English III, an American Literature course, explores the development of the American literary tradition, emphasizing the cultural, historical, and philosophical influences that have shaped the nation's voice. Through an examination of key texts, students will gain insight into diverse perspectives and themes unique to the American experience. This course fosters critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deeper understanding of the literary evolution in the United States.
Examine the development of American literature and its unique voice.
Understand various cultural, historical, and philosophical influences on American literature.
Foster analytical skills and deeper understanding of literary evolution.
Examine influential works that have shaped the American literary landscape.
1. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
2. The Crucible by Arthur Miller
3. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain 4. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger 5. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Focus: Origin myths, storytelling traditions, cultural values, and Indigenous perspectives. Key Texts and Readings: Native American origin stories, including "The Earth on Turtle's Back," "When Grizzlies Walked Upright," "The Navajo Origin Legend," and the Iroquois' "The Great Law of Peace." Themes: Identity, nature, spirituality, and resilience.
Focus: Exploration and colonization of America, the Puritan worldview, and early American values. Key Texts and Readings: Excerpts from settler narratives and foundational documents, along with The Crucible. Themes: Community, individualism, morality, and the clash between faith and society.
Focus: Enlightenment ideals, rationality, and self-improvement. Key Texts and Readings: Excerpts from Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography and his 13 virtues. Themes: Logic, reason, personal virtue, and civic responsibility.
Focus: Emotion, nature, individualism, and the exploration of the human spirit.
Key Texts and Readings: Works from American Romantic authors and Transcendentalist writers like Emerson and Thoreau.
Themes: The sublime, freedom, nature, and self-reliance.
Focus: The shift from romantic ideals to a more truthful representation of American life, including diverse regional voices. _Key Texts and Readings:_ The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and selections from regionalist writers. Themes: Society vs. individual, racial tensions, and the authenticity of American voices.
Focus: The breakdown of traditional values and the search for meaning in a post-war world. _Key Texts and Readings:_ The Great Gatsby and The Catcher in the Rye. Themes: Identity, the American Dream, alienation, and the complexities of modern life.
Each quarter includes two multiple-choice quizzes focused on reading comprehension and thematic understanding.
One major essay per quarter, each focusing on different types of literary analysis: - Q1: Argumentative essay - Q2: Literary analysis essay - Q3: Poetry analysis essay - Q4: Personal essay (college preparation)
Students will complete one project each quarter, aligning with the unit themes and promoting creative expression or deeper analysis.
Develop analytical and interpretative skills through close reading of primary texts.
Examine the connection between literature and historical, cultural, and social contexts.
Build proficiency in rhetorical skills, including argumentation and persuasive writing.
Engage in discussions that foster a respectful exchange of ideas and deepen understanding of complex themes.
This course encourages students to explore the ongoing questions of American identity, values, and experiences as presented through a diverse array of voices and time periods.
Delve into the complex and evolving nature of American identity through literature.
Analyze the core values that have shaped American society and literature over time.
Gain insight into the varied experiences that contribute to the American narrative.
Embark on a journey through time periods and voices that have shaped American literature.
Explore the rich tapestry of American literary tradition through key texts, diverse perspectives, and themes unique to the American experience.