English Gimmel

Duration

1 Year/ 2 Semesters

About the Course

Topics:
- Exploration of various literary genres (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama) through the lens of Torah values.
- Focus on advanced grammar, syntax, and writing style development.
- Analyze Jewish literature that exemplifies these genres.
Torah Integration: Understanding how Jewish literature approaches different genres and how Torah values influence composition.
Activities:
- Write essays that integrate Jewish themes within various genres.
- Group discussions and presentations on how Torah insights are reflected in different literary genres.

Topics:
- Study classical literature from authors such as Homer, Sophocles, and Shakespeare.
- Examine historical and cultural contexts of these classical texts.
- Compare classical historical perspectives with Jewish historical events and traditions.
Torah Integration: Analyze classical texts through Jewish ethical and historical lenses, comparing them to Torah stories and values.
Activities:
- Write contextual analysis essays that incorporate Torah perspectives on the moral or ethical dilemmas presented in classical works.
- Engage in class discussions on how classical literature parallels or contrasts with Torah narratives.

Topics:
- Explore contemporary literature that focuses on Jewish history, folklore, and cultural identity.
- Analyze modern issues such as morality, justice, and faith through the lens of contemporary Jewish writings.
Torah Integration: Discuss how contemporary issues and dilemmas are approached in light of Torah teachings and Jewish tradition.
Activities:
- Write analytical essays that reflect Torah values in response to themes found in contemporary literature.
- Engage in creative writing projects inspired by Jewish stories, history, or folklore.

Topics:
- Study key works of American literature, with a focus on understanding how themes such as freedom, honesty, and responsibility are presented.
- Explore Jewish values, such as integrity and ethical behavior, and how these values can be found in or contrasted with American literature.
Torah Integration: Discuss ethical themes in American literature and relate them to Torah values such as honesty, justice, and personal responsibility.
Activities:
- Engage in oral presentations and debates on the moral and ethical lessons in American literature, incorporating Torah-based arguments.
- Write essays reflecting on Jewish perspectives of key American literary themes.

Content: Covers material from Weeks 1-16.
Format: Multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions that integrate Torah perspectives and literary analysis.

Topics: Review key concepts, texts, and literary genres studied throughout the first semester.
Assignments: Complete end-of-semester projects and reflective essays that focus on Torah values in literature and writing.

Topics:
- Study significant plays from world literature, focusing on dramatic structure, dialogue, and conflict.
- Analyze plays such as those by Shakespeare, Molière, and others.
Torah Integration: Discuss the ethical and moral dilemmas in drama, comparing them to the ethical lessons found in Torah narratives (e.g., conflict resolution, justice, mercy).
Activities:
- Write and perform short plays that incorporate Torah values and ethical teachings.
- Compare a Torah-based dramatic narrative to a secular drama, focusing on character and moral dilemmas.

Topics:
- Study autobiographies and personal narratives, focusing on the experiences of Jewish authors and historical figures.
- Explore how personal stories reflect Jewish identity and cultural heritage.
Torah Integration: Analyze the role of personal narratives in Jewish history, such as the autobiographies of Jewish leaders or Holocaust survivors.
Activities:
- Write a personal narrative that reflects on Jewish identity, Torah values, and personal growth.
- Comparative study of a Jewish autobiography and a secular narrative, focusing on themes of resilience and faith.

Topics:
- Develop advanced research skills, focusing on synthesizing information from multiple sources.
- Emphasis on critical thinking and integrating Jewish texts (Torah, Talmud, Midrash) into academic research.
Torah Integration: Incorporate Jewish perspectives on ethical issues or historical events into research projects.
Activities:
- Write an extensive research paper that integrates both secular sources and Jewish texts, analyzing a contemporary issue or historical event from a Torah perspective.
- Present research findings, focusing on how Torah values shape perspectives on academic topics.

Topics:
- Study the evolution of language, focusing on how ethical considerations impact language use.
- Explore public speaking and communication from both a secular and Torah-based perspective.
Torah Integration: Discuss Jewish teachings on the ethics of speech, such as Lashon Hara (forbidden speech), and how they relate to modern communication.
Activities:
- Deliver presentations on the power of language in society, incorporating Torah values on communication and ethics.
- Analyze speeches from Jewish and secular sources, focusing on the impact of ethical communication.

Topics: Synthesize key concepts and texts studied throughout the course, integrating Torah perspectives with literary analysis and ethical considerations.
Assignments:
- Complete a comprehensive capstone project that demonstrates the integration of Torah values into literary analysis and personal reflection.
- The project should include a written report, a creative component (e.g., a short story, poem, or play), and an oral presentation.

Topics: Review key concepts and texts studied throughout the second semester.
Assignments: Prepare for the final exam through review sessions, practice exams, and discussions that reinforce learning and Torah perspectives.

Content: Covers material from Weeks 20-37.
Format: Combination of multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions that integrate Torah insights into literary and rhetorical analysis.