English Grade 11, University Preparation (ENG3U)

Students review and extend their understanding of literary forms and devices through engagement with a variety of short written and media texts. Students apply their understanding in a variety of writing activities, which provide an opportunity for diagnostic and formative assessment. In the final activity of the unit, students produce a narrative piece of writing on a chosen theme, and also demonstrate their ability to analyse a passage on sight.

Students use the novel Frankenstein as the basis for examination of literary forms and issues. They are introduced to features of the Romantic Movement and develop an understanding of the elements of Gothic as they explore the nature of good, of humanity, of the supernatural, and of ambition. Other genres of the period and key Romantic writers are used to draw comparisons to the author and her work. Literary criticism in its many forms, e.g., video, essay, parody, is used to help students understand the various interpretations of and allusions to the text over the last 180 years. Students also choose one of a set of alternative novels for small group study and through analysis draw parallels and make comparisons to elements of Frankenstein and other related literature and media. This leads to the culminating task in which students write a comparative literary essay. Throughout the unit, students are also provided with appropriate opportunities for improving language skills.

In this unit students explore literary connections through a study of Education is Our Right . Connections between the play and the material covered earlier in the course are made as students examine the characters in the play, their motivations and actions, and the consequences. Students research the background for the play, as well as focusing on traditional Native themes and traditions: food, manners, music, language, spirituality, costumes and dance. Students explore the use of language and apply their understanding of the social and cultural context for the play.

Students have the opportunity to explore a range of poetry from various periods in English literature representing several poetic styles. They explore the use of language and poetic devices used in current media and the relationship to language used in poetry. Students read and analyze specific poems at poetry stations in small groups, focusing on poetic language. Through an exploration of excerpts from older English writings, students examine the development of the English language and compare it to language found in innovative poetry. Students write their own poetry and create advertisements based on famous poems. The culminating activity is an in class essay, in which students select a poem and critically examine it focusing on language and poetic devices. Opportunities for language study are continued as needed.

This is an exam worth 30% of your final grade.