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 3-4 movies per two week unit) each). During non-film weeks, students will be expected to complete a weekly reading assignment instead. Reading in this class is minimal, and will consist of either short stories, poetry, or nonfiction articles (about 30-45 minutes of reading per unit). Students may begin reading or watch films in advance if they wish.All projects must also be completed at home.
4+ hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered

In lieu of formal exams, this course will use essays and projects as the primary form of student assessment. Projects must be submitted on the date due. Work submitted after the deadline may not be evaluated or scored. Students failing to submit a final project shall earn an "incomplete."
Grades Offered
Students shall be evaluated overall by a combination of engagement, progression, and learning.  Rather than waste time on trivial grading, much of the work in this course is designed as exercises in order to promote student development.  Students that are actively engaged and put forth the effort will excel with the assessments. That being said, it is the finish product that is more important when it comes to student assessment.

Students shall maintain all work as assigned in a digital folder or physical notebook. As most assignments are designed as practice exercises, these will typically be scored as credit/no credit based on effort and completion.  Daily assignments and regular homework will be kept in this file and submitted for scoring at the end of the trimester.  Students keeping a physical copy rather than a digital copy must submit their work in photograph form as a slideshow.

In lieu of formal exams, this course will use essays and projects as the primary form of student assessment. Projects must be submitted on the date due. Work submitted after the deadline may not be evaluated or scored. Students failing to submit a final project shall earn an "incomplete."

All assignments will be graded based on the 5-point scale, then weighted appropriately.

The 5-point scale:
A=5 (4.5-5): Far surpasses all standards and expectations
B=4 (3.5-4.4): above average, exceeds standard
C=3 (2.5-3.4):  Meets standard expectations and requirements
D=2 (1.5-2.4): Needs improvement/meets some expectations but falls below standard
F= 1 (0-1.4): Does not meet standard expectations
0=0: did not turn in or did not complete

Weighting (per trimester)
30%  Engagement and effort
20%  Homework/daily assignments (Trimester folder)
20%  Mini project
30%  Final Project

(A note on grading: My classes are designed to be easy to pass provided students put forth the effort; however, I do not grade easily. I expect my students to always give me their best effort, but quality of a finished product and assessment of learning, knowledge, and understanding require more than just effort.  In other words, I am an easy C, but a hard A.) 

FILMS
Some films are required, as they will be the focal point of lessons and discussions, while other films are optional, but recommended as supplemental viewing. These optional films will be discussed and referred to in class, but will not necessarily be the focal point.  Student viewing is highly encouraged as it will provide a greater understanding of our core topics and focus. All R-rated films are noted, with all other films being rated either PG or PG-13.


Paddington
Paddington 2
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
My Fair Lady
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Pretty Woman [R]
Batman Begins
Iron Man
The Avengers
Superman
Wonder Woman
Hidden Figures
All the President’s Men
12 Years a Slave [R]
Social Network
Dog Day Afternoon [R]
Emma
Clueless
Little Women
Steel Magnolias
The Devil Wears Prada
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
The Outsiders 
To All the Boys I Loved Before
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
The Breakfast Club
The Color Purple [R]
If Beal Street Could Talk [R]
Beloved [R]
Psycho [R]
Silence of the Lambs [R]
American Psycho [R]
The Shining [R]