CURRICULUM MAP: 10004.map

English Senior Elective: Contemporary Nonfiction (ACP) 179
Overview

TIME FRAME: 1 quarter (9 weeks)
GRADE: 12
CONTACT:

         MAP LEVEL: 4

23.1 LANGUAGE ARTS - READING AND RESPONDING --- 23.1.1.9.2 --- 23.1.1.9.4 --- 23.1.1.9.5 --- 23.1.2.9.3 --- 23.1.2.9.6 --- 23.1.2.9.7
23.1 LANGUAGE ARTS - READING AND RESPONDING --- 23.1.3.9.3 --- 23.1.3.9.4 --- 23.1.4.9.1 --- 23.1.4.9.2
23.2 LANGUAGE ARTS - EXPLORE AND RESPOND TO LITER --- 23.2.1.9.1 --- 23.2.1.9.2 --- 23.2.1.9.4 --- 23.2.2.9.1 --- 23.2.2.9.2 --- 23.2.3.9.1
23.2 LANGUAGE ARTS - EXPLORE AND RESPOND TO LITER --- 23.2.3.9.2 --- 23.2.3.9.3 --- 23.2.4.9.1 --- 23.2.4.9.2 --- 23.2.4.9.5 --- 23.2.4.9.6
23.3 LANGUAGE ARTS - COMMUNICATING WITH OTHERS --- 23.3.1.9.2 --- 23.3.1.9.3 --- 23.3.1.9.4 --- 23.3.2.9.1 --- 23.3.2.9.3 --- 23.3.2.9.4




What techniques and styles distinguish fiction from nonfiction?
What roles do bias and objectivity play in quality articles/editorials in printed news media?
What stylistic elements are effective in a memoir/biography/autobiography?
What characteristics define a well-organized, well-written essay?






This course focuses on the reading, study of, and response to contemporary works of nonfiction, primarily those written between 1970 and the present. The reading includes both short excerpts from anthologies or current periodicals and book-length works. Students study a variety of modes of writing, including persuasion, exposition, personal narrative, research/scientific, travel narrative, and others. Students also work on original nonfiction pieces and write in response to the literature studied.

Contemporary nonfiction is probably one of the least read and studied genres within most school curricula. Yet, the world outside of the classroom is replete with it; it represents a major mode of communication to the public through periodicals, memoirs, reference works, and other sources. This course emphasizes the importance of being a critical reader, and at the same time it emphasizes the benefits and enjoyment to be gained through reading for pleasure.





The learner will:
-- Read for comprehension and appreciation,
-- Demonstrate an understanding of the material under study through the planning and writing of a number of formal essays or other appropriate writing assignments,-- Exercise and improve effective writing techniques through the editing and revision of writing assignments,
-- Attack problems of grammar, usage, spelling, and punctuation as they occur in his/her writing,
-- Confer with his/her teacher on a regular basis on the processes of writing and revision,
-- Extend his/her interest in contemporary nonfiction wherever possible through the reading of supplementary material,
-- Understand and identify the concepts of bias and objectivity when it comes to evaluating articles/editorials in news media (printed),
-- Define and recognize stylistic elements of a memoir/biography/autobiography,
-- Identify the elements of a well-organized, well-written essay,
-- Recognize and rationalize the differing approaches a writer has toward a contemporary topic/theme.






All students will:
-- Be instructed in active critical reading strategies and skills
-- Be instructed in the literary terms, devices, and structures necessary for reading comprehension of various materials,
-- Be given the opportunity to respond to literature both orally and in written formats,
-- Be taught the numerous skills required for successful research and research writing,
-- Write a researched paper in MLA format,
-- Write a minimum of 3 papers following the complete writing process from the following modes: description, narration, exposition, persuasion, literary analysis, creative,
-- Complete 10 pages of written material (excluding tests and journals) by the end of the semester,
-- Deliver a speech/debate/dramatic reading/presentation in front of the class,
-- Be instructed in effective techniques and skills for public speaking,
-- Be guided in effective discussion strategies for circle/double circle discussions and Socratic seminars,
-- Be instructed on the skills and strategies necessary for interpretating, analyzing, and evaluating a visual communication.
-- Be instructed on audience decorum and appropriate responses.





Assessment of student performance will include such activities as journal responses, essay tests, essay assignments focusing on persuasive and critical/thematic topics, circle discussions, Socratic seminars, independent literary projects, and researched papers/projects and presentations.






Scope and Sequence:
Unit 1: The Autobiography: Angela’s Ashes, McCourt
Unit 2: The News: New York Times/Washington Post/Newsweek/Time
Unit 3: The Essay: Anthology of Nonfiction, American Voices, Best American Essays Series
Unit 4: The Biography: Student-selected for independent project

Assorted short pieces, both classic and contemporary, from various sources will also be used as needed.





This class is offered at the ACP level.

This class does satisfy the literature quarter-course requirement for seniors.