in advance.
5. Class Participation - All students are expected to actively participate in class
discussions and all other activities. Occasionally, oral quizzes may take place during class.
6. Semester Exam - Students are required to take a semester exam that accounts for 20% of the semester grade.
Policies:
Refer to pages 7 - 30 in the Agenda for school policies concerning academics,
attendance, uniforms and dress codes, security and safety procedures, discipline,
and student services.
Attendance/Absence
1. Because much of the work in this course is done in class, attendance is extremely important. Students should make an effort to be here for every class.
2. Students are responsible for work missed during excused absences. This includes getting notes for material covered in class during the absence.
3. Students should make arrangements with the teacher for make-up tests promptly upon their return to school. Students will take these tests after school or during a free period, not during class time.
4. Tests announced before an absence will be taken on the day the students return to school.
5. All work must be made up within a reasonable amount of time depending upon the length of the absence.
Homework/Late Work
1. Students must complete reading and writing assignments before class begins.
2. On homework that is checked or graded in class, no late work is accepted.
3. Homework or writing assignments that are collected must be turned in on the due date at the beginning of class.
4. Late assignments are not accepted unless prior arrangements have been made.
Classroom Expectations
1. Students will show respect for themselves, other students, and the instructor.
2. Students will be present and punctual for class, bringing required materials each day.
3. Students will maintain orderly and complete notebooks and folders to be used
exclusively for this class.
4. Students will read assigned material and come to class prepared to discuss it.
5. Students will be attentive in class, listen respectfully to others, and actively
participate in discussions and other class activities.
6. Students will work cooperatively with other students on assigned projects.
7. Students will actively engage in each stage of the writing process.