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.

Discuss literature argumentatively, using logical reasoning and academic conventions, which means you'll be able to...

• find something to say, plan, and structure your argument;
• decide on and develop your claims (thesis statements);
• distinguish facts from opinions;
• back up your arguments with persuasive evidence;
• evaluate supporting evidence;
• avoid plagiarism;
• document your sources and smoothly integrate references to sources;
• format and edit your writing in MLA style.

1 An essay plan + the introduction

You will have to:

• find something to say, plan, and structure your essay
• decide on and develop your thesis statement;
• distinguish facts from opinions
• back up your arguments with persuasive evidence

You will be given 4–5 essay questions.
Your answer to one of the questions should contain:
1 a fully-developed introduction (200-400 words), including your thesis statement, the summary of the story(-ies), and other background information.
2 the main body plan consisting of 3-4 major arguments supplied with evidence (references to the story, quotations, articles, etc.).

Assessment criteria & requirements

2 Final test

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

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

Argumentative answer to a question on literary movements

Satire. Explain the meaning of satire and how authors create it in works of literature. Name 2-3 works that exemplify satire in literature. Prove that "A Voyage to Lilliput" satirizes the contemporary British society.

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 or Romanticism represented in Frankenstein by M. Shelley.

Romanticism. Present the main characteristics of the movement. Name 2-3 works that exemplify Romanticism in literature. Prove that celebration of the individual is an important theme or Romanticism represented in Frankenstein.

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 or Romanticism represented in Frankenstein.

Gothic fiction. Present the main characteristics of the genre. Name 2-3 works that exemplify gothic fiction in literature. Prove that Frankenstein by Mary Shelley exemplifies Gothic fiction.

Realism. Present the main characteristics of the movement. Name 2-3 works that exemplify Realism in literature. Using "Writing a War Story" as an example, prove that realism prefers commonplace and everyday subject matters, represented in minute detail.

Realism. Present the main characteristics of the movement. Name 2-3 works that exemplify Realism in literature. Using "Writing a War Story" as an example, prove that realism is intended to present real-life characters in situations that "might well happen".

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 & portfolio)

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 speaking test ("зачёт");
• 6 points for speaking exam.

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