Literature of the Renaissance
Spring 2016
Instructor Information
Instructor
Email
Alana Jevert-Glover
Jeverta@nclack.k12.or.us
Website
Clackamasmiddlecollege.org
General Information
Description:
Course Description:
Literature of the Renaissance explores major texts from the late medieval to Renaissance period in Europe. The
primary text we will read is The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, which set the stage for social criticism,
Renaissance thinking, and innovation in England. Students will explore how medieval perspectives, institutions, and
narratives have influenced the history of English-speaking people through today. You will read, write, research,
create, present, and perform! This term will have a particular focus on the following essential questions:
1. In what ways are values and social structures revealed in societies?
2. How do values affect the journeys people take?
3. How do we tell the tales of our journeys?
4. How do authors and artists reveal their attitudes toward their subject matter?
Course Objectives:
Through close-reading, class discussions, projects, papers, performance, and presentations, you will show an
understanding of literature through history. You will gain critical thinking skills, increase vocabulary decoding skills,
and refine skills in writing formal essays as you respond to the literature covered. The intention is to prepare you to
thrive in your introductory level college literature and writing courses!
Student Learning Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, a student should be able to:
1. identify the structural elements of a text.
2. determine the theme of a given work.
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3. analyze imagery and language in a given work.
4. trace the historical, philosophical, cultural and social implications, and underpinnings of a text.
5. identify and analyze similarities and differences between literature in different genres, as well as other works of art
and forms of communication.
6. develop insightful personal, imaginative, and scholarly responses to literary works.
7. creatively connect literature to their own lives.
8. make and defend hypotheses based on careful reading and analysis of the evidence from the text and traditional
research strategies.
Expectations and Goals
What is needed to make this term a success? A sprit of flexibility and adventure is a key requirement. Ask
questions. Try your best, even if you don’t know what you’re doing. Collaborate and investigate. Don’t be
afraid to fail and try, try again.
It is my aim to teach you to express your thoughts, impressions, and opinions so that they can be understood by
the average reader. You will be expected to write cogent essays that are well-developed and express the
validity of your thoughts. As you study literature, the awareness should strike you that there are many “right”
answers to the issues discussed. What is important is not that you reach some sanctioned conclusion, but that
your conclusions are defensible through the text.
It is also important to assess a work’s artistic merit. It is important to remember that it is possible to recognize the
artistry with which something is created without personally “liking” it. It is also important to recognize various
literary forms, and how authors use various literary devices to tell a story. As a result, you should come to
understand literature, its artistry and craft.
Course Materials
Required Materials
Supply list in the “Survive and Thrive Guide”. Please bring these materials and all assigned reading to class every day.
Required Texts
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The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer (Literary Text)
“The Clothier’s Delight” Anonymous (Literary Ballad)
Guilds in the Middle Ages by Georges Renard (Non-Fiction)
“Chaucer’s Respectful Critique of Church Officials and Their Abuse of Power” by Lauren Day (Essay)
“The Pardoner’s Tale and The Canterbury Tales as a Death Warrant” by Robin Wharton (Blog excerpt from
non-fiction text)
Major Assignments for Spring Term
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Research-based writing work sample
Group (Guild) research-based project & presentation
Original character costume design
Character narrative and monologue
Theater performance critique (Romeo & Juliet @Putnam High School)
Interactive “quest” final & personal reflection
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***PLEASE NOTE: all readings, films, assignments are required to show understanding of the course objectives. I do not
give “alternate” assignments or readings, with the exception of R-rated films. In that instance, students and parents
will receive a permission slip in advance, and an alternative assignment will be available for those who “opt-out”.
'It is the mark of an educated man to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it'—Aristotle
College-readiness means that one is able to approach the complexities of the world with intelligence, maturity and
grace. In my opinion, the purpose of education is to prepare oneself to meet the challenges of living in a vast and
diverse world, to cultivate empathy and perspective, and bring forth creative solutions to complex problems.
Individuals who shut down, refuse to learn or participate when faced with opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints other than
their own do not YET exhibit the characteristics necessary to develop into an educated, tolerant human-being. Seek
understanding in all that you encounter, even if you do not agree.
Grading –check your grade in Synergy weekly for updates!
(Summative) Projects, Performances, & Essays 60%
(Formative) Classwork and Participation 20%
(Formative) Homework 20%
Total: 100%
Assignments & Late Work
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All formal essays will be submitted through turnitin.com. Papers with no name or heading will not be graded.
LATE WORK- students who turn in frequent late or incomplete work are demonstrating that they are not yet
able to meet the requirements of high school, and therefore not “college-ready”.
a. Late assignments will be accepted for reduced credit. The highest score a late assignment can
receive is 75%, which shows proficiency of the material, but not mastery.
Additional Information and Resources
Attendance
It is important that you be present and maintain regular attendance. Be aware that you are responsible for finding out
what work you missed. Check the blog regularly for updates and assignments. “Seat time” can be made up before or
after school by appointment only. Frequent absenteeism will have consequences on your ability to receive credit for
the class, and be selected for Pathways.
Expectations
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Cell-phones are not to be used in class. Turn them off, put them away. With permission, there may be times
using a smart phone to access the internet is appropriate; you must ask first. Confiscated phones may be
picked up from Mr. Sein at the end of the day.
Treat adults, your classmates, and yourself with respect.
Treat other people’s belongings with respect. This includes furniture, laptops, books, and other materials.
Clean up after yourself.
Be in your seat, ready to begin, when class starts.
Do not gather at the door before dismissal.
Use school- appropriate language.
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Plagiarism
Plagiarism is representing another’s thoughts, words, or ideas as your own. This is primarily seen as copying ideas and
writing from the internet. This also includes copying another student’s work. This is a serious offense with serious
consequences. Aside from showing a lack of understanding of the material, it reveals a lack of integrity, in both the
student who cheats, and the ones who allow him/her to do so.
Intentional plagiarism will receive a failing grade of zero (0) for the assignment with no opportunity for make-up,
and will be documented in a referral.
Acknowledgement of Syllabus and Course Policies for Poets & Playwrights II
I have read the syllabus, and by signing this form show that I understand and agree to follow the expectations and
requirements of the course. This includes policies pertaining to:
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Required reading and course material
Attendance
Plagiarism
Grading policies
Late work
Behavior expectations
Student Signature:______________________________________________________________________________
Student Name (printed) :_________________________________________________________________________
Class Period: ____________________________
Parent Signature:_______________________________________________________________________________
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I have subscribed to the blog!
Questions or concerns? Please write below and include the best way to contact you. Thank you!
–Alana Jevert-Glover
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