Older, Wiser: Sophomores, this is your information portal for all things English II. Below is the course description.
Purpose: The tenth-grade program builds upon the close reading and composition skills introduced and practiced in the ninth grade and provides sustained training in analytical writing. The course broadens students' familiarity with major literary genres, traditions, and writers.
Reading:
Novels |
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Gulliver's Travels (Swift) |
18th c. |
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The Unvanquished (Faulkner) |
20th c. |
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When Rain Clouds Gather (Head) |
20th c. |
Short Fiction |
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Heart of Darkness (Conrad) |
20th c. |
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The Metamorphosis (Kafka) |
20th c. |
Plays |
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Oedipus the King (Sophocles) |
5th c. B.C.E. |
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Hamlet (Shakespeare) |
17 th c. |
Short Stories |
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The Norton Anthology of Short Fiction |
19-20th c. |
Essays |
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Eight Modern Essayists |
20th c. |
Poetry |
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Norton Anthology of Poetry |
14th to 21st c. |
Class Discussions: These are a crucial part of the course, and each student is responsible for coming to class ready to participate.
Essays: During the year the students will write approximately ten essays, some in class and others at home. All essays must be either typed or written in ink on one side of the paper only. Many of you will be using your computers for at-home essays; as you are proofreading these papers, do not rely solely on spell check. Essays are to be turned in on time; late essays will be penalized according to the lateness policy of the English Department. Students should carefully note all errors of grammar, punctuation, spelling, and usage on their returned essays. Students may also revise at-home essays; any revised essays must be submitted to the instructor in a timely manner after receiving the graded essay. Substantial revisions may result in an improved grade for the
assignment.
Vocabulary: Our vocabulary work will be based on Vocabulary from Classical Roots, D and E. There will be weekly quizzes and regular review tests.
Grammar: Formal grammar work will be done in The Red Grammar Book and College Entrance Review in English. There will be two grammar tests each semester.
Grading: The grade for the course will be based largely on the essays but will also include quizzes, tests, the final examination, and class participation. Cutting class may lower one's grade, and plagiarism--using someone elses' words or ideas without identifying the sourcew--ill, at the very least, lower ones' grade. Talking with and listening to others stimulates learning, but your written work must reflect your own thoughtful effort. Keep in mind that all submitted work is subject to being scanned through Turniton.com (a plagiarism checking program).
Conferences: Individual or group conferences on writing, reading, and all other matters may be arranged according to shared free time. Please make appointments for conferences, and bring your work with you.
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