Course Description

Overview

How do I fit into this world? Why are there so many rules? What can one person do, anyway? At one point in time most of us have asked these questions. The balance, or imbalance, between the needs of the individual and the needs of society has been the subject of writers for eons- from Sophocles to Paul Beatty. In English 7, we will explore this topic through reading, discussion, and writing.

This course has been designed to build independence in reading and writing strategies. Throughout the year, students will be expected to master skills that address the Common Core Standards for English Language Arts. You may read more about those skills here.

Using a constructivist model of education, students will become empowered to tackle challenging texts and take risks as writers.

Reading List

Our reading list draws from contemporary works of several genres. Students will read a variety of poems, fiction, nonfiction, drama, and memoir. Each piece is chosen with an eye to exploration of the relationship of the individual to society. A significant portion of a student's reading will be self selected. Some of the longer works of literature include:

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Christina Lamb and Malala Yousafzai

Writing

Students will be expected to write analytical, expository, and creative texts. Throughout these activities, they will be supported by their peers using a workshop model. Students will be expected to set goals for themselves, and to reflect on their growth as a writer, noting the tools and strategies that work best for them.