Explorations in British Literature
Taught by Mrs. Stanley / [email protected] / (630) 299-2338
Required Texts:
Required Materials:
Course Overview:
Adventures in English Literature, Athena Edition
1 spiral or wireless notebook (for English only)
1 two-pocket folder (for homework and returned work)
1 pack of 450 3” x 3” Post-it notes (or similar brand)
1 three-ring binder (for English only)
Pens and pencils
A soft-cover dictionary or dictionary app
This course is a year-long college preparatory course, divided into two
semesters, open to juniors and seniors. Great English writers are studied in
chronological order. Selected masterpieces are emphasized. Grammar,
vocabulary, and writing activities will be incorporated into units centered
on time periods in English literature. Requirements include two major
papers per semester, a research paper (second semester), one oral
presentation per semester, the reading of one book for outside reading
per quarter, and a formal book report each semester.
Grading:
The approximate breakdown of the grading in this class is:
Reading & Writing Activities
30%
Quizzes & Tests
Other Policies:
25%
Essays & Projects
25%
Participation
20%
Students must bring their book and notebook to class every day.
Students should expect daily reading quizzes and/or homework.
Notes will not be provided for students if they miss class. It is each student’s
responsibility to get notes from a reliable classmate.
Make-up work is students’ responsibility as well. After an excused absence,
students will have one week to make up missed work and turn it in before the grade
for the missing assignment turns to a zero. If a student has an unexcused absence,
make-up work is not allowed. This applies to unexcused tardies as well.
Week-by-Week Overview
(This is merely a plan. Pay attention in class for actual due dates.)
8/22-8/26
Introductions & Assessments (Writing, Gates-McGinitie)
8/29-9/2
Introduction to Anglo-Saxons, A-S Riddles, “The Seafarer”
9/5-9/9
(No School- Mon.) Beowulf – Reading & Activities
9/12-9/16
Beowulf – Reading & Activities
9/19-9/23
Beowulf – Literary Analysis Essay, 4-1/2 Wk. Assessment, Movie
9/26-9/30
Culminating Activities for Beowulf, Introduction to Medieval Period & Canterbury Tales
10/3-10/7
Canterbury Tales – Reading & Activities
10/10-10/14
(No School- Mon. or Tues.) Canterbury Tales – Culminating Activities
10/17-10/21
Medieval Ballads, Arthurian Legends, 4-1/2 Wk. Assessment; 1ST QUARTER ENDS
10/24-10/28
Culminating Activities for Medieval Period, Book Report Presentations
10/31-11/4
Introduction to Renaissance Period & Macbeth
11/7-11/11
(No School- Fri.) Macbeth – Reading & Activities
11/14-11/18
Macbeth – Reading & Activities (No School Next Week- Thanksgiving & P/T Conferences)
11/28-12/2
Macbeth – Reading & Activities, 4-1/2 Wk. Assessment
12/5-12/9
Macbeth – Culminating Activities
12/12-12/16
Macbeth – Persuasive Essay, Elizabethan Lyrical Poetry (No School- Next 2 Weeks)
1/2-1/6
(No School- Mon.) Renaissance Period – Culminating Activities, 4-1/2 Wk. Assessment
1/9-1/13
Final Exam – Review & Test
Explorations in British Literature
Please sign and return to Mrs. Stanley by 8/24.
FOR STUDENTS:
I have read the course expectations and agree to abide by them.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
(student’s signature)
(printed name)
(date)
Please write any concerns or questions you have here.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
FOR PARENT OR GUARDIAN:
I understand the course expectations and agree to support my student in his/her efforts in this class.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
(parent/guardian’s signature)
(printed name)
(contact number or email)
Please write any concerns or questions you have here.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Thank you! I am looking forward to a fantastic year!