Science FictionandFantasy

Ms. Kamrass

Overview:

This semester we will explore imaginative literature through different texts: literature, film, television, and our own writing. Throughout this time, we will read a variety of short stories, and Tolkien’s The Hobbit. In addition, we will studyseveral nonfiction companion pieces. Finally, we will discuss categories and attributes of both science fiction and fantasy literature.

While we will study these pieces within their genre, their respective genres by no means confine them: philosophy, horror, humanity, and humor intertwine in most of the texts we study.

Requirements:

Reading, mostly completed in class with selected short stories

  • Class work and homework (your main homework is to read most of The Hobbit outside of class, but you mostly complete this by managing your own time).
  • Reading and film quizzes
  • Writing and special projects – You’ll complete a variety of writing assignments and class projects including critical- analytical, reflective film reviews, and creative pieces.
  • Each student will bring in either one non-fiction science article, present a real-life scientific research video, or relevant subject on Ted Talks and present it to the class. This will help us brainstorm for class project ideas.
  • Participation – This class works best for everyone if it’s dominated by student discussion of the material. Be sure to give your input and listen when others are speaking. Outline for grading given later in this packet.

Important note about work:

Complete all of it, submit it on time. I try to work in lab time for you to complete the work, and most assignments are designed to be fun as well as enlightening. You will complete a variety of work: creative writing, critical writing, reading questions, quizzes and tests. There is a final exam in January.

The late-work policy for the English department is a ten-point deduction for each day an assignment is late. After five days I will no longer accept a late assignment (both A and B days count). You have a week to make up missed exams and quizzes – remember to check the weekly sheets if you are absent, and check with me (there often are changes and it is up to you to discover them).

Avoid plagiarism – complete your own work and use proper MLA documentation when directed.

Grade breakdown:Needed materials:

Writing assignments and projects– 40%3-ring binder, or notebook with built-in folders

Exams and long quizzes – 20%pens

Movie and Reading quizzes– 20%loose leaf (lined) paper

Homework and class work– 10%

Participation – 10%

Descriptions of course projects:

(All need to be completed thoroughly and with professional polish. For example: all artwork needs to be completed neatly on unlined paper, writing needs to be typed with MLA format, presentations need to be accompanied by visuals that are easy to see, etc.)

First Quarter Assignments

Teenagers of the Future– Think about what you and your friends are like now; then think about what will change for teenagers in the decades to come. For this assignment, you will create a projectthat illustrates what teenage life will be like. Think about the technology now and what it will be in the future. More importantly, come to conclusions about how this future technology will influence teens.

The Robot Project – This is exactly as it sounds. Robots are standard for science fiction, but why? What purpose do they serve? What does their creation – both real and imaginative – say about humans? You will write a product description and create a sketch, or a model.

Science Fact-Science Fiction – For this assignment, rely on the articles and science-fact video clips from class. Base your story on current trends in research; decide what the outcome will be for people because of this research. Choose some aspect of what we’ve read, or seen, and write a creative story based on the technology that we are currently developing.

Second Quarter Assignment

Unexplained Phenomena or Mythological Beast Presentation–You will choose a topic and present with a partner. A handout will give you a list of choices.

Fantasy creative story – Using the common elements found in this genre, create your own story.

Analytical writing based on any of the short stories, or The Hobbit.

Class Participation – stolen, without hesitation, from Ms. Diana

(My own addition: Please feel free to discuss any relevant aspect during class time, but not while others are speaking. Address the class – not just your friend – so that all may share in your ideas and knowledge. Class discussions are the best part of education when they work well!)

A Range: follows all rules and procedures in an exemplary manner; asks relevant questions in class discussions; shares personal opinions when pertinent; willing to take intellectual risks by formulating thoughts out loud; consistently takes part in/leads relevant discussions; takes on leadership roles by helping peers and teacher; encourages others to engage in, enjoy, and see the value in learning and participating.

B Range: follows class rules and procedures; focuses and engages in all tasks; completes all tasks; answers questions thoughtfully in class discussions; engages in relevant discussions; promotes a positive classroom atmosphere; demonstrates courtesy to classroom members.

C Range: follows some class rules and procedures; engages in a minimal amount of work; tasks often incomplete [or show little effort]; generally requires supervision; often distracted or engaged in other tasks; resistant to work; a distraction to others;makes inappropriate connections to topics.

D-F Range: consistently unprepared for class; needs repeated requests to engage in work; does little to no work; distracts others; chronic lateness to class; fails to follow even the basic rules and procedures of class; requires constant supervision; has received a referral; brings tension and confusion to the classroom atmosphere.

September 2016

Dear Parent(s) or Guardian(s):

Your child is enrolled in the Science Fiction and Fantasy, an English elective. In addition to the required literature, we will analyze recurring themes and categories of literature and science fiction through film. We will view a number of films during class, and some of these movies are rated R. The following is a tentative list of films that I intend to show in class. We will not see all of these films, they are subject to availability and student choice.

ElysiumChildren of Men

Star Wars and/orThe Empire Strikes BackPlanet of the Apes (original)

Alienany one of the Harry Potter series

The Terminatorany one of the Lord of the Rings trilogy

Thorany one of the Hobbit films

Galaxy Questthe new Star Wars

Mars Attacks!

The Matrix

In order for your child to partake in these lessons, please sign in the space below. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at .

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Eileen Kamrass

New Paltz High School English teacher

I give my child, ______, permission to view the films for the

Science Fiction and Fantasy curriculum.

Signed ______date ______