19th Century British Literature

LINK TO COURSE SYLLABUS

I. Course Description
This course looks at the development of the novel from the late eighteenth to the beginning of the twentieth century. Students will look closely at Jane Austen’s Emma, a novel of manners; Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights, a romantic novel of doom and passion; Charles Dickens’ Hard Times, with its clash of Victorian ideas; and end with Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles, with its naïve social optimism overwhelmed by impersonal forces. This course carries AP credit.

II. Courses Outline
Vocabulary/Grammar
• vocabulary studies from literature read throughout course
• literary terms and devices
• curriculum will be guided by needs as determined in students writing
• mini-lessons
• quizzes on individual concepts
Writing
• daily writing in Writer’s Notebook (topics from literature, creative topics, and free writing).
• frequent analytical in –class essays
• longer, more in-depth analytical, expository and creative essay/paper
Literature
• Jane Austen, Emma
• Emily Bronte, Wuthering Heights
• Charles Dickens, Hard Times
• Thomas Hardy, Tess of the d’Urbervilles
• IRP (selected from the teacher’s list)

III. Essential Questions
Writing:
• How do you expand and support your ideas in writing to move beyond a superficial analysis of literature?
Literature:
• What is the relationship between history and literature?
IV. Process:
Students will gain thinking skills through study and activities which promote:
• critical/analytical reasoning
• moral/ethical/philosophical reasoning
• productive/creative reasoning by analyzing human activities and interdisciplinary connections of:
o History/Politics
o Literature/Arts
o Religion/Philosophy
o Daily Life
Students will:
• participate in activities that promote understanding of cultural diversity
• work individually and in small groups
• employ research skills
• participate in activities that lead to a better understanding of the past, examining its relationship to the present and extrapolating into the future present as well as understand the paradigms and traditions under grid social and political systems.

V. Assessment Methods:
• Essays of various lengths and types
• Creative writing
• Tests
• Projects/Presentations
• Class participation
• Quizzes
• Class discussion

VI. Materials:
1. Black and white Composition book: this will be used as your Writer’s Notebook. This composition book MUST be brought to class DAILY and must be used for my class ONLY.
2. 3 Ring Binder with 2 dividers and loose-leaf paper. Dividers must be labeled: Literary Notes, and Writing.
3. All novels, as determined by the teacher.

VII. Student Responsibilities/Course Policies
1. All guidelines in the student handbook WILL be enforced. (We will thoroughly discuss issues such as plagiarism, receiving on-line help, and using the lap tops during class.) Failure to comply will result in a ZERO on the individual assignment and/or an Honor Council Violation.
2. COMPLETE and turn in ALL assignments. Assignments are collected at the BEGINNING of the period. Students will NOT be allowed to go to their lockers or the computer lab to retrieve their assignments once class has started. Late work will lose a letter grade the first day it is late and 50% for the second day it is late. Work can not be turned in for any credit after the second day.
3. Respect each other’s right to a pleasant and comfortable learning environment.
4. Come to class PREPARED and ON TIME. Students who are not prepared or on time will be subjected to a penalty—either a grade deduction or as otherwise determined by the teacher.
5. Make up any missed work due to EXCUSED absences immediately. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GET ANY MISSED ASSIGNMENTS AND NOTES.
Make-up work, due to an EXCUSED absence, MUST be turned in the on the second day of the students return. *Assignments that have been assigned PRIOR to a student’s absence MUST be turned in on the day of return. Missed tests/quizzes must be made up the next day. All tests are to be made up at the teacher’s convenience.
6. Seek help from the teacher outside of class when needed. (I will be happy to help you outside of class; however, it is your responsibility to come to me for help before your grade is in jeopardy.)

VIII. Grading:
Literature Tests/Major Projects 15%
In-class Essays 30%
Out of class essay 20%
Homework, class work and participation 20%
Oral Presentations 5%
Quizzes 10%