ETS4U STUDIES IN LITERATURE – GRADE 12 (UNIVERSITY)

ETS4U online course is for students with a special interest in literature and literary criticism. The course may focus on themes, genres, time periods, or countries. Students will analyze a range of forms and stylistic elements of literary texts and respond personally, critically, and creatively to them. In ETS4U online, students will also assess critical interpretations, write analytical essays, and complete an independent study project.

UNIT ONE

Literary Criticism & TheoryEssential Question: How does the social zeitgeist determine the content, themes, and approaches to literature and literary criticism?

• In this unit, students will look at various literary theories and ways to judge and evaluate pieces of literature. Literary theories act as different lenses critics use to view and talk about literature. These different lenses allow critics to consider works of art based on certain assumptions within that school of theory. The different lenses also allow critics to focus on particular aspects of a work they consider important.

UNIT TWO

Non-Fiction: Memoirs & PersepolisEssential Question: How are memoirs different from biographies and how does understanding different textual forms enhance my abilities as an active reader?

• In this unit, students will study the memoir in depth. A memoir is usually only an anecdote from the author's life. Students will have the opportunity to read a memoir of their choosing, read the graphic novel "Persepolis" and discuss its validity and effectiveness as a memoir.

UNIT THREE

Novel StudyEssential Question: What does it take for literature to become part of the canon? What can we learn by studying classical literature?

• In this unit, students will be introduced to the English Literary Canon by choosing two novels to read, study and analyze. Chapter questions will help students prepare to write a critical analysis/essay about one of the novels they read.

UNIT FOUR

PoetryEssential Question: What literary devices and elements make a good poem? What role does poetry play in our lives?

• In this unit, students will get a "crash course" in poetry over the last 1000 years. Students will read a wide selection of poems and determine which poem is the best-of-the-best.

UNIT FIVE

Introduction: Film and MediaEssential Question: How can we use multiple lenses to critically analyze film and media on a deeper level?

• In this unit, students will analyze ideologies and archetypes found in film, critique a film through the lens of a literary theory of their choosing and will look at the ways that "old" texts are marketed to new audiences.

CULMINATING PROJECT

30% of Final Grade

• This project is the final evaluation of ETS4U online. This project is meant to encourage exploration and understanding of a variety of literary forms that best connect with students' interests, personality and understanding. This project is worth 30% of the final grade.