Canada · Ontario Curriculum Expectations
Grade 12 Language Arts
This course challenges senior students to analyze complex literary and informational texts through critical lenses. Students refine their rhetorical skills and develop a sophisticated command of language to prepare for post-secondary academic and professional environments.
The Architecture of Argument
Students deconstruct non-fiction texts to understand how authors use rhetorical appeals and logical structures to influence audiences.
Analyzing the use of ethos, pathos, and logos in historical and contemporary speeches.
Exploring the moral implications of persuasive techniques in advertising and political discourse.
Synthesizing multiple sources to create a coherent and evidence-based argumentative essay.
Literary Lenses and Critical Theory
Students apply various critical frameworks to classic and contemporary literature to uncover deeper layers of meaning.
Using Marxist and socio-economic lenses to examine power dynamics within literary works.
Applying feminist and queer theory to analyze the representation of identity and gender roles.
Investigating themes of empire, resistance, and cultural identity in post-colonial literature.
The Evolution of the Novel
An exploration of how the novel form has changed over time to reflect shifting cultural values and technological advancements.
Examining the origins of the modern novel through the study of Gothic and Romantic conventions.
Analyzing how stream of consciousness and fragmented narratives redefined the reading experience.
Exploring self-referentiality and the blurring of boundaries between fiction and reality.
Rhetoric in the Digital Age
Students evaluate the impact of digital media on communication, focusing on algorithms, echo chambers, and visual literacy.
Decoding the signs, symbols, and visual cues used in digital media to convey complex messages.
Investigating how algorithmic curation shapes public perception and individual belief systems.
Creating multi-modal projects while considering the ethical implications of digital authorship.
The Power of the Spoken Word
Students master the art of oral communication through performance, formal debate, and podcasting.
Developing narrative storytelling skills within an audio-only format.
Practicing the skills of logical reasoning and spontaneous rebuttal in a competitive setting.
Refining public speaking through the study of posture, vocal variety, and audience engagement.
Capstone: The Writer's Voice
A culminating unit where students produce a significant piece of independent writing and reflect on their growth as communicators.
Identifying and refining a unique writing style through imitation and experimentation.
Engaging in intensive peer review and substantive revision to polish a major work.
Sharing the capstone project with a wider audience and reflecting on the year's learning.