English 12A
Grades: 9-12
Credits: 0.50
Description
This is the first of two courses that comprise English 12. In this course, the student will take an
in-depth look at early British literature from 449 to 1798 and will examine literary forms
including the epic, poetry, drama, and the essay. The student will also read longer selections of
literature that are representative of the historical setting, including Shakespeare's Macbeth.
The student will read to gain an understanding and appreciation of the historical context from
which the literature arose. Vocabulary development and mastery of critical grammar and
communication skills prepare the student for writing creative narratives, and expository and
persuasive essays.
Units
The Anglo-Saxon Period: 449–1066
In this unit, you will read the earliest works of English literature. More than a millennium old,
many of these works were passed down orally for centuries before they were written down.
Anglo-Saxon literature includes lyric poems that express emotion, as well as the earliest epic
poem of the English language, Beowulf, which presents the adventures of a hero who is larger
than life. Additionally, you will read poems from The Exeter Book, a collection of Anglo-Saxon
poetry preserved in manuscript form and dating back to the middle of the tenth century.
Finally, you will use the writing process to compose a description based on a scene from
Beowulf.
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The Middle Ages: 1066–1485
In this unit, you will read literary works composed during the medieval era. These include
Chaucer's narrative poem The Canterbury Tales, which presents various figures of medieval
English society and the tales they tell while traveling on a long journey, and Sir Gawain and the
Green Knight, a narrative poem based on the legends of King Arthur and his court. As you read,
you will learn to analyze such literary elements as character, the narrator’s voice and
perspective, and tone. You will also learn about and examine the historical, social, and cultural
climate of the Middle Ages by identifying causes and effects. Finally, you will use the writing
process to write an allegory, an extended metaphor in the form of a short story.
Macbeth
In Unit 3, you will read Shakespeare's tragic tale of the rise and fall of Macbeth, a fierce and
loyal Scottish warrior is tempted by the prophecies of several witches and by his own ambitions
to become king. Macbeth and his wife alternately collaborate and contend over the proper
approach to achieve their ambitions. Macbeth, the tragic hero, discovers too late the dangers
of unchecked ambition. As you read, you will analyze and interpret the dramatic structure of
Macbeth, define words in context, and compose a persuasive essay.
Macbeth is the recommended play for English 12. Shakespeare's comedy Twelfth Night may be
read instead of Macbeth with prior teacher approval. Lessons and activities for Twelfth Night
will appear on the lower half of the lesson pages. Do not proceed wtih Twelfth Night unless you
have received approval from your teacher.
The Renaissance: 1485–1660
In this unit, you will read literary works composed during the English Renaissance. These
include a variety of poetic genres, including sonnets and lyric, pastoral, metaphysical, and epic
poetry. As you read, you will learn to analyze such poetic elements as speaker, figurative
language, and tone. You will also learn about and examine the historical, social, and cultural
climate of the Renaissance by making generalizations about that period. Finally, you will use the
writing process to write an expository essay on a subject of your choice.
The Restoration and the Enlightenment: 1660–1798
In this unit, you will read literary works composed during the Restoration and the
Enlightenment periods. These include a variety of fiction, nonfiction, and poetic genres
including diaries, mock epics, satires, and elegies. As you read, you will learn to analyze
elements such as point of view, irony, and imagery. You will also learn about and examine the
historical, social, and cultural climate of the Restoration and the Enlightenment by classifying
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Toll-free 888-440-2899
www.internationalconnectionsacademy.com
[email protected]
information, or arranging ideas into fitting categories. Finally, you will use the writing process to
write a poem using a specified form.
Exam
In this unit, you will have the opportunity to prepare for and take the final exam on the
concepts you learned. Since this is a comprehensive exam, it may be helpful to organize your
notes in the order of the course outline before you begin to review. Using the test-taking
strategies that you have previously learned can help you be successful with both objective and
essay questions.
Online Text/eBook
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iText British Literature
iText Frankenstein
iText Writing with Power 12 (Teal) Student Edition
International Connections Academy
1001 Fleet St. 5th Floor Baltimore MD 21202
Toll-free 888-440-2899
www.internationalconnectionsacademy.com
[email protected]