12/19/2014

English 12 Syllabus
The English Literary Tradition and Social Issues in Literature
Mr. Adams
Neville Adams
Room 241
Email:
Neville.adams@pgcps.org
nevillemuse@yahoo.com
Website(s):
http://nevilleadams.weebly.com/
http://www.lyrikalstorm.org/
2014-2015
Overview:
English 12 is a course designed to allow students the opportunity to read, interpret, and analyze various works
the instructors have selected to demonstrate major concepts, themes, intellectual trends, and literary forms found
throughout the course of English literary history. Students will study works from the very beginnings of English
literature in the Anglo-Saxon era to the modern and post-modern works of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. In
addition to the study of English literary history, students will be required to complete a major research project.
Throughout the year, students will complete at least 8 writing projects on a variety of subjects, including the research
project and a personal narrative. All activities and course work were chosen in order to prepare students for their
university careers.
Class materials needed:
3 ring binder
A rainbow of highlighter colors
Loose-leaf college-lined paper
Pens/pencils
Post-it notes (to make notations in books)
Class Activities:
The class activities listed below are based upon the Maryland Core Learning Goals and Skills for Success:
Writing: Students will build their critical thinking and writing skills through the completion of at least 8 writing
assignments, including essays analyzing literary works, satiric essays, personal/college application essays, character
analyses, and a research project. Students will also be expected to explain personal responses to literary works,
compare or assess different works or ideas, and express and explain original ideas. These writings will incorporate
past and present social issues as identified in the literature.
Speaking/Listening: Students will be expected to participate in class discussions and present information, both
individually and in groups.
Grammar: Grammar and sentence diagramming will be reviewed and sentences analyzed in order to help students
refine their writing skills.
Vocabulary: Students will develop vocabulary through the study of literature. Students will also be expected to
master specialized terms related to rhetoric and literary studies.
Texts and Units:
Main Text: Houghton/Mifflin/Harcourt : Collections 12
Other works (Subject to substitution): Macbeth by William Shakespeare

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One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest by Ken Kesey
Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
The Stranger by Albert Camus
A Dolls House by Henrik Ibsen
Fences by August Wilson

Expectations:
To be successful in this class students must demonstrate an ability to express ideas with clarity, coherence,
conciseness, precision, and fluency in both written and oral communication; demonstrate a sound command of the
language appropriate for the study of literature and a discriminating appreciation of the need for an effective choice
of register and style in both written and oral communication; demonstrate a sound approach to literature through
consideration of the works studied; demonstrate an appreciation of similarities and differences between literary works
from different ages and/or cultures; demonstrate a proficient ability to engage in independent textual commentary on
both familiar and unfamiliar pieces of writing; demonstrate an ability to structure ideas and arguments, both orally
and in writing, in a sustained, persuasive and sophisticated way, and to support them with precise and relevant
examples; and express a personal response to literature and show the ability to engage in independent literary
criticism.
Any student who receives a failing grade during the course is urged to discuss this with the teacher. Additional help
for the class can be scheduled after school by appointment. Any student or parent who has concerns should arrange
for a conference by calling the school office.

Class policies concerning attendance, discipline and exam exemptions are stated in the Student Handbook and in the
Student Code of Conduct.

Grading:
The grading scale:
90 100 = A
80 89 = B
70 79 = C
60 69 = D
0 59 = E

Grading:
Tests, Quizzes, and Oral Presentations
Homework
Classwork

50%
25%
25%.

Any extra credit will be based on written assignments.

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Make-up work must be completed within five school days of the original assignment and require a written
excuse. I realize scheduling problems do occur; therefore, I will attempt to accommodate any student who
has a legitimate conflict.