English Literature C
Short Stories
Fall 2015
Sandy Snidero Phone 18588542913 Email Sandra.Snidero@iaaprograms.com
I.
Course description
Introduces students to the methods and terminology needed for understanding literature. Students will also
be introduced to the basic structures of literary forms in English, such as story structure and poetic
structures. Students will learn how individual perspective influences a piece of literature. Students will be
introduced to keywords and phrases to understand subtext for the purpose of making inferences and
predictions. Students will learn how to use these elements to understand literature for the purpose of writing
beginner level literary responses: i.e. book reports or summaries of English language selections they’ve
made for themselves. Finally, students will be introduced to three of the literary genres in English literature:
fiction, poetry, and narrative nonfiction. Students will continue to improve their understanding of vocabulary
through SAT-style exercises. Students will continue developing reading comprehension skills needed for
the TOEFL and SAT as they continue to learn to identify main ideas and key words and phrases.
II.
Course objectives
By the end of the semester, students will be able to:
A. identify implied main points.
B. summarize excerpts that are substantial in length or breadth.
C. begin identifying meaning which isn’t explicitly stated.
D. enhance their critical reading and vocabulary skills for SAT and TOEFL.
III.
Required text
Common Core Progress English Language Arts Grade 7
Vocabulary Workshop: Level C Published By: Sadlier
Additional selections made by the teacher.
IV.
Policies
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
V.
Students must only speak English in class.
Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated. Student will receive a score of zero.
Students must be prepared for each class with the textbook, folder, pen, and paper.
All assignments must be on time. Late assignments will receive a 5-point reduction.
Missed exams can be made up only with the center’s approval.
Grading procedures and Assessment methods
Students will be graded by the following categories and scale:
Categories
Grade scale
Exam: 20%
Portfolio Grade (including midterm):
30%
Major assignments: 30%
Minor assignments: 20%
Homework, classwork, participation
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F 0-59
Grading Categories include the following:
a.
Final Exam: a standardized exam created by IAA.
b.
Portfolio Grade: Term paper, presentation, project, or midterm exam.
c.
Major Assignment: Tests, essays, speeches, etc.
d.
Minor Assignment: Quizzes, daily grades, homework, participation, etc
VI.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Student Expectations:
Students are expected to:
be respectful of the school rules, teachers and other students.
follow instructions and ask when they do not understand.
do their own work.
participate actively with a positive attitude.
VII. Topics, due dates, and guiding question
Week
–
Unit Title
Topic
–
Key Concept
1-3
Inferences
Context clues
Themes
Elements
Symbols
Word familes
R1.5 R1.6, R1.7, R1.8, R1.10,
R2.2, R2.6, R2.7, R5.4, R5.5,
R6.4, R7.2
–
Terms and
Vocabulary
4-5
–
Narratives
6-7
–
Analyze and
Present
8-10
Language
and Structure
Techniques
Point of view
Characters
Sequencing
syntax
Central ideas
Informative/ explanatory
(review)Metaphor,
simile,hyperbole,personification
Mood
Tone
R1.9, R3.2,
Craft
Characters
Sounds, poems
Conflict
Devices
R1.3,R3.4, R7.4, R7.6
Focus Questions
–
Major assignments
How can we define new words based
on context?
How do authors use literary details to
create text?
How can writers create an effective
narrative?
–
Portfolio Item #1 Quote Analysis
How can writers present information
effectively?
How do authors use language,
structure , and characters to create
meaning?
–
–
11-13
–
Evidence
Based and
Informational
Text
14-15
–
Research
16-17
–
Historical/
Fictional
18-19
–
Opinions
20
Genres
Midterm Exam
Identify
organize
denotation/connotation
word meaning
language
R5.6, R7.5, R8.4
–
How does evidence help writers explain
a significant event?
Develop and support a topic
Annotating
Summarizing/paraphrasing
Brainstorm, outline
Phrases
R2.1, R2.3, R2.4
How do writers present information as
the result of their research?
–
Portfolio Item #2 Research Report
(inter)
Compare /contrast
Multiple views
Poetry
R2.5, R4.1, R4.2, R4.3, R4.4,
R4.5, R4.6
Organization
Support
Precise /concise language
Writing
R7.3
Integrate
Compare media presentations
R7.1
How are language and organization
used to express a point of view?
How can different media and forms
affect our understanding?
How can writers support an analysis of
a text?
Write an opinion piece
–
Exam