Course+Overview

Well, you're probably just //overwhelmed// with wondering what we'll be studying this year! Worry no more---here's the rundown:

Traditionally, English IV is concerned mainly with //English// literature (which may or may not have been produced in England--that's a whole other show), but I like to expose you to some examples of world literature from time to time. Therefore, we will be looking at Greek drama and perhaps some works by Spanish and French authors as well. It will depend on how much time we have.

Instead of taking the traditional //chronological// approach to our studies, we will be concentrating on two relevant //themes// found in the works, which actually overlap somewhat. For the first semester, we will analyze **Heroes Through the Ages** and the ways cultures, philosophies and time periods are reflected in how heroes are perceived. During the second semester, we will be focusing on **Human Nature** and reading some pieces that could be "ripped from the headlines," proving that we humans haven't changed all that much.

Naturally, because many of you are planning to continue your education beyond these hallowed halls, I feel that it is my duty to prepare you for the next level. Therefore, vocabulary is an important element of the course, taken in the context of our reading. We will also do LOTS of writing with LOTS of different techniques. We will keep Writing Folders to track your progress as writers (hopefully there is some!). These writing samples may actually be used by some of you in the spring to prepare portfolios of your work for your chosen colleges rather than taking a placement test.

I like to mix up teaching methods so that all types of learners can succeed in this class. With that in mind, we sometimes work in small groups, sometimes pairs, sometimes individually. I hope to engage you through as many "learning channels" as I can through a given unit, but I can't do ALL of the work---you must do your fair share. There truly is no substitute for coming to school, participating in class, and doing your work!

That being said, let's work together to make this a successful year. Believe me, it will fly by, and since we have to be here anyway, we might as well have a little fun.