English/Language Arts III

English/Language Arts III is a two-semester course aligned to the 2020 Minnesota K–12 Academic Standards in English Language Arts (ELA). The course examines the belief systems, events, and literature that have shaped the United States, including the language of independence and governmental systems developed by Thomas Jefferson and other Enlightenment thinkers, the Romantic and Transcendentalist emphasis on individual power and responsibility in both supporting and questioning government authority, and the Modernist examination of whether the American Dream remains achievable amid growing disillusionment with America as a "land of opportunity." Through works by authors like Lorraine Hansberry and Amy Tan, students analyze the experiences of marginalized and nondominant groups of Americans and their struggles for equal rights. The course also explores how individuals cope with war and cultural tensions and examines technology's impact on the concepts of freedom and independence. Students develop critical thinking and communication skills through analytical essays, personal narratives, research papers, discussions, and speeches. Overall, the course provides understanding of how American literature represents the diverse voices that contribute to our multicultural national identity.

The materials needed for this course include the following texts (either in physical or digital formats):

• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
• The Way to Rainy Mountain by N. Scott Momaday