Students select from a choice of novels in the first semester, and in the second semester they will read The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail, by Jerome and Robert E. Lee, 055327838X

This intermediate English course combines the study of world literature along with a continued focus on composition skills. Students will read, reflect, synthesize, and respond to several different types of world literature. A research paper is a requirement. No text required-various novels will be read.

This course explores American literature and the pursuit of the American Dream. Students will examine the roots of American literature in religion and faith, relive a revolution of rebellion and conformity, redefine truth and human potential, and develop a deeper sense of self. Through an exploration of classic American themes and ideals, students will deepen their awareness of political and social influences that have shaped American culture as it is known today. Selections of literature range from poetry and fiction (short stories, novellas, drama) to nonfiction (speeches, sermons, letters, journals, news articles). Not only will students think about literature and its connection to their lives--they will also learn to question the beliefs and ideas that have informed American literature throughout the country’s sometimes harmonious, sometimes volatile history.

REQUIRED MATERIALS - To meet objectives of the course and high school Language Arts standards of speaking and listening, students participating in this course should have access to Youtube. In addition, students must be able to listen to and watch streaming video and audio; and will need access to a microphone and/or digital video and software to record mp3 or .avi files.

This is a class that will prepare students for the skills they will need to be successful in college and in life. When they have completed the class, students will have acquired the reading and critical thinking skills necessary for understanding challenging new material, analyzing that material to deduce meaning, and applying what they have learned to our world. They will have the composition skills needed to communicate their understanding effectively to a variety of audiences. Students will read and analyze classic works of literature because these works contain literary qualities that merit study and provoke thinking, not because of a requirement to know a particular work or author. They will also look at modern and contemporary works as they examine all genres: plays, short stories, poetry, essays, and novels.

Students will learn to apply critical literary terms as tools for learning, understanding, and communication. Learning activities include close reading, paraphrasing, discussions, essays, short answer exams, research papers, reflective journals, web quests, oral presentations, and others. The unit structure below identifies the main headings of the units only. Most units will include a combination of genres and activities. The structure to the class is not based upon a sequence of chronology, national origin, or genres. It is instead based upon the sequence that best supports the learning needs of the student.

This course is designed for the student who needs extra help in mastering communication skills and fundamental principles of grammar and usage. The course focuses on teaching the composition concepts in the 6 + 1 Traits of Writing pioneered by the NorthWest Regional Education Laboratories. Grammar is taught as a tool for improving communication rather than as a pure focus of study. Oral Communication and research skills are included. Although there is some literature study in the course, it is not the focus. The course emphasizes diagnosis of student writing needs and targeting individualized needs for improvement. No required text.