CURRICULUM MAP: 10008.map

English Senior Elective: Mystery Literature (ACP/SCP) 164, 167
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 --- 23.1.1.9.5 --- 23.1.1.9.6 --- 23.1.2.9.1 --- 23.1.2.9.2 --- 23.1.2.9.4
23.1 LANGUAGE ARTS - READING AND RESPONDING --- 23.1.2.9.6 --- 23.1.3.9.2 --- 23.1.3.9.3 --- 23.1.4.9.1 --- 23.1.4.9.2
23.2 LANGUAGE ARTS - EXPLORE AND RESPOND TO LITER --- 23.2.1.9.1 --- 23.2.1.9.4 --- 23.2.2.9.1 --- 23.2.2.9.2 --- 23.2.3.9.1 --- 23.2.3.9.2
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 --- 23.3.2.9.6
23.4 LANGUAGE ARTS - ENGLISH LANG CONVENTIONS --- 23.4.2.9.1 --- 23.4.2.9.2 --- 23.4.3.9.1 --- 23.4.3.9.2 --- 23.4.3.9.3




What techniques and characteristics define the genre of mystery?
How has the genre evolved since the mid-nineteenth century?
What similarities exist between classic and contemporary mystery literature?






This course is designed to introduce students to the mystery genre through a wide range of literature, starting with the genre's inception in the mid-nineteenth century and ending with contemporary mystery writing. The use of genre-specific terminology and technique, such as "red herrings," "hard-boiled" fiction, and so on, is emphasized, as is the development of the genre, which still uses certain prototypical elements that came into being more than 150 years ago. The course is discussion-driven, and it is augmented with expository and critical writing as well as creative writing. In addition to fiction selections, the dramatic form is also studied through the plays of Agatha Christie.




Students in Mystery Literature will:

-Learn and employ the following literary terms: adage, allegory, allusion, symbol, anachronism, aphorism, characters (flat, round, static, dynamic, stock) archetypes, denouement, didacticism, interior monologue, motifs, verisimilitude
-Understand the key components of the mystery genre
-Relate one detective fiction work to another
-Analyze the author's purpose beyond that of entertaining
-Demonstrate orally and in writing knowledge of the historical periods of detective fiction: Poe and the prototype, the Golden Age, the Black Mask School, the Police -Procedural, and modern metafiction
-- 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 own interest in contemporary mystery literature wherever possible through the reading of supplementary material
-- Define and recognize stylistical elements of a mystery literature
-- Identify the elements of a well-organized, well-written essay
-- Recognize and rationalize the differing approaches a writer has toward a contemporary topic/theme
-- Use a variety of forms of expression (such as: computer, oral, written, art, music an performance) to successfully communicate to varying audiences.
-- Address a small or large group appropriately
-- Recognize, identify and employ appropriate non-verbal communication
-- Demonstrate the organizational skills necessary to express themselves
-- Alter the method of communication in order to effectively enhance the desired outcome.





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 interpreting, 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. Students will also write a Mystery narrative (7-10 pages), and give a dramatic presentation of an excerpt from a mystery stage play.






-Crime Classics: The mystery story from Poe to Present (anthology)
-The Mouse Trap, Agatha Christie (full-length play)
-Ten Little Indians, Agatha Christie (full-length play)
- The Maltese Falcon, Dashielle Hammett
- L.A. Confidential (film)
- Cause of Death, Patricia Cornwall
-Two student-selected full-length mystery works of fiction: one classic (specified author choices) and one contemporary




This class is offered at the SCP level, and can be contracted up to ACP with the completion of an additional assignment outside of class time.

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