In this course students will…
-determine theme;
-analyze plot and its various phases;
-examine how literary elements affect plot progression, assist in character development, and convey meaning, including: motif, symbol, foreshadowing, echoing, flashback, opposition, metaphor, irony, foil, choice of language; 
-understand the mono-myth (Hero’s Journey), The Heroine’s Journey, The Villain’s Journey, and character archetypes;
-develop an understanding of modern pop-culture.

This course provides opportunities to for students to develop the following skills:
1.Explain the function of character.
2.Explain the function of setting.
3.Explain the function of plot and structure.
4.Explain the function of the narrator or speaker.
5.Explain the function of word choice, imagery, and symbolism.
6.Explain the function of comparison.
7.Develop textually substantiated arguments about interpretations of a portion or whole text.

Credentialed teacher with almost 20 years of experience in education. Certified AP English teacher, forensics coach(speech and debate), with an extensive background in drama.  I have taught in multiple states in the U.S. and spent three years teaching in China.  I am traveler, chef, poet, and storyteller, specializing in writing instruction, literary analysis, creative projects, and above all, building student teacher relationships.

Homework Offered
Students will be expected to watch movies as assigned and complete the accompanying movie worksheet (typically one movie each week). During non-film weeks, students will be expected to complete a weekly reading assignment instead. Reading in this class is minimal, and will be either in the form of a graphic novel or short stories. Students may begin reading or watch films in advance if they wish. In addition, once our poetry unit is complete, students will be tasked with watching 1-3 spoken word poems each week or reading 1-3 poems, and completing the poetry response worksheet. All projects must also be completed at home. Students are encouraged to join a weekly study hall session so that they may work together on homework assignments and get extra assistance from me when needed. 
2 - 4 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Grades Offered

Trimester 2
Books and stories
“The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr.Hyde” Robert Lewis Stevenson (novella)
“Inferno” by Dante Alighieri (reading not required, selected passages only, accompaied with description & summary)
A Batman movie or graphic novel, student choice from list provided
“The Killing Joke,” Alan Moore (motion comic available)
“The Tell-Tale Heart” Edgar Allen Poe
“The Question” Stanley Ellin (short story provided)

Films
“The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” (movie or graphic novel)
An Incredible Hulk movie, student choice
“Fight Club” [R]
“The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters”
“Necessary Evil: Super-Villains of DC Comics”
“Seven” [R]
“The Godfather”[R]
“The Godfather, Part 2” [R]
“Lolita” (1997) [R]