This course is a survey of British Literature and Composition and can be used for students high school English credit as English III or IV. This class will build upon previous high school English courses and focuses on literature and informational texts, writing modes and genres, and essential conventions for reading, writing, and speaking.

This course provides a survey of significant works from British authors across various historical periods from the Anglo-Saxon era to present day. In this course, students will examine prose, poetry, and drama while considering the cultural, social, and historical contexts. Students will focus on analyzing literary techniques and themes within the works of renowned authors like Chaucer, Shakespeare, Austen, Wilde, and more.

Writing assignments will include expository, narrative, and argumentative genres. Students will engage in research, creative writing, and the writing process. Instruction in language conventions will occur within the context of reading, writing, and speaking.  Differentiation will be provided, and an honors option will be offered.  The teacher will provide grades and feedback throughout the year with final grades in December and May.

PLACEMENT: Students who have maintained a B-average or higher in world literature and composition at Compass should plan to take British Lit. in 2025-2026. Students who need more support for English classes should plan to take English Essentials in 2025-2026. New students to Compass should contact Kristy Dennis with any questions about placement in English classes. 

British Literature will be offered again in 2026-2026

NOTE: care is taken to select quality literature, but we cannot guarantee that all literature will be free of inoffensive words or ideas.  Nothing that will be assigned will be more than a "PG/PG-13" rating in terms of language or content, and we encourage parents to read along with their students if they have any concerns or questions.