Syllabus – Sophomore English
2015-16
Mr. Herder
“I will proclaim to the world the deeds of Gilgamesh. This was the
man to whom all things were known; this was the king who knew the
countries of the world. He was wise, he saw mysteries and knew
secret things, he brought us a tale of the days before the flood. He
went on a long journey, was weary, worn-out with labour, returning
he rested, he engraved on stone the whole story.”
From Gilgamesh
“By the pricking of my thumbs,
Something wicked this way comes.”
From MacBeth
William
Shakespeare
This year, we will be learning but one thing: how to think. This is
accomplished by learning how to read and write. We will be reading some of
the greatest literature ever written. We will also read texts that are a lot of
fun; after all, the ultimate reason we read is enjoyment. We will examine
how words are strung into sentences to make a point, then apply those same
methods to our own writing.
The thematic units are outlined below. Grammar and vocabulary are taught
throughout the year.
FALL SEMESTER
FOUNDATIONS – MYTH AND RELIGION
Gilgamesh
Genesis
Ovid’s Myths
POETRY
Figurative language, musical devices, rhythm, patterns.
SCARY STUFF
Poe to Oates.
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
The beloved classic.
SPRING SEMESTER
1984 IS THE FUTURE
More relevant than ever before
SEX AND VIOLENCE
The Pugilist at Rest
Going After Cacciato
MacBeth
COMING OF AGE
The A&P
Through the Tunnel
Ciseneros