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Language Arts 12

Course Number: #1705

When thinking about Medieval England, visions of battles between fire-breathing dragons and mythical creatures, fierce warriors challenging knights in shining armor, beautiful damsels waiting patiently for their rescue, and the existence of a magical kingdom with a sword encased in stone may come to mind. These Anglo-Saxon and early English Renaissance images are but a launching point in the exploration process that will gradually incorporate the development of Romanticism and Victorian literature. The year’s study will conclude with contemporary societal viewpoints as expressed in modern works of literature. Students will examine the characteristics of epic poetry, frame story, and concentric circles of narration; evaluate themes of divine providence, appearance versus reality, and the power of vengeance; investigate the philosophies of Nihilism and Modernism; and appraise the values of Utopian/Dystopian cultures. The analysis of Latin/Greek rooted vocabulary and literary terminology continues to enrich established background studies. Students will enhance their critical thinking and analytical writing skills by completing a variety of essays as well as a formal MLA documented literary criticism research paper that is a requirement for graduation.

Prerequisites: Students enrolled in this course are required to complete two summer readings: Grendel by John Gardner and Life of Pi by Yann Martel.

Credit(s): 1

Open to Grade(s): 12

Texts and Materials: The Language of Literature; Beowulf; The Canterbury Tales; Hamlet; The Tempest/The Taming of the Shrew; Frankenstein; Brave New World; Animal Farm; Latin/Greek Roots: A Study of Word Families