European Literature

European Literature, often referred to as Euro Lit, is a full year, single period selective course for sophomores. Students are required to choose between Classical Literature and European Literature to fulfill their English requirement. Although the topics covered in European Literature are intended to complement the AP European History class, the class is offered to all sophomores, and taking AP European History does not afford students any significant advantage. Teachers of this course expect students to be reasonably comfortable with the basics learned in Freshman Composition, such as the MLA format and the mechanics of English.

Curriculum
The curriculum changes from year to year, as each teacher makes their own alterations. However, the following texts are almost always taught: Homer's The Odyssey, Voltaire's Candide, Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray, and James Joyce's Dubliners.

Ms. Brown
Ms. Brown is a fairly lax, friendly and open teacher. For the most part, class is discussion based and highly structured. On a typical day, students walk into class, take out their notebooks, copy down the Aim and homework for the day, then begin working on the Do Now. This may be an independent writing assignment based on the reading, or a thought provoking question to discuss with a neighbor. After the Do Now is completed, Ms. Brown guides a class discussion. The majority of learning is achieved during these class discussions.

Assignments
Assignments are very open ended: in the past, she has assigned traditional essays, presentations, film projects, poetry, satires, and the like. The essay assignments are given well in advance of the due date, and students are expected to adhere to several deadlines (i.e. thesis, first draft, etc.). All thesis statements must be approved by her before a student begins working on an essay. Generally, a list of essay topics is given out, and if students wish to write a different essay, they must consult with her first; this is, in fact, encouraged. Her policy on lateness is the department standard and is strictly enforced (an A paper that is a day late becomes an A-), although extensions are given if a student wishes to use the writing center. Essays are graded according to department policy, and she very rarely gives a paper a perfect score. Many of the nontraditional assignments are handed out with their own rubric. The amount of reading assigned nightly is moderate, and plenty of time is given to write essays. Deadlines are often extended if she feels the class is not ready.

Grading Policy
Grades are based mostly on class participation and performance on assignments. Although class is very enjoyable, grades are usually not generous.