Course Name: Criminal Minds in Literature
Credits: 2.5
Grade 12
Course Description
From bloody murderers to thieves, this course will examine the lives and actions of some of
the most notorious criminals in literature. This course promises a thrilling study of the criminal
mind and the literary forces that give it shape. Students will read and analyze texts from
multiple perspectives focusing on the actions of the criminals and the events that trigger their
behavior and crimes. In addition to reading a variety of texts, students will write for multiple
purposes in which they analyze the motives, actions, and reactions of literary criminals.
Essential Questions
How are criminal minds portrayed through literature in various time periods and cultures?
What are the techniques used by authors in this genre to establish plot, develop character,
create mood, and convey tone?
Instructional Objectives
Students will…
• Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate
elements of a story or drama and how author’s choices contribute to the text’s overall
structure, meaning, and aesthetic impact
• Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including
figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on
meaning and tone
• Analyze multiple interpretations of a story drama or poem evaluating how each version
interprets the source text
• Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says
explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the
texts leaves matters uncertain
• Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text and analyze their
development over the course of the semester and relate them to previous texts
• Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text in which the rhetoric is
particularly effective, analyzing how style and content contribute to the power and
persuasiveness of the text
• Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse
partners on grades on relevant topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and
expressing their own clearly and persuasively
• Demonstrate mastery of grammar conventions
The Criminal Minds course is based on the MA Curriculum Framework Standards, including
the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).
Thematic Concepts
• Good vs. Evil
• Concepts of Justice
• Society and the Individual
Required Anchor Texts and Instructional Materials
• The Adventures and Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes
• Course Packet
Supplemental/Choice Texts
• After the First Death
• Medea
• Dorian Grey
• And Then There Were None
• The Tuesday Night Club
• Oliver Twist
Plagiarism Policy (excerpts taken from Plymouth Public Schools Student Handbook)
9.0 Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement
Existing copyright law will govern the use of material accessed through network. The
user will not plagiarize works found on the Internet. Plagiarism is taking the ideas or
writings of others and presenting them as if they were yours. All copyrighted material
used must have the express written permission of the person or organization that
owns the copyright.
Cheating/Plagiarism
Any student who has cheated on any academic exercise will receive no credit for that
exercise. Plagiarism is a form of cheating. A parent/guardian will be notified by the
involved teacher in all instances of cheating. The investigation of the claim of cheating
and plagiarism will involve the student, teacher, and administration.
Grading Policy and Assessment
Grades will be based on the following components:
80%
• Formal Writing Pieces (as determined by Plymouth High School Writing Guidelines)
*Prewriting, outlines, drafts, and revision assignments fall under this category
• Tests and Quizzes
• Projects
• Formal Presentations
20%
• Class Work and Homework (reading responses, notes, language practice, etc.)
• Participation (Socratic Circles, Informal Presentations, Think, Pair, Share, etc.)
“Students taking the course for Honors credit complete all of the college preparation level
requirements. Students are also required to complete additional readings, provide deeper
analysis and a broader synthesis of the material, and conduct independent research.
Specific requirements for Honors credit will be explained during the first several weeks of
the class.” (Plymouth High Schools’ Program of Studies)
Additional Information (to be teacher specific)
• Required Course Materials
• Student Expectations/Responsibilities
• Course Policies/Procedures
• Contact Information
Note: Each high school may choose to add their “School-wide Learning Expectations” as
appropriate.