Instructor: Marissa Egbert, M.A.Ed
Email: Marissa@class-source.com
PreRequisite: None
Grade: 8th-9th
Duration: Full Year
Time: Tuesdays 9:00 AM - 9:55 AM
Materials Fee: $25 for copies of articles, stories, and poem
 
Required Book(s)
Fahrenheit 451 - ISBN 13: 9781451673319
Romeo and Juliet: No Fear Shakespeare Side-by-Side Plain English English ISBN13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1586638450
A variety of short stories provided by instructor
 
Course Description:
In this course, students will explore a range of literary genres that highlight different themes, perspectives, and styles of writing. Readings will include texts from Arthurian, Gothic, Historical, and Mystery traditions, giving students the chance to experience how stories change across genres and are inspired by historical and literary movements.
The texts we will read:
Poem: "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight"
Book: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Short Stories: "Witness for the Prosecution" and "The Case of the Perfect Maid" by Agatha Christie
Play: The Crucible by Arthur Miller
 
Students will be assessed in a variety of ways including class participation/discussion, quizzes and tests, written assignments (paragraphs and essays), and through projects. All of these will be designed to support critical thinking, comprehension, writing skills (including grammar), and vocabulary development.
 
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
 
1. Analyze key literary elements (such as plot, character, setting, conflict, and theme) across multiple genres, including Arthurian, Gothic, Historical, and Mystery texts.

2. Identify and explain genre conventions and describe how different genres use unique structures, themes, and stylistic features.

3. Use textual evidence to support interpretations and analysis in both written and oral responses.

4. Develop close reading strategies to better understand complex texts, including annotating, questioning, and summarizing.

5. Compare and contrast texts from different genres to recognize how authors shape meaning through style, tone, and perspective.

6. Write clear, organized analytical responses and essays that demonstrate understanding of literary texts and themes while also properly utilizing MLA format.
7. Participate in academic discussions by sharing ideas, listening to others, and responding thoughtfully to multiple interpretations.

8. Build vocabulary and comprehension skills through consistent engagement with challenging readings.