e-Learning at the YCDSB

Studies in Literature (ETS4U)
Grade 12, University Preparation


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

Prerequisite: Prerequisite: English, Grade 11, University Preparation
Credit Value: 1.0
Required Text: "Thoughts of Hanoi","The Shadow","A Consumer's Report",
"The Armenian Language","Song of Becoming", "Home" (found in A Multicultural Reader: Collection Two. Perfection Learning, 2008.), "Hosseini, Khaled. The Kite Runner", "Coelho, Paulo. The Alchemist", "The Harbrace Anthology of Literature, J. C. Stott, R. E. Jones, R. Bowers, Senior Editors. Third Edition, 2002."

ETS4U is based on English, The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12, Revised, Ministry of Education, 2007. It is comprised of five units, each of which contains several activities (that is, the lessons and assignments). The first four units are term work; the final unit is the culminating task. Each unit will also contain an activity that will be necessary for the successful completion of the culminating task

Unit 1: The Writer's Voice and You
Activity 1: Why Read Literature?
Activity 2: The Reader's Response
Activity 3: The Language of Literature
Activity 4: The Writer's Voice
Activity 5: Narrative Voice
Activity 6: The Alchemist

Unit 2: The Critic's Voice
Activity 1: What is Literary Criticism?
Activity 2: The Role of Literary Criticism
Activity 3: The Factors that Shape Critical Perspectives
Activity 4: Overview of Critical Perspectives
Activity 5: The Giving Tree – A Critical Approach

Unit 3: Familiar Voices
Activity 1: Why Read Classics?
Activity 2: One Classical Voice – Poetry
Activity 3: The Language of Poetry
Activity 4: An Historical Perspective (Literary Movements)
Activity 5: The Poet's Corner

Unit 4: Marginalized Voices
Activity 1: The Importance of Reading the “World”
Activity 2: Agents of Power and Powerlessness
Activity 3: Language as Power
Activity 4: Writing – a Vocation
Activity 5: Novel Study

Unit 5: Advocating Voice – Culminating Activities
Activity 1: The Anthology as Culminating Activity
Activity 2: Preface – An Introduction
Activity 3: Letter as Poet
Activity 4: Narrative – Another Voice
Activity 5: The Photo Essay
Activity 6: Epilogue – A Reflection

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