English 2 Print
We study literature to gain knowledge and understanding of its terms and techniques to enhance our appreciation of literature and our conversations with others about it. Literature has context and history which can make a difference in the amount and kind of pleasure and insight that you gain from literature. Also, according to the text, writing and discussing works of literature helps us in analyzing literature in greater depth and considering alternative views of both the works themselves and the situations and problems the works explore. Writing and discussing literature is an ongoing process that involves putting into words how and why certain works had such an effect on you and responding to what others say about it. This becomes a continual conversation because there is no single way to understanding a given text. You can explore a variety of ideas and thoughts.
Provided: Journeys in Literature Classis and Modern B
Student Sourced
Semester 1 - select from one of the following:
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston
Othello by William Shakespeare
Semester 2 –select from one of the following:
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Course Outline
Course Objectives
When you have completed this course, you will be able to:
Semester 1
Identify and analyze the theme of irony in the selected short stories.
Recognize and explain different forms of irony within the stories.
Explore how authors employ irony to convey deeper meanings and engage readers.
Compare and contrast the use of irony across different narrative structures and styles.
Develop critical thinking skills through self-guided exploration and analysis.
Analyze a specific character's use of knowledge for control in a literary work and evaluate the impact of this power dynamic on the story's plot and themes.
Examine the theme of Morality and Ethics by investigating how characters in literature grapple with moral dilemmas arising from the pursuit of knowledge.
Investigate the theme of Ignorance vs. Enlightenment by examining how literature portrays societies where the suppression of knowledge leads to ignorance and conformity.
Analyze a dystopian literary work that explores the consequences of suppressing knowledge, discuss how ignorance is enforced, and evaluate the societal impact of such suppression.
Identify and define injustice and inequality.
Analyze literary texts that address themes of injustice and inequality.
Identify themes and motifs related to injustice and inequality in literature, such as discrimination, social class disparities, gender roles, or racial injustice.
Examine how authors develop characters who are affected by or perform acts of injustice or experience inequality.
Semester 2
Recognize and articulate the different perspectives through which war is depicted and explored in literature, including personal narratives, historical reflections, moral and ethical dilemmas, metaphorical interpretations, political and societal critique, and post-war reckoning.
Gain an understanding of the historical, social, and cultural contexts in which war literature is situated, and how these contexts shape the narratives and themes in the texts.
Identify and analyze instances where war serves as a metaphor in literature to address broader themes and messages, such as the battle between good and evil, internal conflicts within characters, or societal struggles.
Develop an appreciation for literature that explores the aftermath of war, including the long-term consequences, trauma, reconciliation, and the process of rebuilding societies.
Develop the ability to reflect on the impact of war on human lives, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of the human experience during times of conflict.
Analyze the development of characters in the selected texts, particularly how they respond to adversity and what this reveals about their personalities and growth.
Examine how the setting and atmosphere contribute to the portrayal of hardship and survival in literature, and how these elements impact the characters' experiences.
Will identify and analyze the central conflicts in the texts and explore how characters attempt to resolve or navigate these conflicts.
Write analytical essays or literary analyses that demonstrate their ability to interpret and discuss the themes, characters, and literary techniques in the texts.
Demonstrate an understanding of the research process.
Develop research skills.
Write a clear and well-supported thesis statement.
Organize information and ideas effectively.
Understand and use proper MLA citation and formatting.
Demonstrate strong writing skills in relation to writing in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner, using appropriate grammar, syntax, and tone.
Revise and edit effectively.
Course Outline
Lesson 1: Irony
Lesson 2: Education and Knowledge
Lesson 3: Injustice and Inequality (Novel Choice – Pick One)
Lesson 4: Interpretations of War
Lesson 5: Hardship and Survival
Lesson 6: Planning and Writing a Research Paper