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Literary Studies 12

Literary Studies 12 Course Overview

Big Ideas

The exploration of text and story deepens our understanding
of diverse, complex ideas about identity, others, and the world.


People understand text differently depending
on their worldviews
and perspectives.


Texts are socially, culturally, geographically, and historically constructed.


Language shapes ideas and influences others.


Questioning what we hear, read, and view contributes
to our ability to be educated and engaged citizens.

From:  https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/english-language-arts/12/literary-studies 

Introduction

Literature 12 is a 4-credit elective English course that counts towards the graduation portfolio in British Columbia high schools. It is not mandatory. However, students are encouraged to research university and college requirements to see where this course may be used in their academic portfolio. (Note: The mandatory course is English Studies 12). Literature 12 focuses on polishing student’s ability to explore and think critically about English language texts from Medieval Ages through the centuries to the 20th century and the Harlem Renaissance right up to the contemporary novel including Indigenous texts. Students are encouraged to think critically about the role texts play in culture and history and will develop an appreciation for modern approaches to literature where voices once silenced are now being heard.

Students will write literary analytical responses which prepares them for university and college level courses. Further, students will develop the skills needed to access and use academic journals to support their inquiry.

Please note that this course requires students to carefully read feedback and editorial comments to improve their academic inquiry.

Where does this course fit?

  • Pre-requisites: Grade 11 English Language Arts course
  • This course is destined for students who have completed English Studies 10, but the level of challenge is better suited and offers more chance of success to the grade 12 student who has a strong command of language and who feels at ease examining texts and writing literary analysis.
  • Graduation Status: Grade 12 elective for graduation

Course Materials

All work must be submitted on Word documents.

Brief Outline

 Unit work consists of: paragraph responses, character sketches, graphic organizers, short essays, reflections, research reports, comparative essays, slide presentations, and creative writing extensions (poetry/short fiction). 

Unit

Description

Medieval to Renaissance

Exploration of Beowulf, Chaucer and Shakespeare

Jacobean to Enlightenment

Paradise Lost, Swift, Pope, Gray, Blake and Burns

Mid-term Exam

Test Guide provided

Romanticism to Victorian

Wordsworth, Coleridge, the Shelleys, Dracula (Stoker), Dickinson

20th Century

Eliot, Thomas, Harlem Renaissance, mid-century, Walker, Munro…

21st Century

Personal inquiry with choice of novel (in-translation included in choice)

Indigenous Voices

Poetry, short fiction and/or novel (Maracle, Wagamese, Robinson, Dimaline)

Final Exam

Test Guide provided


Assessment Percentage Breakdown

Assessment Type

Percentage of the Course

Assignments

60%

Discussions

10%

Midterm exam

15%

Final exam

15%

You have up to a year to complete your course.

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