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English IV CPC
Modern/ Contemporary American Drama
Mrs. Altiero
201-785-2300 x21919
Rationale
The purpose of this course is to build upon the basic study of the drama genre introduced in the required English classes. This course will allow those students, who have the desire, to read and learn more of this genre. Students will have the opportunity to explore themes related to specific decades and contemporary issues through literature. Class discussions will include the issues of war and politics, generational differences, sexual orientation, gender, definition of family, and illness. The majority of the course relies heavily on close analysis of the texts of the plays. In addition to the texts, students will also read critical essays regarding specific plays, manufacture a creative assignment, and complete a literary research- based project using at least three sources. Students will use writing and discussion as a means to communicate thoughts and explore learning. They will have the opportunity to practice various forms of writing for different purposes: to express, to describe, to narrate, to persuade, and to inform. Concepts such as theme, character motivation and development, figurative language, and diction are also critical to the overall construction of the course. This course will also help students develop their vocabulary skills.
Seniors will continue to build their skills of critical and analytical reading, vocabulary, and usage for college entrance examinations. Summer reading is an integral component of English IV and students will be required to complete a summer reading assignment.
Students will see a connection between literature and our world. Literature introduces us to new worlds and we can learn and evolve through our literary journey with books.
1. This course will involve critical reading and interpreting various plays. Class discussions, open ended responses, essays, quizzes, tests and projects will follow.
2. Students will write for a variety of purposes, such as: personal, descriptive, expository, and narrative. All formal writing must be word processed.
3. Research will be another major unit of study. Steps will be involved to assist with research papers. The papers will be written in MLA format.
4. Students should have a notebook, writing utensil and any text we are currently using.
5. Homework is required and will be graded. Please refer to my website for assignments. It is updated on a regular basis.
6. Evaluation of this class will be on a point system. All assignments will have a point value and will be averaged together. Tests, reports and projects will be announced. Quizzes will be given randomly.
7. Grading for the marking period will be the average of all assignments. Class participation and homework will be included within the grade for the marking periods.
8. Extra help is available. It is also possible to arrange to see me during a period where we are both available. Please feel free to ask, so we can schedule a convenient time.
9. Please take care of your books and our room.
I hope you learn a great deal this year, have some fun doing it, enjoy the class, and do well!J
