Course Title: English II – World Literature Survey

2 Semesters – 10 Credits – 5 Class Periods per Week
 
Course Description:
 
As the second course in the series of required courses at WCS, students will continue to build upon the critical analysis and writing skills developed in English I. Students will read and analyze literature of all genres, with an emphasis on identification and utilization of literary devices both orally and in written form.  Throughout the course, students will examine themes and assertions made by a variety of authors to indentify potentially erroneous worldview and to examine the consequences and destructive nature of living in opposition to the Word of God. Through open discussion and in writing, students will reflect their understanding of the Biblical Worldview through application of the Core Biblical Truths to explain the way in which God, through His Word, views this life and the world in which we live.  
 
As a writing intensive course, an emphasis on composition is integrated into each aspect of study.  The students will be reintroduced to a serious study of the writing process through a review of The Jane Schaffer Writing Program, although at this level, the program will serve as a springboard as students begin to broaden their scope of writing skills and strategies.  Students will also begin to fine tune their essays through appropriate use of transition, analysis, embedded quotes, three point thesis statements, and proper MLA format.  A review of grammar will be accomplished in small units throughout the school year and as needed in relation to writing discussions. 
 
As a culminating project, students will prepare a writing portfolio which will display selected writings, timed writes, semester writing goals, reflective essay, and a Biblical Worldview essay.  The purpose of this portfolio is to help students grow in their writing development, to be able to examine evidence of that growth, and to help students begin to take ownership over their writing development and learning in general. The final and most significant element of the portfolio is the Biblical Worldview essay. This essay will demonstrate the student’s ability to recognize and defend their understanding of a biblical worldview as it is has been examined and applied in the course.
 
Objectives
 
                •      Integrate Core Biblical Truths into all reading, writing, and discussion
                •      Identify an author’s assertions and their worldview perspective
                •      Expose erroneous worldview and examine the consequences of secular living

• Develop a  multi paragraph essay in various compositional patterns using a concise and specific thesis, transitional phrases, specific diction
• Analyze the basic rhetorical aspects of persuasive writing
• Practice composing arguments using evidence based reasoning
• Study elements of short story
• Practice basic analysis of poetry using DIDLS
• Recognition and utilization of literary devices
• Compare and contrast the elements of fiction and non fiction

 
 

• Analyze the various elements of drama and how they influence the performance, theme, and plot
• Understand the cultural values and traditions of the Elizabethan period

 
 
Textbooks and Materials:
 
The Bible
 
Prentice Hall Literature Anthology: Platinum, (Prentice Hall, 1989).
 
W. Ross Winterowd, Patricia Y. Murray, English Writing and Language Skills, Fourth      
                                Course,(Harcourt Brace and Jovanovich, 1983).
 
 
R. A. McRae, S. Weiler, Vocabulary for Achievement, Fourth course, (Houghton Mifflin,                                                1988).
 
The MLA Handbook, (The Modern Language Assoc. of America, 1995).
 
Portfolio materials
 
Computer /Internet Access
 
Prerequisites:
English I or an equivalent course.