Standard: 11-12.RL.9 – Demonstrate knowledge of eighteenth, nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century foundational works of American literature, including how two or more texts from the same period treat similar themes or topics.
Grade level: Grade 11-12
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Reading: Literature
Teacher Overview
This standard requires students to demonstrate knowledge of foundational American literary works from the 18th to early 20th centuries, focusing on how different texts from the same period address similar themes or topics. This is crucial for developing a deep understanding of American literature and its historical contexts. Students should have a basic understanding of major literary movements and historical contexts of American literature from the 18th to early 20th centuries. They should also be familiar with literary analysis techniques and have experience comparing themes and topics across different texts.
After mastering this standard, students will be able to critically evaluate and synthesize themes across various literary periods, enhancing their ability to understand and interpret complex literary works. This skill will also prepare them for advanced literary analysis in college-level courses.
Common Misconception 1
A common misconception is that all texts from the same period treat themes in exactly the same way. This is incorrect because authors have unique perspectives and styles that influence their treatment of themes.
Intervention 1
Encourage students to identify and analyze specific differences in how themes are approached in different texts, using textual evidence to support their observations. This will help them understand the diversity of literary expression within a given period.
Common Misconception 2
Another misconception is that themes remain static and do not evolve over time. This is incorrect because themes can change and develop in response to historical and cultural shifts.
Intervention 2
Guide students to trace the evolution of a theme across different periods, highlighting how historical and cultural contexts influence literary themes. This will help them appreciate the dynamic nature of literature.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should have a basic understanding of major literary movements and historical contexts of American literature from the 18th to early 20th centuries. They should also be familiar with literary analysis techniques and have experience comparing themes and topics across different texts.
Subsequent Knowledge
After mastering this standard, students will be able to critically evaluate and synthesize themes across various literary periods, enhancing their ability to understand and interpret complex literary works. This skill will also prepare them for advanced literary analysis in college-level courses.
Instructional Activities
- Conduct a comparative analysis of two texts from the same period.
- Create a timeline of major American literary works and their themes.
- Host a class debate on how different authors from the same period treat a common theme.
- Assign a research project on the historical context of a specific literary period.
