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About the Course
Course Outline
Students will analyse challenging literary texts from various periods, countries, and cultures, as well as a range of informational and graphic texts, and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms. An important focus will be on using language with precision and clarity and incorporating stylistic devices appropriately and effectively. The course is intended to prepare students for the compulsory Grade 12 university or college preparation course.
Prerequisite: English, Grade 10, Academic
Module 1 Overview: Analysis, Analysis - Exploring Literary Lenses
Guiding Question:What are some effective ways of reading and writing about a literary piece of work?
In this module, you will explore different methods for interpreting literature. You are likely quite familiar with the formalist method of studying texts (plot, character, setting, theme, etc.), but now you have the opportunity to stretch your wings and examine a variety of texts with a more mature, more savvy lens. You will reflect on the messages, both subtle and discreet, that rest within and on the pages of materials you will read and view. Literature, if you understand how to really find deeper, more complex meaning, explores the larger world and the ways in which people interact and connect with themselves and one another. People read to be informed, to be entertained, to be exposed to new ideas, to share in places and experiences that are not always available, or to have familiar concepts reinforced or challenged. So, literature, you are reading for growth, reflection, or possibly, personal transformation.
Module 2 Overview: Macbeth - Dominance, Deviance, And Dastardly Deeds
Guiding Question:Why does Shakespeare continue to be studied in school? Is his work still relevant? What lessons can we continue to learn from studying his works?
In this module, you will learn about one of William Shakespeare’s most famous plays, Macbeth. This particular play is very popular with theatre goers and performers for several reasons. The titular character, Macbeth, is essentially a good man who is well-received and generally admired by most people. At the height of his popularity though, he is confronted with temptation that he fails to resist. Even when he contemplates ignoring the option, he is coaxed into a serious transgression that causes his spiraling demise. For actors, both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are very complex and passionate characters who exhibit a range of emotions that are never quite controlled. For modern audiences, we don’t need to look too much further than the celebrity headlines to see similar temptations and poor choices. It is a warning that prevails to all those who dare to fly too close to the sun.
Module 3 Overview: Short Texts - A Global Perspective
Guiding Question:Why is it important to hone and refine language skills? Can’t we just keep things simple?
In this module, you will explore various text forms with a focus on styles of essays. You will be learning how to annotate, paraphrase, summarize, and synthesize information. You will also be learning to consider the audience when you are creating text forms or sharing ideas. As you will learn, some methods are better than others for sharing ideas with specific audiences. However, creativity, coupled with a masterful use of language, can appeal to others and allow for the meaningful exchange of ideas.
Module 4 Overview: Frankenstein - Friends, Families, Foes, And Fiends
Guiding Question:Who am I? What is my sense of self? How do I see myself in relation to others?
In this module, you will be reading Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. The Frankenstein monster is a well-known literary character. Whether you’ve seen him in film adaptations, children’s cartoons, or just around Halloween, you are familiar with the popularized character. However, this novel is an interesting piece because it is a gothic (and science fiction) text that was written by a young woman. By today’s standards, we would say that it’s no biggie but back then, it would be shocking to think that a refined young lady could have such horrific thoughts. She is also given credit for writing the first science fiction novel before it was a known genre. Aside from all the ethical questions the novel presents, it demonstrates the writer’s breadth of knowledge in terms of the scientific research of the time.