Popular Literature
This is a semi-autonomous one term class for students that love reading. Over the course of the term, students read four texts, write and publish reviews, reach out to authors, and do close literary analysis.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above
½ credit
Course Objectives
This is a highly independent course focusing on individualized reading of contemporary fiction novels. You will be reading, and analyzing your reading for topics such as theme, symbolism, characterization, plot, setting, and structure. You will be responsible for literary snapshots, letters, book reviews, and blog posts during this term with a strong focus on writing and analysis.
Necessary Materials
1) A planner/organizer
2) Notebook
3) Pens and pencils.
4) Binder to keep work/notes in
5) Highlighters
6) Chromebook
Rules and Expectations
All students are to adhere to rules and expectations set by the Pittsville Student Handbook. In addition:
Students should arrive to class on time every day ready to give their best effort. This means having all materials as well as a learning-centered mindset.
Students are expected to be respectful of all people, spaces, and materials.
Students are expected to follow the Academic Integrity Policy.
Grading Policy
Blog Posts and book reviews (Assessments)............………………………….……….……..100%
Note: The snapshots and letters to authors, while not ‘graded,’ are designed to help students build and practice knowledge and skills that are necessary for the skills being assessed. Assessments will not be accepted until other work is completed satisfactorily.
Grading Scale
100 – 93 A
92 – 90 A-
89 – 87 B+
86 – 83 B
82 – 80 B-
79 – 77 C+
76 – 73 C
72 – 70 C-
69 – 67 D+
66 – 63 D
62 – 60 D-
Below 60 F
Essential Standards Covered in Class
RL.1 - Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain
RL.2 - Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one another to produce a complex account; provide an objective summary of the text.
RL.3 - Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story or drama (e.g., where a story is set, how the action is ordered, how the characters are introduced and developed)
RL. 4 - Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful. (Include Shakespeare as well as other authors.)
RL.5 - Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure specific parts of a text (e.g., the choice of where to begin or end a story, the choice to provide a comedic or tragic resolution) contribute to its overall structure and meaning as well as its aesthetic impact.
RL.6 - Analyze a case in which grasping point of view requires distinguishing what is directly stated in a text from what is really meant (e.g., satire, sarcasm, irony, or understatement).
W.4 - . Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
W.5 - With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed
W.6 - Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas efficiently as well as to interact and collaborate with others.