English 12

In the epic poems The Odyssey, Beowulf, and The Inferno, in Shakespeare’s  Tempest, in the satire of Swift, and in the rhetoric of World War II,  students examine how the ideas of “heroic” and “monstrous” have been  defined across cultures and time periods and how the treatment of the  “other” can make monsters or heroes of us all. Reading Frankenstein and  works from those who experienced the imperialism of the British Empire,  students explore the notion of inner monstrosity and consider how the  dominant culture can be seen as monstrous in its ostensibly heroic goal  of enlightening the world. Throughout this course, students analyze a  wide range of literature, both fiction and nonfiction. They build  writing skills by composing analytical essays, persuasive essays,  personal narratives, and research papers. In order to develop speaking  and listening skills, students participate in discussions and give  speeches. Overall, students gain an understanding of the way British and  world literature represent the array of voices that contribute to our  global identity.