Introduction to Literature and Composition 2X
Spring Semester, 2008-2009
Instructor:
Michael Thornton
email:
michael_thornton@dpsk12.org
voicemail:
720.424.1794
website:
http://dsa.dpsk12.org
room: B202 office: B204
This required literature and composition course explores the genres of poetry, drama,
epic poetry, the short story, novel and nonfiction. We will work on composition,
comprehension, oral communication and reference skills. Grammar, vocabulary and
knowledge of literary terms will be emphasized as part of the composition exercises.
Creative writing and oral presentations will be required as part of the class.
Materials, Products, and Expectations
Notebook (three-ring binder or divided notebook, brought to class daily):
 journal of reflections on independent reading
 literary terms and vocabulary
 class writing assignments
 writing tips
Class Reading and Writing: discussions and writing exercises
 follow handouts and read during class
 participate in discussions and writing forums
Independent Reading and Writing:
 Critical Reviews
 Personal Essay
 Literary Response
 Creative Writing
 Research Paper
Expectations: In this class we will read poetry, epic poetry, short stories, plays, novels
and nonfiction. These pieces will provide the basis for our discussions in class and
models for writing. Much of the work will be done in class, but the independent reading
and writing will also demand out-of-class work. You will have to borrow books from the
library or purchase books. More detailed assignments on the independent reading and
writing will be distributed throughout the semester. All assignments will be posted on
the class website, with links to downloads. Assignments are also described in Infinite
Campus. If you miss a class, you are responsible for making up missed material. In-class
essay questions and quizzes on required reading should be made up before the next class
period. If you miss a class presentation by a group you are a member of, you will not
receive the participation points that the group receives. Any exceptions to these rules
require the instructor’s permission in advance.
The grading scale for this class is defined by the school district:
A = 93-100%
C+ = 77-79%
A- = 90-92%
C = 73-76%
B+ = 87-89%
C- = 70-72%
B = 83-86%
D = 60-69%
B- = 80-82%
F = 0-59%
Introduction to Literature and Composition 2X
Instructor: Michael Thornton
Schedule for Course
CLASS WEEK
LITERATURE
Week 1:
Epic Hero Focus (cont.)
January 6-9, 2009
Heroes Review
Beowulf by Gaiman;
Grendel by Gardner
Week 2:
Chinese Scroll Paintings; How to
January 12-16
Tell a Story: Notes; Sleepy Time
Gal; O Brother
Week 3:
Yo Soy Joaquin by Gonzales
January 20-23
Weeks 4-6:
Tragic Hero Focus
January 26Sophocles’ Oedipus the King
February 13
Shakespeare’s Hamlet as “student”
Weeks 7 and 8:
Baldwin’s Sonny’s Blues
February 18-27
African-American Theater
Wilson’s Fences; Hansberry’s
Raisin in the Sun
Week 9:
Romantic Hero Focus
March 2-6
Romantic Poetry; Oates and
Alexie stories; Dylan lyrics
Week 10:
A Worn Path by Eudora Welty
March 9-13
Week 11:
March 16-20
Week 12:
March 30-April 3
Weeks 13 and 14:
April 6-16
Weeks 15 and 16:
April 20-May 1
NOVEL/NONFICTION UNIT
Kafka’s The Metamorphosis for X
credit
History of the Novel;
The New Journalism
Hersey’s Hiroshima
O’Brien’s The Things They
Carried
Johnson’s Tree of Smoke
Perspectives on Vietnam: Protest
Theater; Los Vendidos by Valdez
Postmodern Literature
COMPOSITION
Campbell’s monomyth of the hero
as a model; Write-like Homer
using epic similes
O Brother worksheet
Edward Scissorhands storyboard
Odyssey assignment
Midpoint Hero Unit Assessment
Questions and Essay on Tragedy
Personality Test Revived
Literary Analysis Assignment
Theme play
Literary Analysis draft
CSAPs
Heroic Character Analysis and
Dialogue Assessment
Literary Analysis final
Nonfiction Assignment
Nonfiction Analysis Notes and
Outline
Novel/Nonfiction Analysis Draft
Things You Carry Assignment
Weeks 17 and 18:
Nonfiction Analysis Final
May 4-15
Advertising Language
Week 19:
Theme Biography: Literature and
May 18-22
Art through the Year
The scope and sequence of some of the included topics may be expanded, reduced or
shifted to accommodate class needs.