Highlands High School
230203 – PreAP English II
2011-2012 Course Syllabus
Instructors: Lauren Peterson, Carrie Lichtenberg
Phone: (859) 781-5900 ext.2644
E-mail: carrie.lichtenberg@fortthomas.kyschools.us
lauren.turner@fortthomas.kyschools.us
Grade: 10
Credit: 1
Prerequisite(s): Pre-AP I, teacher and counselor recommendations
Description:
In this course, emphasis will be placed on the historical significance of world literature including multicultural authors and their social influence.
Students will read and examine several authors as well as examining literary tools and conventions. Along with continued vocabulary instruction,
grammar and writing strategies will be emphasized as students create persuasive and expository compositions. Writing workshops will include
writing for learning and writing to demonstrate understanding. Writing and ACT skills will be an important focus all year.
Comment:
This course will expose students to other cultures around the world as well as focusing on the universality of the human experience. Critical-thinking
skills will be reinforced through various reading, writing, and discussion. Gaining a better perspective of the universal human condition will allow
students to engage in critical-thinking skills, problem-solving initiatives, and authentic inquiry. A fresh perspective offers new opportunities for
active, engaged learning. All authentic writing pieces must be completed in an appropriate and satisfactory manner to obtain a passing grade.
Course Standards:
Students will

Read, annotate, and analyze a variety of materials including informational, classic and contemporary persuasive pieces.

Read a minimum of six novels and two plays throughout the year in addition to the required summer reading.

Respond critically to and analyze a variety of literary genres through in-class discussion and activities.

Study vocabulary and grammar as well as isolated reinforcement to promote reading and writing skills.

Practice ACT questions and strategies

Demonstrate organizational skills through a variety of methods including note taking and writing.

Compose and critique pieces including a personal piece (narrate), an expository essay (compare/ contrast), several literary and rhetorical
analyses (inform and argue), a persuasive speech/essay (persuade), and on-demand pieces.

Present and demonstrate information with the use of technology.

Complete research tasks and gain a better understanding of proper techniques and resources.
Textbook:
Binder from bookstore
Classics in World Literature. Scott, Foresman, and Company
The Simon and Schuster Handbook for Writers, 9 th Edition
Required Materials:
Binder from the bookstore
Jump Drive (can be used for all classes)
Pens, Highlighters and Paper
Post-it Notes and Note cards
Grading:
Students will be evaluated on class assignments and activities including but not limited to the following:

Writing Pieces

Projects/Presentations

Quarter Tests/ Formative Assessments

Activities/Participation
Participation & Attendance:
Students are expected to be on time and prepared with all the necessary materials for class. Regular daily attendance and satisfactory completion of
all the assigned work is instrumental for the successful completion of the class. Missed assignments must be completed at a time designated by the
teacher and in accordance with the regulations stated in the handbook.
Course Content/Calendar:
*to study historical, social, and cultural implications (Time
Period: Ancient/ Classical)
Unit 1: Patterns and Perspectives
*to write in timed situations
Ancient/Greek
Academic Vocabulary and Tasks:
Goals:
*to compare and contrast cultures and perspectives
Archetypes (Situation, Character, and Symbolic)
*to study historical, social, and cultural implications (Time
Tone, Diction, Syntax
Period: Ancient)
Figurative Language (Imagery and Personification,
*to use proper documentation skills
Metaphor, Hyperbole, Irony, Symbolism, Simile,
*to learn revision strategies for self assessment in writing
Foreshadowing, etc…)
*to practice writing thesis statements
Internal/ External Documentation
*to read analytical and analyze short passages effectively
Phrases (5 Types), Sentence Variations (4 Patterns)
for author’s tone and message
Universal Truth, Abstract Nouns
*to understand sentence variation and phrases
LIDS( Diction, Imagery, Details, Language, and Syntax)
*to understand the elements of tragedy and modern impact
Tragic Hero (5 steps)
*to study Aristotle’s traits of tragic hero and the heroes
Embedded Assessments:
journey
Rhetorical Analysis
Archetype Presentation with Technology and Project
Compare Contrast Essay
Unit Test
Suggested Works:
Excerpts of Epic of Gilgamesh
Various religious texts
Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
Oedipus by Sophocles
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
Unit 2: Tests of Conviction
Goals:
*to study historical, social, and cultural implications (Time
Periods: Medieval and Renaissance)
**to read analytical considering author’s purpose and
background
*to write in timed situations
*to focus on paraphrasing and summarizing complex
passages
*to discuss and analyze author’s styles
*to use proper documentation skills
*to practice writing thesis statements
*to practice subject verb agreement
*to focus on active and passive voice
Academic Vocabulary:
Paradox
Parenthetical Citations
Attribution and Direct Quotations
Works Cited Page
Embedded Assessments:
Literacy Analysis
Inferno Project and Presentation
Personal Piece
Unit Test
Works:
The Inferno by Dante
The Tempest by Shakespeare
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
MIDTERM PAPER and Exam:
Compare and Contrast Essay of Time Periods and
Author’s Purpose and Message ½ of exam grade
Unit 3: Attempts at Perfection
Goals:
*to focus on persuasion and argument as well as
documentation
*to study historical, social, and cultural implications (Time
Periods: Enlightenment/ Romantic)
*to study Pronouns and Antecedent agreement
*to write in timed situations
*to read analytical considering author’s purpose and
background
Academic Vocabulary and Tasks:
Language of Persuasion and Argument
Various Rhetorical Terms and Appeals
Pronouns (5 kinds), Indirect and Direct Objects
Satire
Embedded Assessments:
Persuasive/ Argumentative Research Piece
Timed Writing
Timed Passage Reading and MC
Persuasive Speech
Unit Test
Works:
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Excerpts from The Prince, Julius Caesar
Non-fiction speeches
Unit 4: Reality Bites
Goals:
*to study historical, social, and cultural implications (Time
Periods: Realism and Modernism)
*to examine various pieces of work and compare/ contrasts
author’s purpose, message, theme, and other literary
devices
*to read analytical considering author’s purpose and
background
*to write in timed situations
*to use proper documentation skills
*to compose writings that are fully processed without
prompting
Academic Vocabulary:
NOTE: Practice of all previous vocabulary and skills
taught
Embedded Assessments:
Literary Analysis of Choice
End of the Year Project TBA
Timed Writing
Timed Reading Passage with MC
Unit Test
Works:
A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen
The Metamorphosis by Frank Kafka
Night by Elie Weisel
Anthem by Ayn Rand
NOTE: Every unit has embedded assessments for
vocabulary and grammar.