Introduction to Literature and Composition 1: Nonfiction, Epic Poetry and the Novel

Introduction to Literature and Composition 2 Honors Spring Semester, 2009-2010 Instructor: Michael Thornton email: [email protected] voicemail: 720.424.1794 website: http://dsa.dpsk12.org room: B202 office: B204 This required literature and composition course explores the genres of poetry, drama, epic poetry, the short story, novel and nonfiction. We will work on composition, comprehension, oral communication and reference skills. Grammar, vocabulary and knowledge of literary terms will be emphasized as part of the composition exercises. Creative writing and oral presentations will be required as part of the class. Materials, Products, and Expectations Notebook (three-ring binder or divided notebook, brought to class daily):  journal of reflections on independent reading  literary terms and vocabulary, including synonyms  class writing assignments  grammar rules  literary theories  traits of Genres and Heroes Class Reading and Writing: discussions and writing exercises  follow handouts and read during class  participate in discussions and writing forums Independent Reading and Writing:  Literary Response  Creative Writing  Research Paper Expectations: In this class we will read poetry, epic poetry, short stories, plays, novels and nonfiction. These pieces will provide the basis for our discussions in class and models for writing. Much of the work will be done in class, but the independent reading and writing will also demand out-of-class work. You will have to borrow books from the library or purchase books. More detailed assignments on the independent reading and writing will be distributed throughout the semester. All assignments will be posted on the class website, with links to downloads. Assignments are also described in Infinite Campus. If you miss a class, you are responsible for making up missed material. In-class essay questions and quizzes on required reading should be made up before the next class period after returning to school. Late work will be penalized 10% of the grade on the assignment. If you miss a class presentation by a group you are a member of, you will not receive the participation points that the group receives. Any exceptions to these rules require the instructor’s permission in advance. The grading scale for this class is defined by the school district: A = 93-100% C+ = 77-79% A- = 90-92% C = 73-76% B+ = 87-89% C- = 70-72% B = 83-86% D = 60-69% B- = 80-82% F = 0-59%

Introduction to Literature and Composition 2 Honors Instructor: Michael Thornton Schedule for Course CLASS WEEK LITERATURE COMPOSITION Week 1: Epic Hero Focus Campbell’s monomyth of the hero January 5-8, 2010 Books 21-24 of the Odyssey as a model The Penelopiad by Atwood Write-like Homer using epic similes Week 2: Heroes Review Odyssey assignment January 11-15 Beowulf by Gaiman; Grendel by Gardner Week 3: Chinese Scroll Paintings; How to O Brother worksheet January 19-22 Tell a Story: Notes; Sleepy Time Edward Scissorhands storyboard Gal; O Brother Midpoint Hero Unit Assessment Yo Soy Joaquin by Gonzales Weeks 4-6: Tragic Hero Focus Questions and Essay on Tragedy January 25- Sophocles’ Oedipus the King and Personality Test Revived February 12 Antigone One-act play with soliloquy Shakespeare’s Hamlet as “student” Weeks 7 and 8: Baldwin’s Sonny’s Blues Literary Analysis Assignment February 17-26 African-American Theater Wilson’s Fences Week 9: Romantic Hero Focus Literary Analysis draft March 1-5 Romantic Poetry; Oates and Alexie stories; Dylan lyrics Week 10: A Worn Path by Eudora Welty Heroic Character Analysis March 8-12 Literary Analysis final Week 11: NOVEL/NONFICTION UNIT Nonfiction Assignment: March 15-19 Kafka’s The Metamorphosis for X Rodriquez, Angelou, Krakauer credit Week 12: History of the Novel; Nonfiction Analysis Notes and March 22-26 The New Journalism Outline Weeks 13 and 14: Hersey’s Hiroshima Nonfiction Analysis Draft April 5-16 Weeks 15 and 16: O’Brien’s The Things They Things You Carry Assignment April 19-30 Carried Johnson’s Tree of Smoke Weeks 17 and 18: Perspectives on Vietnam: Protest Nonfiction Analysis Final May 3-14 Theater; Los Vendidos by Valdez Advertising Language Week 19: Postmodern Literature Literature and Art through the May 17-21 Year as Biography The scope and sequence of some of the included topics may be expanded, reduced or shifted to accommodate class needs.