Perspectives in British Commonwealth Language and Literature is the required sophomore English course. The main aim of the course is to explore the power of language and the commonality of human experience through a comparative study of written and oral expression. English II builds on the English I curriculum, which focuses on forging independent identities of a personal and cultural nature and on the fundamental elements of literature and composition. English II broadens the scope of English I to include a wider variety of literary genres and to examine more closely authors’ language, techniques, and styles. The texts studied in this course draw heavily from the literature of the former and existing nations of the British Commonwealth. The course emphasizes the use of language; authors’ approaches to subject and genre; thematic connections spanning temporal, social, national, and cultural distances; and growth from the personal perspective to the universal one.
The study of literature is complemented by an emphasis on the writing process to develop skills in expository prose, personal, narrative, and research-based writing. Students also develop an extended understanding of the contextual use of grammar and vocabulary. Incorporating a variety of pedagogical approaches, the course provides experience in all forms of communication: reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing.
Beowulf translated by Ian Serraillier
Grendel by John Gardner (text excerpts)
the curious incident of the dog of the night-time by Mark Haddon
Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Macbeth by William Shakespeare
Respect each other, our classroom, and ourselves
Listen, share and remain open minded to learning about other's experiences
Abide by the policies listed in the WHS Student Handbook
Be punctual, prepared, and positive about your opportunity to learn each day
Hero and the anti-hero- Beowulf and Grendel
Duality of Human Nature- Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde and Lord of the Flies
Power & Corruption - Macbeth
Commonwealth Voices - Invictus & research skills
Rebels, Mavericks & Pioneers- the curious incident of the dog in the night-time
Sophmore Research Paper
Gradebook:
You will have at least ten (10) opportunities to earn points in each marking period. The points earned/points possible will determine your marking period average.
Assignment Categories:
Class Participation (general participation 2x/mp; graded discussion, debate, presentations)
Assessments (formal and informal writing assignments; quizzes; tests)
Projects (individual and small group; the Junior Research Paper process/product)
Homework (includes both graded and "checked" assignments)
Anticipate a formal midterm and final exam for this course.
Late Work:
Homework/Classwork: 50% credit, if submitted late. No credit will be earned one week past the original due date.
Essays/Projects: 10% credit deduction every day after the assignment's original due date.
Academic Integrity.
Any work that violates the Academic Integrity Standards set forth in the student handbook will not be eligible to earn credit
Absences:
If you are absent for a presentation, graded discussion, or other formal activity, we expect to be notified before class begins so we can make accommodations.
Check out Google Classroom for what you missed in class and ask a classmate, before emailing us.
Absent for the day due to illness, family emergency, religious event, etc?
You will have one school day per day absent to make up the work.
Absent from class due to a school field trip, chorus/band event, sport or activity?
Please email us of your absence prior to class and make up the missed work. You are still accountable for the night's homework and upcoming deadlines.
Absent for 3 or more days in a row?
Please email us to check in, if you can, and please feel free to set up a time to review what you missed in class with us and set up a schedule for submitting missed work.