• Senior Advanced English
• Senior Regular English
• Creative Writing
• Literature Through Film
• SGA

Mrs. Coneta B. Guinn

12th Grade: British Literature Syllabus

Email: cguinn@tcss.net

Room: B-134

  Course Description                                                                                                       

      In 12th grade English we think critically about texts as they relate to the human condition by exploring British Literature. Simple comprehension of a literary work’s guiding features, plot, characters, and themes is no longer the focus in a senior English class; the identification of such features should be automatic. Now, you will be asked the following: Why did the event happen? How does the structure of the plot both reinforce commonly held archetypes and break the mold with creative storytelling? How did the author develop the character to tell the story and reinforce their message? What was the author’s intended message(s) and how well did they develop them? In reference to those messages, what is your interpretation of the story’s message? How does this message apply to the time period it was written in and to the 21st century? How did the author use specific literary elements and word choice to enhance the overall theme and artistry of the literary work? You will be breaking texts down, analyzing how all the pieces fit together, and evaluating the effectiveness of the writing.

 The main focus of this course will be in developing a critical and analytical understanding of the evolution of British Literature as displayed through literature, poetry, and informational texts both written in and about the time period and texts we are studying. We will analyze these historical texts in relation to other texts from the time period and examine how this time period has come to be represented in more modern pieces of literature and historical interpretation. In addition, we will compare texts across genres, time periods, and themes to look for critical issues related to both the human condition and how British Literature spread literacy throughout the world.

 Course Goals    

This course will use the Alabama State College and Career Readiness standards as the basis for all curricular decisions. In short we will:

• Read and write critically and often using correct grammar mechanics
• Analyze literary and informational British works
• Use effective argument strategies in both speaking and writing
• Use discussion and writing as a means of advancing your understanding of course material

Required Materials                                                             

• Personal reading book [to be brought each day to class] (actual book – not on Kindle)
• College-ruled, loose leaf notebook paper for assignments to turn in
• Single subject college ruled notebook or composition notebook for Daily Warm-ups/Grammar
• Pencils, pens, and highlighters
• Your assigned iPad CHARGED AND READY (bring your charger as well)

Ongoing Instruction 

Below you will find information about instruction that will take place all year long.

• Daily Bell Work (Warm Ups)
• Informal Writing: We will continuously write informally using a variety of strategies. The goal of informal writing is to help you develop your own writing style and improve your writing stamina.
• Formal Writing: All formal writing must be typed and submitted to Turnitin. The amount of formal writing pieces per 9 weeks is subject to change.
• Advanced Students will have Book Studies - one per 9 weeks.  

   Late Work    Late assignments can be submitted. However, late work will not receive full credit. I reserve the right to change this policy, if late work becomes a constant issue.

•                                             Classroom Guidelines
   1.  Be on time - that is IN YOUR SEAT with supplies out when the tardy bell rings.
   2.  When you are in the classroom, be IN YOUR SEAT unless you have permission to be up.
   3.  Participate respectfully in class - you will have MANY daily grades.
   4.  Phones are for classwork only.  UNSCHEDULED phone use will get phones taken up… PUT                  THEM  AWAY IMMEDIATELY UPON ENTERING CLASS - THIS INCLUDES EAR BUDS. If I see a        phone or earbuds after the tardy bell, they will be taken up. 
   5.  If you don’t know, ask… I will try to help.
   6.  Agendas and info will be on the board every day - pay attention.
   7.  Be kind to each other.  

Diversity Statement  All individuals have a right to an educational environment free from bias, prejudice, and bigotry. As members of the Brookwood High School educational community, students are expected to refrain from participating in acts of harassment that are designed to demean another student’s race, gender, ethnicity, religious preference, disability or sexual orientation.

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Student Signature                                                    Printed Student Name                      Date