Course Name: The Short Story
Credits: 2.5
Grade 12
Course Description
Students will examine short stories by authors from various cultures and time periods
(including contemporary short stories from current publications), focusing on author’s craft
and style and on the use of structure and literary devices. Students will not only write
informatively and analytically in exploring these stories, but will also use these pieces as
model texts, informing the writing of their own short stories.
Essential Questions
How do short story writers employ their techniques to master the craft of the short story?
What is it about a story that makes it worth telling?
Instructional Objectives
Students will…
• Utilize the stages of the writing process (pre-writing, out-lining, drafting,
editing/revising, publishing, reflection)
• Write for various purposes and audiences
• Write in multiple formats, including creative, persuasive, and reading reflections
• Utilize the steps of the research process in papers and presentations
• Demonstrate knowledge of correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Utilize various forms of technology for research, writing, editing, and publishing
• Utilize proper MLA format when appropriate
• Connect themes in a range of texts across genres
• Provide critical analysis, both written and oral
• Analyze how writers use rhetorical techniques to convey ideas and information
• Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown words and phrases based on The Short
Story course readings, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies
• Develop speaking and listening skills through Socratic seminars and oral presentations
The Short Story course is based on the MA Curriculum Framework Standards, including the
Common Core State Standards (CCSS).
Thematic Concepts
Coming of Age
Complexity of Relationships
Choices and Responsibilities
Discrimination and Empowerment
Required Anchor Texts and Instructional Materials
• The Seagull Reader: Stories (2nd edition, paperback)
Supplemental/Choice Texts
• A Sound of Thunder & Other Stories
• Great Stories by American Women
• Tales of Terror & Detection by Edgar Allan Poe
• Young Goodman Brown & Other Stories by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• Other short stories as selected by instructor
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.