English IV

British Literature at Woods ~ Our selected texts reveal the evolution of the British literary tradition from its inception to the modern era, with representative works from major periods. Emphasis will be on the indelible effect of this literary heritage on American arts, letters, history and even contemporary life.

 Assignments vary in form, but require frequent reading and writing outside of class. Be prepared to write essays and informal pieces, read nightly, and study and learn new vocabulary. We will have quizzes in class (some announced, some not) and tests at the end of most of our books. Please see the chart below for details on the grading breakdown.

General reading timeline

    (Please note that this is subject to adjustment as we go through the year)

1^st term

Beowulf

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Elizabethan poetry (selected)

Macbeth by William Shakespeare

2^nd term

Hamlet  by William Shakespeare

Romantic poets (Wordsworth, Byron, Shelley)

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

3^rd term

 WWI poetry (Owens, Sassoon)

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

About the Senior Research Project: Seniors will define and research an area of especial interest, and prepare a written and an oral presentation. We’ll discuss choosing a topic and the details of this project during the first trimester – the bulk of the work will take place during the second and third trimesters in conjunction with (not “instead of”) regular class work. More information to follow!

Classroom expectations

• Students will participate in class activities and discussion, reading in and outside of class, and other assigned work, every day

• Students will be respectful members of the classroom and school community.

• Students will be responsible for their work.

Logistics and details

Supplies needed:

Pens and pencils

Spiral or composition notebook dedicated for journal

Section or binder for notes, handouts, loose paper

Loose-leaf paper

Planner / homework diary

Homework:

Homework will vary according to what we do in class. Students must make every effort to complete their homework on time; late work will be marked down 5 points per day – NO EXCEPTIONS. Please have your work printed and ready to hand in at the start of class; points will be deducted from that time.

Missing work:

If students miss school, they must ask for any missed work. Make-up time will be granted for excused absences.

Tardiness is not acceptable. Students who are late to class 3 times in a marking period will be assigned after school detention.

Trimester grading breakdown:

Final grading breakdown: