Unit 1-The Building Blocks Literature
- Required Reading: Short fiction selections from the text book and other
sources
- Key literature concepts through vocabulary study
- A look at the difference between summarizing, a close reading, and analysis
- How to Write About Literature
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Unit 2-An Introduction to Poetry
- Modern Poetry Study-a variety of poems and songs will be selected by the
teacher & students
- Elements of Poetry & Poetry Analysis
- Informal Poetry Writing
- I Poetry Project & Essay
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Unit 3-The Art of Story Telling: Myths
- Required Reading: The Odyssey, by Homer; Elements of Literature p. 889
- Learning the Hero’s Journey and its impact on modern literature
- Socratic Circles
- Essay: Comparative Film Study with the Text
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Unit 4-Classic Poetry
- Required Readings: Sonnet Study-teacher selected sonnets
- Elements of Poetry & Poetry Analysis Continued
- Poetry Writing
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Unit 5-“The Destruction of Innocence”
- Required Reading: The Tragedy of Romeo & Juliet, by William Shakespeare;
Elements of Literature p. 735
- Tracing literary elements across the text and through time
- How Shakespeare breaks theatrical and literary conventions of his time
- Role Play, Reader’s Theatre, Round Table Discussion
- Argumentative Essay
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Unit 6-Piecing Society: A Historical Approach to Literature
- Required Reading: Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck
- Historical look at the influence of setting on plot, characters, themes etc.
- Literary Analysis Essay
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Unit 7-Truth vs. Perception: A Non-fiction Look At
Marginalized Adolescents
- Required Reading: Monster, by Walter Dean Myers
- Modern Issues & Media ( a concentration of non-fiction readings and media)
- Court Room Trial and Role Play
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