Grade 11 English, University Prep

Unit 1 introduces the course's focus on the past, present, and future, and considers the past in a number of ways. Students learn questioning skills and are introduced to the inquiry project that will be worked on throughout the course. The unit reviews students' past knowledge of narrative and poetic forms and teaches the analytical skills needed to read these genres. The Quest offers an interactive lesson that has students journey into an Egyptian tomb to complete their quest as they learn about fact and opinion, bias, and the selection of evidence. Assessments in this unit include the creation of questions, a letter to your future self, poetry and short story analysis, and creative writing.  (24 hours)

 Unit 2 focuses primarily on non-fiction and media texts and considers issues of importance in today's world—and perhaps those most important to the future. Students will consider the impact of media (and social media) on the world, learn about the research process and the importance of verifying sources, and strengthen their presentation skills. The second step of the inquiry process, explore, will be introduced. Assessments in this unit include research and verification, media text analysis, creating varied texts for different audiences, and a mid-term reflection.   (24 hours)

Unit 3 takes a step into the future through the novel Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. The novel explores the nature of civilization, the importance of art, and the influence of memory. This unit also moves on to the third step in the inquiry process: explain. Assessments in this unit include an analysis and reflection, the creation of an inquiry plan, a formal essay, and a video essay.   (30 hours)

Now that the past, present, and future have been explored, in unit 4 students take on "the challenge." Looking into their own future, students consider what it means to be challenged and to meet a challenge. After learning a variety of reading skills, students are exposed to a wide variety of challenging texts commonly found in the traditional literary canon. These texts are also used to learn a variety of writing techniques that create writing powerful. The final stage of the inquiry process, extend, is also introduced. Assessments in unit 4 include a revision assignment, annotated reading list, an essay, and a commencement speech.  (24 hours)

Project:  The final project is worth 15% of the final course mark. Students complete the Inquiry Project they have worked on throughout the course. The project also provides students with the opportunity to reflect on their learning journey, to create a media presentation, and demonstrate their oral communication skills. (6 hours) 

Exam:  The final exam is worth 15% of the final course mark. Students will be asked to demonstrate their understanding of skills and concepts learned and practised throughout the course. (2 hours)