HONORS

ENGLISH 11

 

David Kirk, Chagrin Falls High School, Room 322

 

 

 

E-Mail Kirk

 

 

Lesson Plans

 

Grading, homework, &

absence policies

 

 

Chagrin Falls

District Page

 

 

Call Kirk

440-247-2072  x4466

 

 

Check your grades

 

 

11th Grade

Course Overview

 

Honors English

Reading List

 

 

 

 

 

RATIONALE / COURSE DESCRIPTION

 

       The purpose of Honors English 11 is to provide the college bound student a strong background in American Literature including an examination of the evolution of changing philosophies in thought; the historical influence of social, economic, and political events on our nationals body of literature; and the methods of expression of those ideas through poetry, short stories, novels, and drama.  An in-depth continuation of the writing program is stressed with an emphasis on structure and support of discussion ideas within an essay.  The course is designed to prepare students for entry into Honors English 12 or, ideally, AP English 12.

 

       For this reason, this course is designed for academically motivated juniors. It will focus on the American novel, poetry, and drama and will require an in-depth study of at least six to eight major works of American literature.  Students should already have proficiency in organizational and developmental writing skills of the literary essay, however, a brief review of the writing process and skills will take place prior to the introduction of advanced writing techniques.  Students will be required to complete their Senior Portfolio projects and will be encouraged to take the PSAT/NMSQT Test in the fall (October), the SAT Test in the spring (May) and possibly the AP English Language Test.

 

       Success in Honors English 12 and AP English 12 is predicated on a student’s ability to read at a much deeper level of understanding; the skill of interpreting the ideas of the author through a variety of reading techniques; the maturity to carry on a discussion of those ideas and react to opposing viewpoints; and finally, the independence of organization and presentation to respond to the work of literature in a thematic yet personal essay.  Hence, the focus of Honors English 11 will be to emphasize the skills, creativity, and work ethic it takes to be successful at these highly competitive levels of study.