English 1201
Assignment Details
Short Stories:
Short stories are a wonderful literary genre for people who wish to ‘get back in the game’ of reading. They can be enjoyed in a single sitting and you can enjoy the best elements of literature, without the time investment.
During this unit, we will focus on our analysis of 5 different short stories through a process of math class-like drill. The unit workbook will help solidify your ability to complete various types of standard exam-type questions. The unit will take approximately 3-4 weeks to complete.
Animal Farm:
This novella is a classic for many reasons. It’s not JUST a story about animals who take over a farm. It’s not JUST an allegory for the Russian Revolution. It’s a fable that teaches us a valuable lesson for our modern society. Greed, corruption and the dangers of ignorance and apathy are as important today as they’ve ever been. Orwell’s allegorical fable is meant to be a cautionary tale. Beware of greed! It will dissolve your moral high ground!
Poetry:
Poetry has been defined as “elevated thought in elevated language.” Although many people may be intimidated by poetry and the study of poetry, it’s important to remember that a poem is only as effective as the personal experience that the reader brings to it. In other words, a poem means what you perceive it to mean. Every emotion of human experience may be conveyed through poetry. Enjoy how poetry builds your vocabulary, empathy, and inferential thought.
Be sure to check out the terms and definitions available on the course notes page.
Poetry Worksheets #3 & #4
Children's Story Read Alouds:
Children’s Story Read-Alouds: Children’s stories are fabulous places to begin gaining comfort in public speaking. Low level vocabulary, familiar texts, and if necessary, the freedom to be silly can all help us find comfort in an often anxious context.
During this unit, we will examine several celebrities, reading children’s stories; some good, some not so good. t’s up to you to assess them using the rubric similar to the one that I will use when you read your chosen story for the class.
Access the Celebrity read alouds here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC4JRPRNO60
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NjDUMeBaUo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mSkVnyJsy4&t=46s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzGTSP0J77g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBuXT-3AXOM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7j0OY3236jw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9mryuEKkKc
Celebrity Read Aloud Rubric Form
Literary Essays:
Rationale: The Essay is a genre of literature that serves multiple purposes: to explain, to express an opinion, to enact social change, to describe a scene, or to tell a story. Throughout this unit we will study and analyze essays in their various forms and consider their effectiveness in providing valuable information in a variety of contexts and styles. Its versatility is its charm :-)
* Make sure you have the class notes for this topic.
Worksheet #1 - Maybe Zombies Can Save Us From Our Comforts
Worksheet #2 - iPhone Left in Hot Car
Worksheet #3 - Only Speak Like a Human
To Kill a Mockingbird:
Rationale: Rarely is there a book as loved and revered as this classic. Inspired by the events in Scottsboro, Alabama, this is not just a story about racial injustices during the Great Depression. This is a novel that has stood the test of time because the issues that are illuminated by this story help us see our own judgement of others, and also gives us hope that we can all rise above. Although this novel is a classic bildungsroman told from a child’s perspective, our hero is Atticus who truly represents the best of mankind; intelligent, noble, kind, compassionate, responsible.
To Kill a Mockingbird - unit workbook
A Midsummer Night's Dream:
Rationale: Throughout your school career you will likely have plenty of opportunities to experience and study Shakespearean tragedies. Midsummer Night’s Dream breaks the typical mould of the heavy-hearted tragedies of the curriculum (hmm. That phrase sounds funny as I type it), and takes us on a light-hearted and comical romp through the forest where we can see Shakespeare create and unfold a tangled (and comical) web. Along the way, he’ll teach us some lessons about the nature of love. “What fools these mortals be!”
When in doubt, be sure to consult some handy online references to help you sort out ol’ Bill Shakespeare’s gobbledygook language.
NoFearShakespeare http://nfs.sparknotes.com/msnd/
Shmoop http://www.shmoop.com/midsummer-nights-dream/
A Midsummer Night's Dream Workbook