English 12 Course Description

The focus of English 12 is to analyze literature of our native language (English).  British literature, and the language itself, have a long history.  Throughout this course, students will read and discuss literature from the Old English Anglo-Saxons, Middle English "The Prologue" from The Canterbury Tales, Present-Day English with William Shakespeare, Restoration Period, Romanticism, the Victorian Period, and up through The Modern World.  Emphasis on one of William Shakespeare's plays such as, but not inclusively, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark or The Tragedy of Macbeth plays a major part of this course. 

Using the Holt McDougal Literature Textbook as the main resource for this course, students will explore questions and ideas in many genres. Epic tales, collection of stories, drama, nonfiction, and fictional stories. By examining each of these narratives, students will have a deeper understanding of the development of the English language.

Students will also enrich their vocabulary though the Sadlier Vocabulary Workshop online. The program focuses on the words, their meanings, their ranges of application, and their use in context. The approach is systematic because it begins with and builds upon a word list drawn from vocabulary that students will encounter in their reading. It provides students with the vocabulary skills they will need to achieve higher-level reading proficiency and to succeed at standardized tests.

Grammar and Writing Skills will be addressed as an ongoing process through daily activities, responses to reading selections, and assigned work in projects. By integrating the grammar and writing mechanics with the literary pieces, students will see the purpose and find it meaningful. Six-Trait Writing will be used to aid students in their writing development. Students will deomonstrate various styles of writing throughout the year with the final component of this course being a research paper using the MLA style. 

This course complies with the rigorous standards set by the Kansas State Board of Regents. Students who successfully complete this course (along with other required courses) may be recognized as Kansas State Regent Scholars. In order to comply with these guidelines, students are required to read at least three major works and write papers in various styles and formats in regards to these narratives. Some papers may be informative, while others may be persuasive or argumentative.

Utilizing technology is imperative in this course. Students are provided a device (currently each student has a Chromebook) in which they will access most of the literary pieces, daily activities, review assignments, and even some tests and exams. Writing assignments will also be submitted using their technology. Although some novels and other materials may be required, students will rely heavily upon their devices which must be brought with them to class each day. Students will have many opportunities to use current apps and software to assist in their learning.