Grade Eleven (“Premiere”) English—OIB
Teachers: Joelle Reilly, Elizabeth Hollow, Margaret George
Course description:
"No Man is an Island"==John Donne
This is an advanced English course, the equivalent of an American Advanced Placement Course. Works studied are primarily British, but there are also works in translation. Students study a variety of literary genres, from short story and novels to plays and poetry. Emphasis will be placed on 19th and early 20th century works in an effort to coordinate topics studied in literature with topics studied in the OIB history program. This year, students will think about the individual and his role within society. Do we have responsibility towards others? How do our actions affect those around us? Are there limits and, if so, what are they?
This course is the first year of a two-year program towards the International Option of the Baccalaureate examination at the end of Terminale. Works studied in Premiere are part of the list of texts presented for this examination.
Course objective: The ability to think critically about literature and the life lessons literature offers is at the center of the program’s philosophy. Texts are learning opportunities, and it is therefore the policy of the department to do a select number of texts in depth rather than offer a survey course. Mastery of written and oral expression is the primary goal, achieved through journal and essay writing and in class discussion. Students are offered exercises to help prepare for both the written and oral Bac exams. Vocabulary and usage are enriched through reading and along with the writing process.
A literary term paper on a poem is required. Students also have opportunities to do personal and creative writing (especially of different literary forms: sonnets, short stories, epic poems, one act dramas, etc.)
Works Studied
Mary Shelley, Frankenstein
William Shakespeare, Macbeth. The New Folger Library/Folger Shakespeare Library Series.
Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice. Signet Classic.
Franz Kafka, The Metamorphosis. Bantam Double Day Dell.
William Faulkner, As I Lay Dying.
August Wilson, Fences.
Poetry: sonnets, ballads, dramatic monologues and odes.
Examinations and Expectations
--Reader responses to most reading selections
--Regular contributions to our class blog
-- Vocabulary is studied in context as well as through exercises.
--Formal essays and rewrites for every work studied.
--Creative Writing and personal writing assignments
--grammar work: in exercise form and essay based. There is less formal grammar instruction at this level, but grammar and usage issues are studied as needed and in preparation for SATs. There may be occasional grammar examinations.
--oral work: oral expression, both in the form of participation and presentation is expected and evaluated.
--portfolio evaluation of student progress: during the spring term.
--term paper work: students will be expected to write a literary term paper in the course of the year. Evaluation will be based on understanding the steps of writing and research as well as on the final product.
Supplies:
Students should have a binder for class notes. It is recommended that students then keep notes on each work in individual folders for their Terminale exams.
Communication:
ehollow@lfny.org
mgeorge@lfny.org
jreilly@lfny.org
