English 11A
Syllabus
English 11A Course Overview English is the study of the creation and analysis of literature written in the English language. In English 11A you will study a variety of techniques to improve your reading comprehension, writing skills, and grammar and mechanics. The instruction covers a variety of writing modes: creative, descriptive, expository, narrative, and persuasive. You will learn to understand your audience and purpose for writing and be able to assess and correct errors in your written works. In English 11A, you will read and analyze a variety of genres in literature with an emphasis on works from early American literature (to 1800), American Romanticism literature (1800-1860), and the American Masters in literature, primarily Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson.
Course Goals By the end of this course, you will be able to do the following:
Improve your writing style by eliminating wordiness, avoiding passive voice, and keeping a consistent style. Analyze the steps to writing an essay. Explore literary genres and the techniques of literary fiction. Analyze the context of literature from the Early American period. Study ways in which authors use comparison and contrast. Look at the use of chronological and logical order in text. Examine diversity in the usage of language. Understand the impact of plot and setting in a story or novel. Identify methods of characterization: exposition, action, and dialogue. Write a first-person narrative. See how the context of the American Romanticism era relates to authors from the period. Analyze the syntax and style of respected American authors.
General Skills To participate in this course, you should be able to do the following:
Complete basic operations with word processing software, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Complete basic operations with presentation software, such as Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Docs presentation. Perform online research using various search engines and library databases.
1 © 2013 EDMENTUM, INC.
Communicate through email and participate in discussion boards.
For a complete list of general skills that are required for participation in online courses, refer to the Prerequisites section of the Plato Student Orientation document, found at the beginning of this course.
Credit Value English 11A is a 0.5-credit course.
Course Materials
Notebook Pencils or ink pens Computer with Internet connection and speakers or headphones Microsoft Word or equivalent Microsoft PowerPoint or equivalent Some course readings may require a visit to the school library or public library.
Course Pacing Guide This course description and pacing guide is intended to help you keep on schedule with your work. Note that your course instructor may modify the schedule to meet the specific needs of your class.
Unit 1: The Writing Process Summary This unit focuses on the process of writing, including some related discussion of literary forms, techniques, and style. You will tackle specific writing skills to support your growth as effective writers. Day 1 day: 1 1 day: 2 1 day: 3
Activity/Objective Syllabus and Plato Student Orientation Review the Plato Student Orientation and Course Syllabus at the beginning of this course Style
Type Course Orientation Lesson
Recognize three different ways that authors express their ideas: formal, informal, and colloquial The Topic Sentence
Lesson
Learn to identify the qualities of a good topic sentence, to identify the topic sentence in a paragraph, and to choose the correct topic sentence for a paragraph 2
1 day: 4 1 day: 5 1 day: 6 1 day: 7 3 days: 8-10 1 day: 11
1 day: 12 3 days: 13-15 4 days:
Paragraph Development and Organization Identify paragraphs developed by example, sequence of events, comparison and contrast, and cause and effect Effective Writing
Lesson
Improve writing style by eliminating wordiness, avoiding passive voice, and maintaining a consistent style Word Choice Errors
Lesson
Learn to avoid common word choice errors and determine which word is correct The Writing Process
Lesson
Understand writing as a process and consider attitudes and feelings about writing Writing Strategies
Lesson
Explore a systematic approach to extended writing tasks Working with the Topic
Lesson
Analyze the steps to writing an essay: understanding the essay topic, planning the essay, developing ideas for main points, developing ideas for supporting details, outlining, and brainstorming From Ideas to Sentences
Lesson
Learn to write a rough draft of an essay How to Write an Essay
Lesson
Analyze essays to write well-organized, logically developed essays Unit Activity and Discussion—Unit 1
16-19 1 day:
Lesson
Unit Activity Discussion
Posttest—Unit 1
Assessment
20
Unit 2: Early American Literature (to 1800) Summary This unit focuses on early American literature through the year 1800. You will analyze the theme and style of texts from this period, focusing on literary forms, techniques, and style. You will also continue to learn about writing skills, including the use of basic rules of spelling and grammar.
3
Day 1 day: 21 1 day: 22 1 day: 23 2 days: 24-25 2 days:
Activity/Objective Literary Forms and Techniques: Terminology Use standard terminology to refer to literary forms and techniques Literary Forms and Techniques: Genres Explore literary genres and the techniques of literary fiction
Study three rules of spelling: use i before e except after c; drop a final e when adding an ending; and change y to i when adding an ending Analyze an author’s syntax and style and relate it to the context of a literary work Analyzing Theme
2 days:
Early American Literature: Analyzing Context
28-29
Analyze the context of the literature from the Early American period
1 day:
Types of Nouns
31
2 days:
Identify nouns and noun types: proper, common, concrete, abstract, and collective
Analyze ways in which authors use compare and contrast: compare elements before and after a change takes place; compare how people differ in their reactions to the same situation; and compare changes that take place in a person, place, or object over a certain length of time Early American Literature: Analyzing Theme Explore the underlying themes of Early American literature
1 day:
Cause and Effect Relationships
1 day: 35 4 days:
Analyze cause and effect: one cause–one effect, one effect–multiple causes, and one cause–multiple effects Chronological and Logical Order Analyze the use of chronological and logical order in text Unit Activity and Discussion—Unit 2
36-39 1 day:
Lesson
Lesson
Lesson
Lesson
Lesson
Comparison and Contrast
32-33
34
Lesson
Analyzing Context
Analyze themes and archetypes in literary works
1 day:
Lesson
Spelling Rules
26-27
30
Type
Lesson
Lesson
Lesson
Lesson Unit Activity Discussion
Posttest—Unit 2
Assessment
40 4
Unit 3: Fiction Summary This unit focuses on the structure of fiction, including plot, setting, tone, characterization, and theme. You will explore these elements of fiction through reading passages and creating an original writing.
Day 1 day: 41 1 day: 42 1 day: 43 1 day: 44
1 day: 45
1 day: 46 1 day: 47
2 days: 48-49 3 days: 50-52 3 days: 53-55
Activity/Objective Diversity in Language
Type Lesson
Examine diversity in the usage of language Understanding Plot
Lesson
Understand that plot is the order of events that make up a story Implied Meaning of Plot
Lesson
Recognize details or clues in a story that imply meaning or a moral (lesson) Setting Recognize that the setting of a story or novel tells the reader where and when the story takes place, identifying details that the author provides to help the reader picture the setting Implied Setting
Lesson
Lesson
Identify word clues that indicate the setting of a story and picture the setting of a story when the author does not directly state when and where the story takes place Tone
Lesson
Recognize and identify a variety of tones authors try to create: optimistic, pessimistic, philosophical, angry, humorous, and satirical Characterization
Lesson
Demonstrate the ability to analyze fiction through identifying and applying knowledge of elements and literary techniques: identify methods of characterization (exposition, action, dialogue) Analyzing Characterization, Setting, and Point of View
Lesson
Analyze the characterization, setting, and point of view of a fictional work Analyzing Plot and Theme
Lesson
Analyze the plot structure and theme of a fictional work Writing a First-Person Narrative
Lesson
Explore first-person narratives and write one 5
4 days:
Unit Activity and Discussion—Unit 3
56-59 1 day:
Unit Activity Discussion
Posttest—Unit 3
Assessment
60
Unit 4: American Romanticism Literature (1800–1860) Summary This unit focuses on American Romanticism literature from 1800–1860. You will focus on elements of text, including main ideas and supporting details. You will also learn about specific reading and writing skills, such as understanding the main idea and writing summaries.
Day 2 days:
Activity/Objective American Romanticism Literature: Analyzing Context
61-62
Analyze how the context of the American Romanticism era relates to authors from that period
1 day:
Commas 2
63
Learn about correct comma usage Semicolons, Colons, Dashes, Hyphens, and Quotation Marks
64
Punctuate sentences correctly using semicolons, colons, dashes, hyphens, and quotation marks
65 1 day: 66 2 days:
Identifying the Main Idea Find the main idea in a passage by identifying the topic of the passage and what the author says about the topic The Title as the Main Idea
Lesson
Find the main idea in a passage by analyzing the title American Romanticism Literature: Analyzing Theme Explore the underlying themes of American Romanticism literature
1 day:
Locating Supporting Details
1 day: 70 4 days:
Lesson
Lesson
Find details in a passage that support the main idea Summarizing Text
Lesson
Summarize a text by identifying the main ideas and their supporting details Unit Activity and Discussion—Unit 4
71-74 1 day:
Lesson
Lesson
67-68
69
Lesson
Lesson
1 day:
1 day:
Type
Unit Activity Discussion
Posttest—Unit 4
Assessment 6
75
Unit 5: American Masters Literature Summary This unit focuses on the American Masters in literature, primarily Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson. You will read a variety of passages to analyze theme and style in poetry. You will also develop your understanding of vocabulary.
Day 2 days:
Activity/Objective American Masters Literature: Analyzing Context
76-77
Analyze the syntax and style of respected American authors based on the context in which they were writing
1 day:
Using Context Clues to Find Word Meanings
78 1 day: 79 1 day: 80 2 days:
Using Prefix Clues to Find Word Meanings
Using the Dictionary to Find Word Meanings
American Masters Literature: Analyzing Theme
Word Roots and Affixes
4 days:
Lesson
Lesson
Lesson
Apply etymological information to understand unfamiliar words Recognizing Verbs
Lesson
Learn how to identify action verbs, being verbs, and compound verbs Unit Activity and Discussion—Unit 5
85-88 1 day:
Lesson
Use a dictionary to find the meaning of a word
1 day:
84
Lesson
Apply meanings of prefixes and base words to find the meanings of words
Explore the underlying themes of works by respected American authors
1 day:
Lesson
Find the meaning of a word by looking for clues in the rest of a sentence or paragraph
81-82
83
Type
Unit Activity Discussion
Posttest—Unit 5
Assessment
End-of-Semester Exam
Assessment
89 1 day: 90
7
English 11A Course Overview English is the study of the creation and analysis of literature written in the English language. In English 11A you will study a variety of techniques to improve your reading comprehension, writing skills, and grammar and mechanics. The instruction covers a variety of writing modes: creative, descriptive, expository, narrative, and persuasive. You will learn to understand your audience and purpose for writing and be able to assess and correct errors in your written works. In English 11A, you will read and analyze a variety of genres in literature with an emphasis on works from early American literature (to 1800), American Romanticism literature (1800-1860), and the American Masters in literature, primarily Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson.
Course Goals By the end of this course, you will be able to do the following:
Improve your writing style by eliminating wordiness, avoiding passive voice, and keeping a consistent style. Analyze the steps to writing an essay. Explore literary genres and the techniques of literary fiction. Analyze the context of literature from the Early American period. Study ways in which authors use comparison and contrast. Look at the use of chronological and logical order in text. Examine diversity in the usage of language. Understand the impact of plot and setting in a story or novel. Identify methods of characterization: exposition, action, and dialogue. Write a first-person narrative. See how the context of the American Romanticism era relates to authors from the period. Analyze the syntax and style of respected American authors.
General Skills To participate in this course, you should be able to do the following:
Complete basic operations with word processing software, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Complete basic operations with presentation software, such as Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Docs presentation. Perform online research using various search engines and library databases.
1 © 2013 EDMENTUM, INC.
Communicate through email and participate in discussion boards.
For a complete list of general skills that are required for participation in online courses, refer to the Prerequisites section of the Plato Student Orientation document, found at the beginning of this course.
Credit Value English 11A is a 0.5-credit course.
Course Materials
Notebook Pencils or ink pens Computer with Internet connection and speakers or headphones Microsoft Word or equivalent Microsoft PowerPoint or equivalent Some course readings may require a visit to the school library or public library.
Course Pacing Guide This course description and pacing guide is intended to help you keep on schedule with your work. Note that your course instructor may modify the schedule to meet the specific needs of your class.
Unit 1: The Writing Process Summary This unit focuses on the process of writing, including some related discussion of literary forms, techniques, and style. You will tackle specific writing skills to support your growth as effective writers. Day 1 day: 1 1 day: 2 1 day: 3
Activity/Objective Syllabus and Plato Student Orientation Review the Plato Student Orientation and Course Syllabus at the beginning of this course Style
Type Course Orientation Lesson
Recognize three different ways that authors express their ideas: formal, informal, and colloquial The Topic Sentence
Lesson
Learn to identify the qualities of a good topic sentence, to identify the topic sentence in a paragraph, and to choose the correct topic sentence for a paragraph 2
1 day: 4 1 day: 5 1 day: 6 1 day: 7 3 days: 8-10 1 day: 11
1 day: 12 3 days: 13-15 4 days:
Paragraph Development and Organization Identify paragraphs developed by example, sequence of events, comparison and contrast, and cause and effect Effective Writing
Lesson
Improve writing style by eliminating wordiness, avoiding passive voice, and maintaining a consistent style Word Choice Errors
Lesson
Learn to avoid common word choice errors and determine which word is correct The Writing Process
Lesson
Understand writing as a process and consider attitudes and feelings about writing Writing Strategies
Lesson
Explore a systematic approach to extended writing tasks Working with the Topic
Lesson
Analyze the steps to writing an essay: understanding the essay topic, planning the essay, developing ideas for main points, developing ideas for supporting details, outlining, and brainstorming From Ideas to Sentences
Lesson
Learn to write a rough draft of an essay How to Write an Essay
Lesson
Analyze essays to write well-organized, logically developed essays Unit Activity and Discussion—Unit 1
16-19 1 day:
Lesson
Unit Activity Discussion
Posttest—Unit 1
Assessment
20
Unit 2: Early American Literature (to 1800) Summary This unit focuses on early American literature through the year 1800. You will analyze the theme and style of texts from this period, focusing on literary forms, techniques, and style. You will also continue to learn about writing skills, including the use of basic rules of spelling and grammar.
3
Day 1 day: 21 1 day: 22 1 day: 23 2 days: 24-25 2 days:
Activity/Objective Literary Forms and Techniques: Terminology Use standard terminology to refer to literary forms and techniques Literary Forms and Techniques: Genres Explore literary genres and the techniques of literary fiction
Study three rules of spelling: use i before e except after c; drop a final e when adding an ending; and change y to i when adding an ending Analyze an author’s syntax and style and relate it to the context of a literary work Analyzing Theme
2 days:
Early American Literature: Analyzing Context
28-29
Analyze the context of the literature from the Early American period
1 day:
Types of Nouns
31
2 days:
Identify nouns and noun types: proper, common, concrete, abstract, and collective
Analyze ways in which authors use compare and contrast: compare elements before and after a change takes place; compare how people differ in their reactions to the same situation; and compare changes that take place in a person, place, or object over a certain length of time Early American Literature: Analyzing Theme Explore the underlying themes of Early American literature
1 day:
Cause and Effect Relationships
1 day: 35 4 days:
Analyze cause and effect: one cause–one effect, one effect–multiple causes, and one cause–multiple effects Chronological and Logical Order Analyze the use of chronological and logical order in text Unit Activity and Discussion—Unit 2
36-39 1 day:
Lesson
Lesson
Lesson
Lesson
Lesson
Comparison and Contrast
32-33
34
Lesson
Analyzing Context
Analyze themes and archetypes in literary works
1 day:
Lesson
Spelling Rules
26-27
30
Type
Lesson
Lesson
Lesson
Lesson Unit Activity Discussion
Posttest—Unit 2
Assessment
40 4
Unit 3: Fiction Summary This unit focuses on the structure of fiction, including plot, setting, tone, characterization, and theme. You will explore these elements of fiction through reading passages and creating an original writing.
Day 1 day: 41 1 day: 42 1 day: 43 1 day: 44
1 day: 45
1 day: 46 1 day: 47
2 days: 48-49 3 days: 50-52 3 days: 53-55
Activity/Objective Diversity in Language
Type Lesson
Examine diversity in the usage of language Understanding Plot
Lesson
Understand that plot is the order of events that make up a story Implied Meaning of Plot
Lesson
Recognize details or clues in a story that imply meaning or a moral (lesson) Setting Recognize that the setting of a story or novel tells the reader where and when the story takes place, identifying details that the author provides to help the reader picture the setting Implied Setting
Lesson
Lesson
Identify word clues that indicate the setting of a story and picture the setting of a story when the author does not directly state when and where the story takes place Tone
Lesson
Recognize and identify a variety of tones authors try to create: optimistic, pessimistic, philosophical, angry, humorous, and satirical Characterization
Lesson
Demonstrate the ability to analyze fiction through identifying and applying knowledge of elements and literary techniques: identify methods of characterization (exposition, action, dialogue) Analyzing Characterization, Setting, and Point of View
Lesson
Analyze the characterization, setting, and point of view of a fictional work Analyzing Plot and Theme
Lesson
Analyze the plot structure and theme of a fictional work Writing a First-Person Narrative
Lesson
Explore first-person narratives and write one 5
4 days:
Unit Activity and Discussion—Unit 3
56-59 1 day:
Unit Activity Discussion
Posttest—Unit 3
Assessment
60
Unit 4: American Romanticism Literature (1800–1860) Summary This unit focuses on American Romanticism literature from 1800–1860. You will focus on elements of text, including main ideas and supporting details. You will also learn about specific reading and writing skills, such as understanding the main idea and writing summaries.
Day 2 days:
Activity/Objective American Romanticism Literature: Analyzing Context
61-62
Analyze how the context of the American Romanticism era relates to authors from that period
1 day:
Commas 2
63
Learn about correct comma usage Semicolons, Colons, Dashes, Hyphens, and Quotation Marks
64
Punctuate sentences correctly using semicolons, colons, dashes, hyphens, and quotation marks
65 1 day: 66 2 days:
Identifying the Main Idea Find the main idea in a passage by identifying the topic of the passage and what the author says about the topic The Title as the Main Idea
Lesson
Find the main idea in a passage by analyzing the title American Romanticism Literature: Analyzing Theme Explore the underlying themes of American Romanticism literature
1 day:
Locating Supporting Details
1 day: 70 4 days:
Lesson
Lesson
Find details in a passage that support the main idea Summarizing Text
Lesson
Summarize a text by identifying the main ideas and their supporting details Unit Activity and Discussion—Unit 4
71-74 1 day:
Lesson
Lesson
67-68
69
Lesson
Lesson
1 day:
1 day:
Type
Unit Activity Discussion
Posttest—Unit 4
Assessment 6
75
Unit 5: American Masters Literature Summary This unit focuses on the American Masters in literature, primarily Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson. You will read a variety of passages to analyze theme and style in poetry. You will also develop your understanding of vocabulary.
Day 2 days:
Activity/Objective American Masters Literature: Analyzing Context
76-77
Analyze the syntax and style of respected American authors based on the context in which they were writing
1 day:
Using Context Clues to Find Word Meanings
78 1 day: 79 1 day: 80 2 days:
Using Prefix Clues to Find Word Meanings
Using the Dictionary to Find Word Meanings
American Masters Literature: Analyzing Theme
Word Roots and Affixes
4 days:
Lesson
Lesson
Lesson
Apply etymological information to understand unfamiliar words Recognizing Verbs
Lesson
Learn how to identify action verbs, being verbs, and compound verbs Unit Activity and Discussion—Unit 5
85-88 1 day:
Lesson
Use a dictionary to find the meaning of a word
1 day:
84
Lesson
Apply meanings of prefixes and base words to find the meanings of words
Explore the underlying themes of works by respected American authors
1 day:
Lesson
Find the meaning of a word by looking for clues in the rest of a sentence or paragraph
81-82
83
Type
Unit Activity Discussion
Posttest—Unit 5
Assessment
End-of-Semester Exam
Assessment
89 1 day: 90
7
