RATIONALE:
This unit bundles student expectations that address word study, writing, and reading using American literature representing major literary periods to support the evaluation of multiple structures and complex elements specific to the genre. Various forms of literary text from classical, mythical, and traditional literature representing a range of diverse cultures and historical backgrounds from 20th and 21st century novels, plays, and films provide the avenue for students to practice making inferences, summarizing, synthesizing, and providing textual evidence during their reading. Students examine teacher selected and student selected literature based on individual interests and abilities, providing opportunities to make important personal world connections within and across different contexts and genres. An emphasis on the integration of reading and writing skills allows the continued development of processes, while providing a framework for college and career readiness.
Prior to this unit, the English II TEKS required students to analyze isolated scenes and their contribution to the success of the plot as a whole in a variety of works of fiction. During this unit, students evaluate how different literary elements shape the author’s portrayal of the plot and setting through connections outside the reading (e.g., other texts, world events, personal experiences). Students evaluate the author’s use of setting and how it connects to the mood of a piece, as well as analyze the author’s use of sensory details to create mood and enhance the theme of the writing. Students write literary text to express their ideas and feelings about real or imagined people, events, and experiences using literary techniques that enhance plot, character development, mood, and tone. The study of word etymology supports understanding of how vocabulary of American spoken English has been influenced by the influx of various cultures. The emphasis of writing conventions and vocabulary will provide a foundation for continual reflection on communicative accuracy. In English IV, students analyze how complex plot structures and techniques function, and how they advance the action in a work of fiction.
