Welcome to English IV; British and other World Literature. Don't be fooled by the name of the course because writing will be our primary focus. The objective is to further develope your writing abilities to meet entry level college and workplace requirements.

    Writing is the foundation of all effective communications. Everything we experience is connected to or generated from writing. Before there were blockbuster movie hits, their were scripts; before there were hit singles on iTunes, there were lyrics; before there were products in the local discount store, there were contracts, shipping documnets, and written operating proceedures; before items could be sold from the discout store, there were marketing plans. All types of writing henged on the foundations of organization, style and usage, structure, grammar, audience, and purpose.

    Good writing means good communication, and communications are essential for success. The ability to get your point across effectively means that others will take you seriously and you will not be misunderstood, ignored, or brushed asside by potential employers and other community leaders. The ability to communicate increases your potential to obtain the life that you desire for youself, the life that you feel you deserve.

    In this course we will complete many writing projects including a documented essay and a college application essay. We will practice structures such as compare and contrast, cause and effect, and pursuasive writing. By the end of our studies you will be able to write effectively and leave a lasting impression on those who have the opportunity to read your work.

    As far as our literature is concerned, we will have opportunities to enjoy and learn from historic works such as Beowulf, Macbeth, The Canterbury Tales, and the "Old Testement" of the Bible. We will analyze works in film, read and write poetry, and create an electronic media product using Garageband, iPhoto, and iMovie. We will also read modern literature through reading circles where as a group you will read and analyze works by Dan Brown, Lemony Snicket, ....

    It is good that you are here and I'm very glad to be your teacher. We are sure to have a great time this year as we become better writers and edge much closer to a productive and fulfilling future.