ENG3U: English (University Preparation)
PREREQUISITE: English, Grade 10, Academic
GRADE: 11 (University)
AVAILABILITY: Spark Asher Academy Online
THE ONTARIO CURRICULUM: English
Course Overview
This course allows students to develop their critical and creative skills, as well as their overall literacy and
communication skills, all of which are essential for success in academics and daily life. Throughout this course, students will study the content, form, and style of various informational, graphic, and literary texts from Canada and abroad. They will also have the opportunity to practice using language with precision and clarity by creating oral, written, and media texts in a variety of practical and academic forms.
UNIT ONE
Short Stories and Non-Fiction
- Essential Question: How do literary elements enhance the impact of written works?
In this unit, students will be introduced to the foundational terms and concepts necessary for this course. They will analyze a selection of short stories and non-fiction texts, utilizing various mediums and styles. This examination will help them understand how different literary elements are employed across different genres.
UNIT TWO
Novel Study – The Catcher in the Rye
- Essential Question: How do we utilize context clues to interpret or clarify meanings?
This unit focuses on J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye. Students will delve into themes, character development, and narrative perspectives. Despite being written over seventy years ago, the novel’s themes remain profoundly relevant today, dealing with issues such as family dynamics, personal belief systems, and grief. Additionally, students will enhance their formal writing skills through an essay project based on the novel.
UNIT THREE
Elizabethan Drama – Macbeth
- Essential Question: How do we define a tragic hero?
In this unit, students will study William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, exploring the concept of the tragic hero, various forms of conflict, and the dramatic purpose behind specific scenes. This exploration will be coupled with ongoing development in literary analysis, oral communication, and presentation skills.
UNIT FOUR
Contemporary Novel – A Complicated Kindness
- Essential Question: What lessons can we learn about ourselves through the experiences of others?
Students will engage with Miriam Toews’ A Complicated Kindness, a Governor General’s Award-winning Canadian novel that portrays the life of a Mennonite teenager named Nomi Nickel as she navigates her identity and place in the world. This independent study will require students to create annotated notes and analyze the novel’s plot, themes, conflicts, and symbols, further refining their written and oral communication abilities through various assessments.
Assessment
The final exam will constitute 30% of the course’s final grade. Students should review the schedule and other necessary arrangements for the proctored final exam.
For more details on final exams and the exam fee, please consult our Frequently Asked Questions Page or the Exam section within your course. Additional information can be found in our Student Handbook.
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