Novels Syllabus

Instructor: Ms. Beussman

Available hours for extra help: Before school at 7:45 or earlier by appointment, after school, 2nd hour.

Course Description:

This one-semester course is an elective designed to meet the graduation standards of the state of Minnesota and the graduation requirements of GFW High School. during this course, we will be focusing on a number of classic novels written by American authors, as well as a nonfiction book, and a novel of student’s choice. This course is taught with emphasis on interpretation of literature and expression of literary concept. Special emphasis will be given on gaining historical perspective of the time periods involved.

The Novels:

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925)
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (1937)
The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier (1974)
Novel of student’s choice that meets certain requirements to be established at a later date.
Eric by Doris Lund (1974)

Course Objectives:

Understand literary analysis.
Understand cause & effect relationships.
Understand how points of view affect the reader (1st person versus 3rd person) and why a writer chooses a certain point of view for the novel.
Develop the ability to pull main points out of a chapter.
To work on compare and contrast skills by viewing a video based on some of the novels making note of the differences between the written work versus the video.
To learn how to manage time by following and keeping up with the schedule.
Expanding vocabulary that is particular to the literature studied in class.
Understanding how an author creates mood.
Recognizing the classification of genres.
Understand how history affects a writer’s perspective and what he/she chooses to write.
Develop appreciation for significant novels and their impact.

Requirements:

Grading will be based on assignments, journal entries, projects, tests, and quizzes
Meeting deadlines is a critical life skill. All deadlines will be announced in advance. You are responsible for submitting your work on time. If work is late, points will be deducted.
If you are absent the day of a deadline, the assignment will be due the following school day. If you know in advance you will be gone, you should hand in your assignment in advance.
If you are absent the day of a test, plan to take the test the day you return to school. Extended absences will be given appropriate time to complete work.
Refer to student/ parent handbook for rules on attendance, tardies, detention, etc.

Materials: Notebook, Pencil, Folder. Other support material will be used to enhance the various novels.