International Baccalaureate English
IB SL 1 Literature and Performance
Instructor: Casey Briskin/ cbriskin@mpls.k12.mn.us
Office Hours: Room 217: 7:30-8:00 and 3:00-4:00
I am available every day to help you with assignments or to answer any questions or concerns you have
about the course.
Course Description:
IB Literature and Performance SL1: This course examines literary and dramatic texts and seeks to
develop intellect, imagination and creativity. This course is an interdisciplinary synthesis of
literature and performance. It incorporates essential elements of literature and theater to explore
the dynamic relationship between the two.
Semester 1: Reading and Performing Drama
.
Same Difference Samuel Roberson
Medea by Euripides
Hamlet by Shakespeare
Texts:
Drama: Same/Difference by Samuel Roberson
Medea by Euripides
Hamlet by Shakespeare
Poems by Duffy/Alexander/Eady
Novel: Sold by Patricia McCormick
Novel: Stupid Fast by Geoff Herbach
Short Stories of Diaz and Winton
Semester 2: Adapting Prose and Poetry to the stage
Poetry of Carol Ann Duffy/Elizabeth Alexander/
Cornelius Eady
Stupid Fast by Geoff Herbach
Sold by Patricia McCormick
Short Stories of Junot Diaz/ Tim Winton
Assessments:
Original Scene written and performed by students
Group scenes and analysis on play
Promptbook, group performance,
IB assessment: Written Coursework Paper: Critical
analysis of a play and performance
Performance of dramatic monologue and poetry
analysis
Solo and Group Dramatic Interpretation
Adaptations of fiction to the stage
Course Goals and Learning Objectives:
Students will continue to develop their:
 appreciation of drama, poetry and literature
 skills in literary criticism and academic writing
 understanding of the formal, stylistic and aesthetic qualities of texts
 confidence in performing scenes
 ability to articulate responses to literature and performance in a variety of styles
 perspective of different cultures, periods and genres.
Expectations and Policies:
Academic Honesty: Students must submit their own work. Plagiarism and cheating is not tolerated.
Infractions will result in an automatic F on the assignment or the test, and a mandatory meeting will be
scheduled with parents and the IB coordinator.
Assignments are expected on the due date. Late papers will earn a maximum of 70%, and they will receive
no written feedback. I will not grade e-mailed papers. If you have a printing problem, e-mail the
assignment both to me and to yourself the night before the paper is due, and then print the assignment at
school. I will not grade the e-mailed paper, but I will grade it once I have a hard copy. Please talk to me if
you are ill or miss class due to an emergency.
Attendance: Being prompt to class shows respect and courtesy to me and to your peers. Attendance is
taken at the beginning of class. If you arrive late, it is your responsibility to change the tardy with the
attendance office.
Unexcused absences Students who are chronically absent will be invited to a conference attended by your
parents, the IB coordinator, and me. The work from excused absences must be made up within 3 days of
returning to school. If you skip class on a test day or when a paper is due, you will receive a zero on
that assignment. If you are involved in school activities and will miss class, I expect you to drop your
paper off before class. This includes student council meetings, blood drives, sports events, etc.
Electronic Devices are a distraction to class. Please make sure they are turned off and placed in your
pocket or backpack before you enter the classroom. Kindles and other devices used for e-books are
allowed.
Participation and Behavior
This class is a participatory experience. Students are expected to be active, thoughtful participants, both as
speakers, listeners and performers. I expect students to come to class with an open mind and with a
willingness to build trust in the community through group activities and theater games. I expect students
to be respectful of class time; students who are more loquacious may want to practice listening skills, and
reticent students may need to practice speaking up and voicing their ideas more. Please be mindful of the
community by allowing others to speak their opinion, and by respecting multiple viewpoints. Mutual
respect is the key to building a strong community in the classroom.
Evaluation:
Grades are awarded through points. Projects, tests and papers will be worth more points than in-class
assignments and homework.