Welcome to British

Literature!
with Mr. Paul
British Literature Abstract
● Academic British Literature exists to be a study of the advent of
the English language and its application in literature from its birth
(54 BC) to the modern era (2011 AD).
● This class is interested in the study of the English language, the
study of prominent British authors and poets, the study of
prominent British works of literature, and the study of the life,
times, and conditions of Europe during this same progression of
time.
● This class also emphasizes the development of grammar, writing,
and vocabulary skills.
Why British
Literature?
● Language is our Greatest Tool!
○ Power to create
○ Power to destroy
○ Power to bind us
○ Power to free us
● Experiencing a New Perspective
○ Modern perspective is narrow
○ Insights into modern problems from a historic scope
○ Understanding our progress (and our regress)
● But, most importantly…
To Unleash
our
Imagination
● The heroes of old
○ Monsters and treasure
○ Glorious kings and knights
○ Damsels in distress
● Unutterable dread and glorious joy
○ Poets that speak to man’s darkest hours
○ Poets that celebrate the surreal beauty of life
● The growth and fall of empires
○ Span of the English language
○ Oppressive, futuristic dystopias
○ Rage against the machine
● Political Intrigue
○ Deceit and murder
○ Gluttony and greed
○ Heroes of the people
○ Plight of the poor
British Literature
Preview
The Major Works
Beowulf
● Anglo-Saxon hero
● War between good and
evil
● Heroes of might and
magic
● Dragons, demons,
witches, and more…
le Morted’Arthur

● The greatest king of men

● The Arthur legend
● Knights of the Round Table
Macbeth
● Greatest playwright of
all time
● Tale of treachery and
the supernatural
● Women’s deceit
● Absolute power
Frankenstein
● First work of science
fiction
● Female author
● Terrifying
consequences of
knowledge
1984
● Dystopian future
● Result of World Wars
● A world without
emotion
● A world without identity
Major Assignments
● Compare/Contrast Paper
○ 3-5 Page Character Comparison
● Outside Reading Project
○ Outside Reading List
○ Corresponding Paper
● Research Paper
○ 5-7 page Research Paper
● Persuasive Speech
○ 4-6 minute Persuasive Presentation
○ Required Visual Aid
What Will it Take to Succeed?
● Reading is imperative
○ Nightly Assignments
○ In-class
○ Take notes!
● Contribute!
○ Group work
○ Discussions
○ Extra credit opportunities
● Work Ethic
○ Expectations (Quality and Drive)
○ Deadlines
○ Self-motivation
Expectations of the Teacher
● Constant accessibility:
○ paulj1096@gmail.com (goes directly to my cell phone)
○ john.paul@donegal.k12.pa.us
○ Appointment scheduling
● Study groups or tutoring
○ Schedule with me
○ Availability fluctuates
● Genuine Drive
○ Expectations of myself
○ Goals of this semester
○ Vision of the classroom
Final Housekeeping Items
● Inbox/Outbox Procedure
● Sign-out Procedure
● Colors and Numbers
● Electronic Submittals (Paper Assignments)
● Substitute Teacher and Library Expectations
● Blog Uses