English Course Outline Grade10-12

Instructor: Linda Brown

Overview of Course:

I. Literature- The primary goal of this course is to read a lot, and to enjoy it! We will read and analyze many types of literature; the classics, as well as popular literature. The students will study the elements of the novels, and we will discuss the lessons taught in each story. They will also examine short stories and poems, for content as well as form. The literature we will read may include the following, as well as others:

a. The Chosen, by Chaim Potok

b. Cyrano de Bergerac, by Edmond Rostand

c. Born Again, by Charles Colson

d. Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde

e. Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck

f. Good Earth, by Pearl S. Buck

e. Shakespeare

f. Poetry and short stories

II. Writing- An important follow-up to reading is writing. The goal is for the students to learn to express their ideas thoughtfully and concisely. We will practice using the writing process in producing various types of compositions. Grammar, sentence and paragraph formation, and composition skills will be taught through their writing. The students will build a large portfolio of work.

III. Vocabulary- The students will build their vocabulary in a number of ways. We will discuss new words that are in the literature we read, and will also have a list of words each week to study. We will use tools to help the students learn the words, such as looking at their derivations, and making word pictures. We will also write with the words so the students learn how to use them in context.

IV. Public Speaking- This is a crucial tool for the students for the future. They will have opportunities to learn about projection, diction, and presentation. They will give speeches, participate in debates, and perform in acting roles.