I. Course Philosophy
This class will function as a community, or a team, meaning that we will work together for the success of not only each individual, but the group as a whole. Students are expected to cooperate with the teacher(s) and their classmates in order for the class to operate smoothly. The only way that this class will work is for each individual to contribute to the class. In this way, we are all important members of this learning community. Each individual member is expected to bring his or her talents, gifts, and personality to the class so that we can all benefit. To this point, no one member of the class is more important than the other, but when we work together, we can move forward and accomplish our goals.
II. Course Objectives
1. To read and study a wide variety of literature from the United States
2. To understand the culture and customs of various peoples from around the world and study the ways in which these aspects influence the authors and literature we cover in class.
3. To refine our writing so that we may become more skilled writers.
4. Develop the ability to understand and analyze various pieces of literature from different genres, cultures, and historical periods.
5. To work together as a class so that every individual student can reach success in English 10.
6. To use our individual talents, gifts, abilities, and skills so that whole class can benefit.
7. To become prepared for the New York State ELA Regents Examination (to be taken junior year).
III. Course Outline:
Major Texts: – these may be added to or subtracted at any time at the teacher’s discretion.
1. Various short stories from the Adventures in Literature and other sources.
2. Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare
3. Various short nonfiction pieces from the Adventures in Literature and other sources.
4. All is Quiet on the Western Front
5. Animal Farm by George Orwell
6. Night by Elie Weisel
7. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
8. The Catcher in the Rye
9. Bless the Beasts and Children by Glendon Swarthout
