Senior English
This course complies with the Alabama Course of Study and the Alabama Graduation Exam. The primary objective of this course is to teach students how to apply strategies and express meaning effectively, competently, and confidently in various written and spoken modes. Senior English consists of grammar, composition, and British literature. The literature connects Britain’s history to the writings of its various time periods. The composition begins with the basics of a paragraph and gradually moves toward essays that deal with literary topics. We will also focus on expanding language through various vocabulary lessons. Success requires completing assignments on time, taking advantage of every opportunity to learn, and attending class every day.
Materials:
3 ring binder
Tab dividers
3 prong folder
Novels - On the Beach, Life of Pi (You do not need to purchase these.)
Attendance:
Missed assignments due to absences must be made up during 1st block, or before or after school within two days upon returning to class. Failure to do so results in a zero. Any exceptions to this rule are at the discretion of the teacher. A binder with a calendar and all assignments will be located in the front of the class daily. When returning to class, refer to the binder for your assignments or tests.
***The following is a tentative and flexible schedule which may be changed at my discretion depending on certain variables such as the need to adapt to the school schedule or the need for more or less time on a certain area of study.
I. Anglo-Saxon Period
A. This study includes a look at the history of the time period and the culture of the people of this time.
B. We will read Beowulf, and answer questions on the poem. A Beowulf test will be given as well as a project.
II. Medieval Period
A. This study includes an introductory video about the building of a medieval cathedral, a test of the significant medieval history.
B. Oral presentation
C. Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales
III. Renaissance Period
A. Study of history and origins of the Renaissance in Western Europe and a mastery test.
B. Sonnets
IV. Romantic Period
A. Study includes the history of the Romantics
B. Poems by Burns, Blake, Wordsworth, and Coleridge
V. Victorian Period
A. Study the history and culture of the time period.
B. Beginning of shot stories
C. Comparison/Contrast Essay
VI. British Literature 1850 to present
A. This study takes a quick look at the high points of British literature
B. Works by Tennyson
VII. Verb Usage
A. Irregular verbs, daily exercises and a mastery test
VIII. Subject/Verb Agreement
A. Daily exercises a mastery test
IX. Pronoun Usage
A. Pronoun/Antecedent Agreement
B. Pronoun Case
X. Vocabulary
A. One lesson per week
B. Test every week
XI. Punctuation/Capitalization
A. Rules of punctuation
B. Rules of capitalization
C. Two Mastery test
XII. Writings
A. A collection of 10 to 15 writings throughout each 9 weeks. These include works that range from paragraphs to 5 paragraph essays that are assigned during each week.
XIII. Shakespeare
A. Biography of Shakespeare
B. Study of globe theatre and historical material
C. Macbeth
D. Crown project
XIV. Research Paper
A. Within this week, students will work through the research process within the computer lab and the library. Research paper will count 200 points.
XV. Novel
A. Heart of Darkness- We will read this novel within one nine weeks. A test will be given along with a literary project.
XVI. Final Exam - This will count as 1/5 of your final grade unless you are exempt.