This course presents a survey of British Literature. Students begin by studying the epic poem Beowulf and exploring ideas of heroism in that text and other early works. Students explore ideas about the supernatural, ambition, and power as they analyze Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Students will read poems and excerpts from novels from the Renaissance, the Restoration, the Enlightenment, the Romantic, the Victorian, and the Modern eras of British literature. Throughout, students will engage with different types of literature from different times in history and consider how the events during those time periods shaped the literature.
This course will concentrate on three areas of study: literature, language, and writing. Our study of literature will concentrate on British Literature and will include short stories, poetry, nonfiction, a self-selected novel, and a Shakespearean play (Macbeth). Students will increase their language skills by working on improving vocabulary, grammar, and usage skills through writing. Writing assignments include: persuasive writing, comparison essay, and an illustration essay.
About the Self-Paced Course Model
Self-Paced courses are comprehensive, self-paced courses designed for students who need or desire more flexibility in their academic schedule. VHS Learning teachers will regularly interact with students in asynchronous discussions, will host weekly office hours, and will invite students to monthly 1-on-1 progress meetings. Teachers will support students, answer questions, and provide feedback on work. Students will work independently on course activities; the course does not include class discussion assignments or other collaborative work.
Students may start this course on any Wednesday from September through the first Monday in February. Students must maintain enrollment for a minimum of 20 weeks and have until June 15 to complete all assignments in the course. It is expected that students will work for approximately 200 hours to complete this course, though the amount of time may vary depending on a student’s work habits and comfort with the material.
Course Essential Questions:
- How has English literature developed from the Anglo-Saxon period until today?
- What techniques can authors use to express their ideas and beliefs?
- How can I effectively express myself through writing?
Course Objectives:
- Examine literature from a variety of time periods and socio-political perspectives.
- Write and research competently, observing the conventions of Standard English.
- Interpret fiction, poetry, and drama.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the origins of British Literature and specific historical, cultural, and literary design processes that have shaped these works.
Required Texts: Students will need to obtain a copy of one of the following texts for a self-selected novel project; these texts are available at many schools or local libraries or for purchase online for a small fee:
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Students will also need to access one cinematic interpretation of Macbeth, such as Polanski (1971), Wright (2006), Goold (2010), Kurzel (2015), or Coen (2021).
Mature Content: Some texts contain mature themes such as violence, domestic abuse, and racism, and mature language.