This reading and writing course explores the human experience through literature. Through a close reading of poetry, prose, drama, and non-fiction, students will think critically, speak thoughtfully, and write effectively for a variety of audiences and purposes. Through collaborative examination and analysis of language, students will strengthen their own writing and experience the depth and power of great literature.
Students will:
- Connect literature to life.
- Recognize the social/historical context of literature.
- Learn to analyze a variety of literary texts.
- Explain and defend a point of view by substantiating ideas with accurate and relevant detail.
- Develop an understanding of the power of writing and images to transform human experience.
- Work towards establishing a personal voice and writing style in a variety of media.
- Contribute to and learn from class and group discussions.
- Speak articulately and confidently to an audience.
Student assessments will include:
- Visible learning
- In class essays
- Graphic interpretations
- Creative writing
- Processed written assignments
- Teacher/peer/self-assessments
- Presentations and projects (individual and group)
- Small group and class discussions/shared inquiry/activities
"Junior English is a great course if you enjoy doing projects. Most of our summatives are projects, and there is a lot of flexibility in what type of final work you can create. Success in this course has much to do with creativity and being able to connect ideas from different units and readings. We looked at Julius Caesar, mysterious events, The Truman Show, and many other interesting topics. Overall, I would highly recommend Junior English to anyone who enjoys thinking creatively, expressing ideas in different formats, and exploring deeper meanings behind stories and human behaviour."
"I’m currently taking Junior English, and I’ve already learned so much. The course isn’t reading-heavy, but it allows you to explore a diverse range of texts, from Shakespeare’s plays to works of satire, while developing critical analysis and creative writing skills that are applicable to anything you do. The assessments encourage you to get creative, from making your own podcast episode to delivering an emulation of a classic speech from Julius Caesar. The skills you learn will help you spot the satire or hidden rhetoric behind the media you consume, develop and support your own opinion on important questions, and so much more, becoming more informed about and engaged with the world. If you want to improve your language skills overall while exploring interesting and meaningful themes, this class is for you."