EN301A/B - American Literature Block
Learning Recommendations: This course is taught in a block with SS301A/B - US History (Block)Links to an external site..

General Description: In this course, juniors focus on refining analytical skills in reading, writing and thinking. Through a study of American literature, students examine a wide variety of themes. Students further develop skills in vocabulary, grammar, mechanics and usage, oral communication, presentation and research skills through analytical essays, poetry, narratives and debate.

Content: Skills-based according to Washington State Learning Standards for English Language Arts. The skills build from skills developed sophomore year and include, but are not limited to: reading comprehension; informational and complex narrative reading; analysis of story elements; use and understanding and literary devices; analysis of informational and expository text; making predictions and inferences and understanding for text organizational structures. Further writing skills include: analysis and selection strategies for planning writing; use of multiple drafts and editing; collaboration and group evaluation; writing to varied audiences, voices, forms and genres; and the use of organizational structures.

Strategies: Students will learn through a combination of:

Large and small group discussion
Peer evaluation
Independently directed reading and analysis
Multiple draft writing
Direct instruction, including lecture and note-taking.
Equipment to be provided by Student: None

*Subject to change based on class needs.