Course Description

  • Literary Studies satisfies the required junior/senior literature credit. Literary Studies explores the choices that authors make in their writing and the impact of those choices on the text's tone, mood, theme, and aesthetic appeal. Students will build skills in analytical reading, literature analysis, and critical thinking, and then they will apply these skills in assessments like essays, tests, and presentations. Major texts include several novels, a variety of poems and short stories, and plays by Shakespeare. This course fulfills the 11th-12th grade English: Literature elective requirement.

Proficiency learning targets for Grade 11-12 ELA

  • Reading-Literature Proficiency Targets

    As evidenced based on classroom assessments, the student is able to:

    • Find and use textual evidence to support analysis (11.4.1.1)
    • Infer meaning from what a text says explicitly. (11.4.1.1)
    • Explain how multiple themes develop and interact over the course of a text. (11.4.2.2)
    • Explain how Shakespeare’s words and phrases contribute to tone and mood. (11.4.4.4)
    • Self-select a variety of student-appropriate texts based on interest. (11.4.10.10)

    Language Proficiency Targets

    As evidenced based on classroom assessments, the student is able to:

    • Correctly use grammar in speaking and writing. (11.11.1.1; 11.11.2.2)
    • Correctly use punctuation and spelling in writing. (11.11.1.1; 11.11.2.2)
    • Edit written work for correct use of grammar and mechanics. (11.11.1.1; 11.11.2.2)
    • Use context clues and word structure to determine meaning of words. (11.11.4.4)

    Writing Proficiency Targets

    As evidenced based on classroom assessments, the student is able to:

    • Make and develop claims to support an argument. (11.7.1.1)
    • Support claims with sufficient evidence. (11.7.1.1)
    • Organize using formal academic writing. (11.7.1.1)
    • Introduce and develop information about a topic. (11.7.2.2)
    • Organize and format information to maximize content clarity and audience understanding. (11.7.2.2)
    • Organize and write using formal standards. (11.7.2.2)
    • Use language, including figurative language, appropriate to the audience. (11.7.2.2)
    • Produce clear and coherent writing. (11.7.4.4)
    • Organize and develop content using formal writing process. (11.7.4.4)
    • Develop an outline according to evidence gathered. (11.7.7.7)
    • Provide accurate citations for evidence. (11.7.8.8)

    Speaking, Viewing, Listening, & Media Literacy Proficiency Targets

    As evidenced based on classroom assessments, the student is able to:

    • Engage in discussions about issues related to Minnesota American Indians. (11.9.1.1)
    • Provide citations (oral and written) when presenting evidence. (11.9.4.4)
    • Logically organize information for an audience. (11.9.4.4)

Materials Used

    • Individual Novel Texts
    • Device with Schoology and Google Drive access.