English 4: Challenging Convention

General Course Information

• Self-discovery opportunity through challenging conventions in reading, writing, and critical thinking.
• Aims to enhance reading and writing sophistication while questioning personal learning assumptions.

Course Goals/Objectives

• Cultivate compassion through various communicative approaches (reading, writing, listening, speaking).
• Explore diverse voices and styles, critically analyzing how authors challenge conventions.
• Reflect on personal identity, learning processes, and reactions to texts.
• Develop logical argument organization and strong writing and speaking voices.
• Focus on constructive feedback practices and revision in thinking, writing, and speaking.
• Foster critical thinking skills including truth-seeking, judiciousness, inquisitiveness, confident reasoning, and open-mindedness.
• Enhance creativity in expression.

Evaluation

• Summative Assessments:
  • Writing: 35%
  • Speaking/Performing/Presenting: 25%
  • Projects/Creative Work: 30%
• Formative Assessments:
  • Other (quizzes, revisions, etc.): 10%

Grading Scale in the English Department

• A scale ranging from A+ (97 and above) to F (below 59.5).
• Rounding policy applies, with specific criteria for A- and A+ distinctions.

Required Materials

• Chromebook or laptop for digital access to course materials; organization of digital folders is important.
• A curious and open mind is essential for engagement in the course.

Course Texts

Semester 1 Units

• Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel: Major assignments include quiz, in-class essay, and presentation.
• Vampires in the Lemon Grove by Karen Russell: Major assignments include essay and passion project.
• Speakers’ Forum: Focused on interpretive public reading.
• Poetry: Various poetry provided; major assignments include an in-class essay and creative writing.

Semester 2 Units

• Macbeth by William Shakespeare: Major assignments include in-class analysis, adapted screenplay, and Harkness discussion.
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Major assignments include Harkness discussion and essay.
• There There by Tommy Orange: Major assignments include presentation and essay.

Instructor Expectations

• Openness to student ideas and opinions regarding texts and the course overall.