ELA 12 Syllabus
Course Description
ELA 12 will include a selection of poetry, drama, fiction, non-fiction and short stories. Writings will emphasize critical analysis, research based writing as well as creative writing selections. Grammar and vocabulary are also stressed.
Course Goals
Students will
1. Demonstrate after reading understanding and interpretation of both fiction and non-fiction text including comparing and contrasting texts using themes, settings, characters and idea as well as making and supporting assertions about text (1.1.11)
2. establish a reading vocabulary (1.1.11)
3. analyze the relationships, uses and effectiveness of literary elements used by one or more authors in similar genres including characterization, setting, plot, theme, point of view, tone and style (1.3.11)
4. analyze the effectiveness, in terms of literary quality, the author’s use of literary devices
including sound techniques, figurative language and literary structure (1.3.11)
5. write complex information pieces including research papers, analyses, evaluations and essays
6. write with a sharp, distinct focus including identifying topic, task and audience as well as establishing and maintaining a controlling point of view (1.5.11)
7. write using well developed content appropriate for the topic (1.5.11)
8. write with a command of the stylistic aspects of composition including using different types and lengths of sentences and the use of precise language (1.5.11)
9. contribute to discussions by asking relevant, clarifying questions; responding with relevant information or opinions; and introducing relevant, facilitating information, ideas and opinions to enrich the discussion (1.6.11)
10. use media for learning purposes (1.6.11)
11. organize, summarize and present the main ideas from research (1.8.11.)
Methods of Instruction
Discussion is the primary format of ELA 12. Students should come to class prepared to both ask and answer questions about the text. Discussion will take place in large group format as well as small group format. Projects and assignments may be assigned individually or as group work.
Reading Assignments
Students can expect nightly reading assignments, as a means of becoming familiar with material and as a way to refresh learning. Longer works are divided into chapters or pages that will determine a starting and stopping point for the next day’s discussion. Shorter works of literature (poetry, drama, or short fiction) must be read thoroughly and carefully and may require less time to read.
Writing Assignments
Writings fall into two categories: critical or creative. No matter what type of writing is assigned, each is expected to adhere to the highest standards of composition. A strict emphasis is placed on the focus, content, organization and style of each piece of writing. This includes effective word choices, sentence structure, logical order, transitions as well as control of language. Additionally, students are expected to writing utilizing textual support (quotations) and effective arguments (both persuasive and explanatory).
There will be mini lessons throughout the course with a focus on grammar and usage, sentence construction and diction. Essays will be peer reviewed, revised and resubmitted.
Critical Writings
Critical writings include writings that are completed in the classroom and outside of the classroom. Students will write analysis essays of both poetry and drama. These papers require students to explicate how a piece of literature conveys its meaning. Areas of emphasis include theme, structure, language and poetic devices. Students will submit rough drafts for many of these essays, conference with either the teacher or a peer reviewer and then submit a final copy. Other essays will be written during a timed format. Students will receive feedback from these essays as well as an overall score.
Students will write research based critical essays as well as a persuasive research paper. Students will present the findings of their research through a speech format.
Formal papers will be graded according to a specific grading rubric. Timed writings will be graded using the AP English Literature and Composition scoring guide.
Creative Writings
Writings that fall into this category focus on the student’s ability to produce work in a literary genre. For example, students will write an iambic pentameter poem similar to the format utilized by Chaucer. This type of writing allows students to apply and demonstrate the knowledge gained through the course. Other writings may include the application of style, voice, tone, or figurative language.
Assessment
Quizzes, tests, writings, projects and homework assignments are the main forms of assessment.
Quizzes will be utilized for vocabulary as well as reading comprehension checks. Tests will be given after each unit of study. A variety of writing assignments accompany each unit of study; therefore, writing grades may include essays, journals, timed writings, reflective pieces, etc. Projects may be individually assigned or as part of a group assignment. Group work will receive an individual grade as well as a group grade. Homework may include study guides, daily questions, summary statements, etc.
Grades are based on total number of points available during any given nine weeks. The overall grade for this course is weighted.
Completion of Work
Important information regarding course work will be posted on Google Drive and via email. Other information about assignments may be posted within the class pages on the district website.
Late work will be accepted in accordance with the district’s attendance policy. Incomplete homework will be scored as a zero. Projects and papers not turned in on the due date will receive a one letter grade deduction daily. Students who do not present on an assigned presentation day will receive a zero. If a student is absent on a presentation day, the district’s attendance policy will be followed.
Assessments are announced one week in advance.
Contact Information
724-883-2310 x 2201
Visit the district’s website for more information.
First Nine Weeks
Epic Poetry
Excerpts from Beowulf and The Iliad
Characteristics of an Epic Poem and Literary Devices; Compare and Contrast Epic heroes Beowulf and Achilles
College Application Essay. This essay is expository in nature. Essay will be shared in class and emphasis includes thesis statement, syntax/sentence structure and audience.
Module 1: Making A Difference in the Lives of Others
In this module, reading, writing, speaking, and listening are focused around the big idea of mastering purposeful and independent expression. Instruction will center around an essential question: How can individuals make the greatest difference in improving the lives of others?
Students read from, and write to, informational text as well as classic and contemporary literature. Students engage in class discussions involving the informational text and literature to master purposeful and independent expression. Students apply a broad range of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Students address how individuals can make the greatest difference in improving the lives of others.
Key outcomes include analyzing the impact of the author’s choices; evaluating how words and phrases shape meaning and tone in texts; distinguishing claims from alternate or opposing claims; developing claims and counterclaims fairly and thoroughly; creating a smooth progression of experiences or events using a variety of techniques to sequence events so that they build on one another to create a coherent whole and build toward a particular tone and outcome; and conducting short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question or solve a problem.
Second Nine Weeks
Narrative Poetry
The Canterbury Tales Prologue, The Pardoner’s Tale, The Wife of Bath’s Tale, The Nun’s Priest’s Tale
Structure: diction, symbolism and imagery; Characterization and Irony; Theme: chivalric values, love, and human behavior
Students will conduct research on a Canterbury Character. Students will present a speech based on their research in which they portray their Canterbury Character. Students will write and memorize an original Iambic Pentameter poem for the presentation
Character Analysis Essay. This essay is expository in nature. Emphasis includes summary/paraphrase, sentence structure, diction, point of view and tone.
Things Fall Apart
Journal Writing for each selection
Research on Cultural Values of Ibo people. Students will develop an oral presentation focusing on introduction/conclusion, relevant details, organization and proper public speaking format. Students will develop a rubric.
Module 2 Pivotal Choices
In this module, reading, writing, speaking, and listening are focused around the big idea of mastering purposeful and independent expression. Instruction will center around an essential question: What are the essential character traits and behaviors that help humans overcome adversity?
Students read from, and write to, informational text as well as classic and contemporary literature. Students engage in class discussions involving the informational text and literature to interpret diverse perspectives. Students apply a broad range of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Students address how a writer influences the view and opinions of his or her audience.
Key outcomes include integrating and evaluating multiple sources of information presented in different media or formats; analyzing the interaction and development of a complex set of ideas; creating a smooth progression of experiences or events using a variety of techniques to sequence events so that they build on one another to create a coherent whole and build toward a particular tone and outcome; writing with an awareness of the stylistic aspects of writing; conducting short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question or solve a problem.
Third Nine Weeks
Persuasive Research Paper
Students will review proper MLA style, research skills, drafting and revision techniques as well as formal paper structure. This essay is persuasive in nature. Students will develop a rubric. Emphasis on introduction/conclusion, organization format, use of textual support, sentence variety, summary/paraphrasing, parenthetical documentation, syntax, point of view and tone. Students will peer review essays and revise for submission.
Macbeth
Structure of Shakespearean plays as well as poetic styles
Theme
Module 3 Intentions and Integrity In this module, reading, writing, speaking, and listening are focused around the big idea of mastering purposeful and independent expression. Instruction will center around an essential question: How does a person's reputation and integrity benefit or undermine their future opportunities and choices?
Students read from, and write to, informational text as well as classic and contemporary literature. Students engage in class discussions involving the informational text and literature to interpret diverse perspectives. Students apply a broad range of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Students address how a writer influences the view and opinions of his or her audience.
Key outcomes include evaluating how words and phrases shape meaning and tone in texts and writing with a sharp, distinct focus identifying topic, task, and audience. In addition, students conduct more sustained research and then organize their findings to answer an identified question, while using appropriate transistors and formatting to aid in comprehension.
Fourth Nine Weeks
Poetry Unit
This is a month long poetry unit dedicated to how to read a poem as well as the recognition of literary techniques and style. Sound techniques, Diction, Figurative Language, Tone, and Style will be addressed.
Works will include Keats, Wordsworth, Browning, Tennyson, Dickinson, Frost, Donne, Milton, Auden, Marvell, Pope, Coleridge
Essay writing will include three poetry analysis essays in which students will consider the author’s use of literary devices including sound techniques, figurative language and literary structure, themes as well as historical, cultural or social implications. This essay is analytical in nature. Essay will focus on sentence structure, details, usage, summary/paraphrase.
Short Fiction
Teacher selected pieces that emphasize the major components of short fiction: theme, structure, character, plot, dialogue and point of view. All selections are from student textbook.
Resume Packet
Students will create a career packet that includes the following: resume, cover letter, thank you letter, references, and answers to interview questions.
Students will participate in mock interviews.
Module 4
Creating a Legacy In this module, reading, writing, speaking, and listening are focused around the big idea of independent expression. Instruction will center around an essential question: How can you create a legacy?
Students read from, and write to, informational text as well as classic and contemporary literature. Students engage in class discussions involving the informational text and literature to interpret diverse perspectives. Students apply a broad range of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Students address how a writer influences the views and opinions of his or her audience.
Key outcomes include integrating and evaluating multiple sources of information; analyzing seminal texts; creating a smooth progression of experiences or events; writing with an awareness of the stylistic aspects of writing; and evaluating the speaker's perspective, reasoning, and use of evidence of rhetoric.
Module 5 Adventures & Advice In this module, reading, writing, speaking, and listening are focused around the big idea of independent expression. Instruction will center around an essential question: Based on your own unique life experiences, what advice could you give to inspire others?
Students read from, and write to, informational text as well as classic and contemporary literature. Students engage in class discussions involving the informational text and literature to interpret diverse perspectives. Students apply a broad range of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Students address how a writer influences the views and opinions of his or her audience.
Key outcomes include evaluating how an author's point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text; citing strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly; evaluating how words and phrases shape meaning and tone in texts; writing with a sharp distinct focus; and evaluating how the speaker's perspective, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric affect credibility.