British Literature

Through the voices of a diverse group of authors, thinkers, and prominent political and cultural figures, British Literature surveys the history of the English language from the Old English period up to the contemporary writers of today. Through the careful study of various literary genres such as poetry, prose, essay, and drama, students refine the skills of critical thinking and rhetoric through thought-provoking personal response writing, essay writing and research assignments. Below is a glimpse at what we will be reading the first months of school.

Schedule

A.  The Classical Period: THE ILIAD of homer (excerpt)

• 1st week (review)

B. ​The Anglo Saxon Period:  BEOWULF (2nd-4th week)

• The Wife's Lament"

• Anglo Saxon gravestone writing, riddles, poems

• GRENDEL by John Gardner (excerpt)

• THE ILIAD of Homer Excerpts in literature textbook

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C. The Medieval Period: Selections from THE CANTERBURY TALES by Geoffrey Chaucer.

(5th - 6th Weeks)

• Selections from Le Morte d' Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory

             Medieval poetry and ballads

• The 3rd Voyage of Sin bad the Sailor

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D. ​The Renaissance: Poetry by Shakespeare, Spenser, Raleigh, Marlowe, and other poets. (7th - 9th weeks)

• THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH, KING OF SCOTLAND by Shakespeare

• Selected scenes from other plays by Shakespeare and Marlowe

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