Read imaginative literature critically and analyze it, which means you will...

• expand your personal literary boundaries reading British and American fiction of the 19–21 centuries;
• read literature actively using previewing, highlighting, annotating, and conversing with with a text;
• understand how various literary elements (plot, characters, themes, tone, etc.) function within a work of literature;
• find and read literary criticism to interpret fiction;
• learn the historical and cultural context that influenced different literary movements and works of fiction

In semester 1, the credit assignment consists of two parts:

1 A thesis statement for one topic + an argument outline
You will have to:

• find something to say
• decide on and develop your thesis statement;
• plan and structure your argument (outline points to this thesis statement).

2 Questions on literary theory (definitions and examples)

You will have to answer your teacher's questions from this list:
Semester 1. List of theoretical questions

For both tasks, the student receives 8 exam points (out of 20, the remaining 12 are distributed between Navigate and Phonetics).
An answer of less than 4 points (in total, for all tasks) equals 0 points: there can be no marks of 3, 2 or 1 for the exam. The range is from 4 to 8 points.

Argumentative answer to a question on literary movements

During the speaking test ("зачёт"), you are going to demonstrate

1. test theoretical knowledge of literature: literary elements (like in semester 1) and literary movements (the material of semester 2).
2. logical reasoning, supporting your claims with sufficient evidence.

A sample question for the speaking test is the following:

Romanticism. Present the main characteristics of the movement. Name 2–3 works that exemplify Romanticism in literature. Prove that the affinity with nature is an important theme in Frankenstein by M. Shelley.

We can break it down into 2 parts

1 Giving a precise definition taken from course materials, illustrating it with examples (explanations are not required):

• Romanticism. Present the main characteristics of the movement. Name 2-3 works that exemplify Romanticism in literature.

Here, the teacher will assess the accuracy of your definition & the relevance of examples.

2 Developing an argument, using deductive reasoning: making a claim (thesis statement) and naming blocks of evidence that can support your claim:

• Prove that the affinity with nature is an important theme in Frankenstein.

Here, the teacher will assess the accuracy of your thesis statement, the relevance of your evidence (to the work of fiction and to the formulated claim), and the logical structure of your argument.

☝ While doing this course, you will discuss all the questions you will face during the test

Your score = points gained for:

• participation in seminars (presenting homework, answering questions, group work, etc.)
• doing writing assignments

Semester score:
Minimum = 40 points; Maximum = 80 points:
40 to 65 for mandatory tasks
3 to 20 for optional aspects (attendance & reader's journal)

Overall score for English Practice ("Практический курс английского языка") consists of:
English (Eng): Semester score x 0.5
Phonetics (Ph): Semester score x 0.2
Home Reading (HR): Semester score x 0.3

Before the exam your final score (FS) will be counted according to this formula:
0,5xEng + 0,2xPh + 0,3xHR = FS (80 points max)

The examination (or credit) will give 20 points maximum:

• 6 points for Phonetics;
• 8 points for HR writing assignment (the final project);
• 6 points for speaking exam.

The assessment rubric ("рейтинг-план") is available here.

You will have the chance to earn up to 10 additional points by keeping a Reader’s Journal.

What is it?

• A Reader’s Journal is a short written reflection on the stories we read and discuss in class.
• You choose 10 stories from Semester 1 and answer the guiding questions provided.
• Each journal entry = 1 point
• It is an optional task

Why do it?

• It helps you understand the stories more deeply.
• You practice critical thinking and writing in English.
• You connect literature to history, culture, and even your own experiences.
• And of course—you can earn extra points!

How will it be graded?
We will use a simple checklist rubric that will appear on Google Classroom.

Important:
Think of it as a way to have a conversation with the text—to ask questions, notice details, and connect what you read to bigger ideas.