English 12

This course combines an exploration of major American and World works with writing skill development needed by the college-bound student. Students will investigate certain texts with greater depth and focus through a variety of assignments. Requirements include class discussion, short critical papers, research, presentations, essays, tests, quizzes, and nightly reading and notes. Students will become more sophisticated in their essay-writing skills through logical and coherent development of ideas, as well as the synthesis of multiple sources and depth of analysis. Requirements include nightly readings (approx. 30-40 pages per night for honors 20-30 for cp), class discussion, in-class writing, literary analysis essays, and research project(s) with accompanying oral presentation(s). In this course of studies, we will endeavor to understand people. We will encounter in our readings many people along the spectrum of human experience in this country and other countries. We will traverse time periods, regions, and cultural zones. What we hope to see in the end, is those universal human concerns, manifest in both positive and negative human traits, which bind us together rather than separate us. The thematic focus of English 12 is the complexity of identity. Students will be exposed to many readings and writings that explore identity and answer the question: What is the relationship between identity, experiences, perceptions, and societal roles?

**Please note that our curricula are under constant review and may be adjusted to suit the needs of our students. These changes may take place more quickly than can be reflected on this site at a given moment in time. We will update periodically.

Course Enduring Understandings:

1. In this course of studies, we will endeavor to understand people. We will encounter in our readings many people along the spectrum of human experience in this country and other countries. We will traverse time periods, regions, and cultural zones. What we hope to see in the end, is those universal human concerns, manifest in both positive and negative human traits, which bind us together rather than separate us.

2. Discussing literature is a forum for people to find their own voices, develop and defend their ideas, as well as to consider varied opinions and participate in the open exchange of ideas.

3. The values of a people and their culture are reflected in their literature.

4. Literature is a means for people to explore and understand themselves and the world.

5. Effective communication of ideas about literature must be clear and organized, adhere to standards of modern English, and show understanding of an author's purpose.

Unit 1: Exploring Personal Identity

Unit 2: Identity, Societal Expectations, and Resistance

Unit 3: Cultural and Familial/Family Identity

Literature Circle Unit: Students select books and read as small groups

Choice Unit: Students choose a literary work that features a complex main character and conduct a detailed analysis of how the author develops this complexity.

Likely Core Texts: The Stranger, Brave New World, 1984, Homegoing, Cat's Cradle, The Glass Castle, The Piano Lesson, Death of a Salesman, 12 Angry Men, The Road, Othello

Things Fall Apart, The Tortilla Curtain, Assorted short pieces.

*additions and substitutions are occasionally made and the order is subject to change

Student Choice Unit Archival Site click to view website

World Novels Student Choices-Expanding the Canon

Grading Weights:

Essays/Tests 50%

Written Responses/Journals 30%

Hmwk/Classwork/Quizzes 20%

Parent/Student Survey for English 12:

Scroll down for a brief survey through which you can share your input to help us improve the student experience with the HHS English Department. You can also view the targeted writing skills for this year. This is not an exhaustive list, rather a list of priorities.