English II/ British Literature
Mr. Watkins
Fall 2008
The Key Concept of the Course
This sophomore English class concerns itself with the development of your critical
capacities in reading, thinking, and writing. One must realize that mastering the use of
language is crucial to being properly educated. As you learn to think with clarity,
accuracy, relevance, logic, breadth, precision, significance, completeness, fairness, and
depth, you take charge of the texts, not to mention the craft that went into their
construction and the ideas burgeoning forth. By extension, good thinking leads to good
writing.
We study British Literature because our own national literature emanates from it. Of
course, our position as a former colony means that much of the way we see the world is
based in a British mindset, especially when one considers our tongue, social and legal
institutions, and educational system, among other things. The literature itself functions as
a vehicle for cultural exploration; moreover, its consideration provides us the opportunity
to study how others use English with precision and power. Finally, as we read we learn to
think like writers. In other words, we develop the capacity to write with confidence while
inhabiting the most important intellectual traits: humility, autonomy, integrity, courage,
perseverance, reason, empathy, and fair-mindedness.
How the Writer Thinks
The writer uniquely utilizes the elements of thought—purpose, questions, points of view,
information, inferences, concepts, implications, and assumptions; that is, she engineers
written discourse in an imaginative way. In its most powerful rendering, poetry, the
discourse suggests numerous levels of meaning, although the same can be said for fiction,
drama, and expository writing. The writer simultaneously manipulates form, diction,
syntax, and imagery to suggest meaning. As a developing writer, you will do likewise.
The General Plan for the Class
Focus will center on active work within the realm of literary inquiry—reading,
understanding, questioning, analyzing, evaluating, and writing. It will emphasize your
observing closely and then inferring meaning, but keep in mind that this is a process, one
that I will help you grasp and then own. With a disciplined and practiced approach, you
should develop your critical capacities, emerging from the course ready to continue your
education with confidence, diligence, and discipline.
Literature
In the first semester, all students will read the following works: Frankenstein (summer
reading), Beowulf, and several selections from The Canterbury Tales. There will be other
short works such as essays and poetry that I will distribute. An outside reading
assignment (ORA), chosen from a list I will distribute, is also required.
Writing
In sophomore English, you will focus on the writing process while composing various
types of essays, of various lengths and purposes. Writing under timed conditions and
competently incorporating quotations are also important skills that we will spend time
developing. They Say, I Say will be our primary text for writing instruction. No late
papers will be accepted. The English Department Style Sheet will be a great benefit
through the writing process. Finally, the Writing Assessment Program (WrAP) will be
administered in October.
Recitation
While rote memorization rarely yields any real intellectual fruit, you will have to retain
some information so that you can think and communicate within the discipline; learning
several literary terms, therefore, is essential to your growth. As well, memorizing the best
writing has always been an important part of the educational process. Periodically, I will
ask you to memorize short prose passages and poetry to recite in front of the class.
Vocabulary
Along with most sophomore English classes at Baylor, we will use Word Smart,
incorporating the words from each lesson into our in-class and out-of class work,
investigating etymologies, meanings, and use. Look forward to quizzes every other week.
Grammar
Sophomores will do systematic coverage of grammar throughout the year. Good writing
is built on grammar and punctuation mastery. You will take a competency test as part of
the first semester exam. The Sophomore English Resource Booklet (SERB) is an
important tool in grammar and writing work.
Grading
Essays
Tests (and possibly another)
Quizzes (summer reading, reading, grammar, and vocabulary)
ORA project
Homework (journal and early drafts included)
Recitations
Final Exam (competency test included)
Participation
30%
5%
15%
5%
15%
5%
20%
5%
Required Materials
In addition to the course texts you have purchased already, you also are required to have
a three-ring binder with loose-leaf paper, and a spiral-bound notebook.
Extra Help and the Writing Center
Help is a great opportunity to discuss any aspect of the course. Some of you may be
required to attend Help. Likewise, the writing center is a valuable resource for help.
How to Succeed in English II
Respect for each other makes this class a place conducive to learning. Therefore, each
day you should arrive on time and prepared; contribute positively to the discussions and
activities; make learning your top priority; listen carefully and consistently; take
responsibility for your actions; uphold the Honor Code in all aspects; expect the most
from yourself; maintain a sense of order by cleaning up after yourself and not speaking
out of turn; and, finally, make the best out of every situation.