Mrs.

Vittie 1
English 12 Poetry Unit Syllabus
Big idea: Provide students with a deeper understanding of language and how it can be
used to play, express emotion, create ambiguity, and make meaning. Also, preparation for
the provincial exam.
Student Portfolios:
This unit will be evaluated based on a student portfolio. Portfolios will consist of a Poetry
Analysis, Poems with Reflections, an Oral Presentation, In-class Participation, and a
Person Definition of Poetry.
Poetry Analysis: 30%
Each portfolio will include one essay analyzing a poem from another author. Poems used
can be from authors we have studied in class, from another student, or other poem of your
choosing (if not a poem from class, approval must be granted from Mrs. Vittie).
Analysis should be 1000-1500 words, and include vocabulary of poetic terms and devices
that will be gone over in class.
Poems & Reflections: 30%
Your portfolio should include 5 poems that you have written over the unit (in at least 3
different genres). In-class assignments can be used in the portfolios, as well as work done
independently from class. Each poem submitted requires a reflection written about the
process of making the poem, thoughts about the genre of poem, and any changes in
thinking or understanding poetry as a result of the making of this poem.
Oral Presentation: 20%
Your portfolio will include an oral performance of a poem of your choosing (approved by
Mrs. Vittie). Students should be able to demonstrate understanding of how the reading of a
poem can affect the understanding, with special attention to rhythm, emotional shifts,
meter, etc.
Definition of Poetry: 10%
In your own words, define what poetry is. Provide explanation. 100-500 words.
In-class participation: 10%
This class relies heavily on class participation for shared learning. Students are expected
to contribute to class discussions, projects and group assignments.

Resources and information about this unit can be found online at:
http://mrsvittieenglish12.weebly.com/
Mrs. Vittie 2
Lesson / Date Readings Assignments
1) Pop Music In Class Reading of Song Lyrics Participation
In class completion of poetry
autobiography
2) Intro to unit/ assignments Things to Notice When Reading
a poem sheet
Participation
3) Terms and Devices/
Mushrooms 1
Mushrooms (Platt)
How to Analyze a Poem sheet
Terms and Devices sheet
Participation
Chart Vocabulary needs
4) Terms and Devices/
Mushrooms 2
Mushrooms (Platt)
How to Analyze a Poem sheet
Terms and Devices sheet
Participation
In class individual analysis of
Mushrooms
5) Word Power/ Context The Animals in that Country
(Atwood),
We are Different(Wah).
Participation
In class Poem Translations
BRING STUDENT AGENDAS
FOR NEXT CLASS
6) Word Power 2/ Structure Student Agenda Text

Participation
In class prose to poem
assignment
BRING ART/CRAFT SUPPLIES
FOR NEXT CLASS
7) Visual Power Exxon Valdez, (Wershler-
Henry)
Posy (Cabri)
Easter Wings (Herbert)
Participation
Found Poetry assignment
BRING ART/CRAFT SUPPLIES
FOR NEXT CLASS
8) Visual Power 2 / Work
Class / Student meetings
Found Poetry assignment
Student Meetings
9) Oral Power CHRISTIAN BOK video
Eunoia (Bok)
Oral practice handout

Participation
10) Oral Power 2 Sonnet 29 (Shakespeare)
Handout of discussion questions
and sonnet information
Participation