World Novels
This course combines a general survey of major works of the last two centuries with a strong emphasis on formal and informal writing about literature. The literature of the course emphasizes, but is not limited to, representative novels by significant world writers-- Camus, Achebe, Marquez, Kafka and others. There is also significant opportunity for student voice and choice in selection of material and assessment type for at least two units. Students will become more sophisticated in their essay-writing skills through logical and coherent development of ideas, as well as the incorporation of multiple sources and depth of analysis.
**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:
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.
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. Modernism is a movement spanning the first half of the twentieth century which focuses on humans' identity crises, despair, isolation, fear, cynicism, alienation, existential angst, spiritual and religious doubt, etc. that cause them to reexamine their beliefs and assumptions.
2. Modernism is a movement spanning the first half of the twentieth century which focuses on humans' identity crises, despair, isolation, fear, cynicism, alienation, existential angst, spiritual and religious doubt, etc. that cause them to reexamine their beliefs and assumptions.
3. The massive destruction of two world wars and many other conflicts tore down not only buildings, people, nations, and landscapes, it tore down institutions and ideas, which led to experimentation in all walks of life, art, and beliefs.
3. The massive destruction of two world wars and many other conflicts tore down not only buildings, people, nations, and landscapes, it tore down institutions and ideas, which led to experimentation in all walks of life, art, and beliefs.
4. 20th century human beings dealt with the tumultuous world in which they lived in various ways. In the novels (modern, existential, and post-modern) studied in this course, some reexamine, some run away, some do nothing but wallow in their own despair, some create alternate universes and realities.
4. 20th century human beings dealt with the tumultuous world in which they lived in various ways. In the novels (modern, existential, and post-modern) studied in this course, some reexamine, some run away, some do nothing but wallow in their own despair, some create alternate universes and realities.
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.
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.
Absurdism/Existentialism--The Stranger
Absurdism/Existentialism--The Stranger
Utopia/Dystopia--Brave New World/1984
Utopia/Dystopia--Brave New World/1984
Legacy of Colonialism--Things Fall Apart/(Heart of Darkness)
Legacy of Colonialism--Things Fall Apart/(Heart of Darkness)
Homegoing--Yaa Gyasi (Reconciliation /5 Generations of family from Ghana)
Homegoing--Yaa Gyasi (Reconciliation /5 Generations of family from Ghana)
Identity in a Postmodern World--The English Patient/Grendel
Identity in a Postmodern World--The English Patient/Grendel
Magic Realism--100 Years of Solitude
Magic Realism--100 Years of Solitude
Student Choice Unit(s): one or two as time allows
Student Choice Unit(s): one or two as time allows
*additions and substitutions are occasionally made and the order is subject to change
Student Choice Unit Archival Site click to view website
Student Choice Unit Archival Site click to view website
Grading Weights:
Grading Weights:
Essays/Tests 50%
Written Responses/Journals 30%
Hmwk/Classwork/Quizzes 20%
Parent/Student Survey for English 12:
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.