English A

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
English A: Language and Literature

Syllabus
Course Description
This course explores various aspects of language and literature, focusing on critical
analysis, interpretation, and communication skills. Students will engage with diverse texts,
examine literary devices, and develop their analytical and creative abilities.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Analyze texts using the three Areas of Exploration

2. Understand and apply stylistic devices in literature
3. Interpret visual language and rhetorical devices
4. Explore character development and heroic archetypes in literature
5. Analyze poetry and Shakespearean works
6. Prepare for IB English A: Language and Literature assessments
7. Write a 1,500-word essay
Course Content
Unit 1: Introduction to Areas of Exploration
- Overview of the three Areas of Exploration

- Identifying topics and themes in literature
- Introduction to "The Fall of the House of Usher" by Edgar Allan Poe
- Gallery walk - Areas of Exploration
Unit 2: Gothic Literature
- Elements of the Gothic novel

- Analysis of "The Fall of the House of Usher" by Edgar Allan Poe
- Reading and analysis of "The Landlady" by Roald Dahl
- Comparing and contrasting Gothic elements in both texts
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
Unit 3: Feminist Literature and Gender Roles
- Reading and analysis of "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

- Exploration of gender roles and societal expectations in literature
- Discussion of "By Any Other Name" from Gifts of Passage by Santha Rama Rau
Unit 4: Cultural Identity and Representation
- Analysis of works by Mustafa Demircioglu, Tim Opitz, Tom Sauer, and Kuno Rupprecht
- Exploration of the American Dream: myths and realities
- Discussion on freedom and success in literature and society
Unit 5: Body Image and Media Representation
- Analysis of "Young girls in Mauritania are force-fed to look older and wealthier for
marriage" (TV Documentary)
- Reading and discussion of "Body Image and Body Shape Ideals in Magazines: Exposure,
Awareness, and Internalization" by Dale L. Cusumano and J. Kevin Thompson
- Exploration of media influence on body image and societal expectations
Unit 6: Language and Advertising
- Study of advertisements in translation

- Analysis of languages in apposition and word choice in advertising
- Exploration of time and space in advertisements and their evolution over the last two
centuries
Unit 7: Visual Language: Advertisement and Its Features
- Introduction to visual rhetoric and semiotics

- Analysis of print and digital advertisements
- Exploration of color theory, layout, and typography in advertising
- Discussion of cultural context and target audience in visual communication
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
- Creation and presentation of a mock advertisement

- Analysis of the Blog as a means of communication
Unit 8: Poetry Analysis
- Introduction to poetic devices and forms

- Analysis of selected poems (to be determined by the teacher)
Unit 9: Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet
- Reading and analysis of Romeo and Juliet

- Exploration of themes, character development, and language in the play
- Performance and interpretation of key scenes
Grading Policy
- Class participation: 20%
- Weekly assignments: 30%
- Group presentations: 20%
- Final essay: 30%
Expectations
- Regular attendance and active participation in class discussions
- Timely completion of all assignments
- Respectful and constructive engagement with peers during group work
- Academic honesty in all work submitted
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
English A: Language and Literature

Assessments
Overview
This section outlines the various assessments that students will encounter in the English
A: Language and Literature course. These assessments are designed to evaluate
students' understanding, analytical skills, and ability to communicate effectively about
literature and language.
Types of Assessments
1. Paper 1: Guided textual analysis (35% of final grade)
- Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes

- Students analyze two unseen texts, choosing one from each of two sets
- Texts can be literary or non-literary
- Assessment focuses on students' ability to analyze and compare texts
2. Paper 2: Comparative essay (25% of final grade)
- Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

- Students write a comparative essay based on two works studied in the course
- Assessment focuses on students' ability to compare and contrast texts
3. Individual oral (30% of final grade)
- Duration: 15 minutes (10 minutes presentation, 5 minutes questions)

- Students deliver an oral presentation on a global issue as it relates to two works studied
- Assessment focuses on students' ability to analyze texts and make connections.
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
4. Higher Level (HL) essay (20% of final grade, HL only)
- 1,200-1,500 word essay

- Students write an essay on one literary work or a non-literary body of work studied
- Assessment focuses on students' ability to develop an argument and analyze texts in
depth
Classroom Assessments
In addition to the formal IB assessments, students will be evaluated through:
- Weekly assignments (30% of course grade)

- Group presentations (20% of course grade)
- Class participation (20% of course grade)
- Final essay (30% of course grade)
Preparation Strategies
To help students prepare for these assessments, we will:
1. Practice textual analysis regularly in class

2. Develop comparative essay writing skills
3. Work on oral presentation techniques
4. Engage in peer review and feedback sessions
5. Provide sample questions and practice exams

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ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

English A: Language and Literature

1. Analyze texts using the three Areas of Exploration

Unit 1: Introduction to Areas of Exploration

- Overview of the three Areas of Exploration

Unit 2: Gothic Literature

- Elements of the Gothic novel

Unit 3: Feminist Literature and Gender Roles

- Reading and analysis of "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Unit 4: Cultural Identity and Representation

Unit 5: Body Image and Media Representation

Unit 6: Language and Advertising

- Study of advertisements in translation

Unit 7: Visual Language: Advertisement and Its Features

- Introduction to visual rhetoric and semiotics

- Creation and presentation of a mock advertisement

Unit 8: Poetry Analysis

- Introduction to poetic devices and forms

Unit 9: Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet

- Reading and analysis of Romeo and Juliet

English A: Language and Literature

1. Paper 1: Guided textual analysis (35% of final grade)

- Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes

2. Paper 2: Comparative essay (25% of final grade)

- Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

3. Individual oral (30% of final grade)

- Duration: 15 minutes (10 minutes presentation, 5 minutes questions)

4. Higher Level (HL) essay (20% of final grade, HL only)

- 1,200-1,500 word essay

- Weekly assignments (30% of course grade)

1. Practice textual analysis regularly in class

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