GRADE 11 ENGLISH: CONTEMPORARY ABORIGINAL VOICES (NBE3U)
COURSE OVERVIEW
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course emphasizes the development of literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills
through the study of works in English by Aboriginal writers. Through the analysis of literary texts
and media works, students develop an appreciation of the wealth and complexity of Aboriginal
writing. Students also conduct research and analyse the information gathered; write persuasive
essays and literary essays; and analyse the relationship between media forms and audiences. An
important focus is the further development of students’ understanding of English language usage
and conventions.
UNITS OF STUDY:






Critical Theory (archetypes)
Drama
Novel Study
Poetry Echoes ($50), Guide to Language, Literature, and Media ($32)
Sustained Silent Reading
Language study (focusing on correcting common grammatical errors)
ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION STRATEGIES:
 Expository paragraph
 Comparative paragraphs
 Style analysis (in class)
 Quizzes and tests
 Secondary source essay
 Poetry analysis
 Seminars
 Self-reflection
 Comparative essay (culminating)
CATEGORY WEIGHTINGS:
Term Work:
Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application
70%
(15%)
(20%)
(20%)
(15%)
Final Evaluation:
30%
Culminating Assessment (Comparative Essay)(10%)
Final Exam
(20%)
Resources:
An Anthology of Canadian Native Literature
Through Black Spruce
The Night Wanderer
Three Day Road
Monkey Beach
Silent Words