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.
01The 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.
Identifying and evaluating the impact of literary and rhetorical devices (e.g., anaphora, metaphor, allusion) in persuasive texts.
Identifying and critiquing common logical fallacies in arguments from various media.
Exploring the moral implications of persuasive techniques in advertising.
Examining the ethical use and misuse of rhetoric in political speeches and campaigns.
Synthesizing multiple sources to create a coherent and evidence-based argumentative essay.
Developing sophisticated and arguable thesis statements for complex argumentative essays.
Exploring various organizational structures for argumentative essays, including counterclaims and rebuttals.
Mastering techniques for seamlessly integrating textual evidence and commentary into argumentative writing.
Developing advanced research skills, including source evaluation and academic citation.
Analyzing how audience and purpose shape rhetorical choices in various argumentative contexts.
Deconstructing the persuasive techniques used in visual arguments such as political cartoons, infographics, and advertisements.
02Literary Lenses and Critical Theory
Students apply various critical frameworks to classic and contemporary literature to uncover deeper layers of meaning.
Overview of various critical theories (e.g., Marxist, Feminist, Post-colonial) and their application to literature.
Using Marxist and socio-economic lenses to examine power dynamics within literary works.
Applying feminist theory to analyze the representation of gender roles and female agency.
Applying queer theory to analyze the representation of identity and sexuality in literature.
Investigating themes of empire, resistance, and cultural identity in post-colonial literature.
Applying psychoanalytic theory to explore character motivations, subconscious desires, and psychological conflicts.
Focusing on the text itself, analyzing literary elements like imagery, symbolism, and structure without external context.
Exploring how readers' individual experiences and interpretations shape the meaning of a text.
Practicing the application of multiple critical lenses to a single literary work, comparing insights.
Workshop focused on developing strong thesis statements and integrating textual evidence for literary analysis essays.
Examining how historical events and an author's biography can inform literary interpretation.
Identifying universal patterns, symbols, and character types (archetypes) across different literary works.
03The Evolution of the Novel
An exploration of how the novel form has changed over time to reflect shifting cultural values and technological advancements.
Tracing the emergence of the novel as a literary form, examining early examples and their social context.
Examining the origins of the modern novel through the study of Gothic conventions.
Analyzing the influence of Romantic ideals on character development, setting, and themes in early novels.
Exploring the Victorian novel's focus on realism, social commentary, and moral dilemmas.
Analyzing how stream of consciousness and fragmented narratives redefined the reading experience.
Investigating the complex use of symbolism, allusion, and myth in Modernist novels.
Exploring self-referentiality and the blurring of boundaries between fiction and reality.
Examining current trends in novel writing, including experimental structures and diverse voices.
Analyzing the impact of different narrative voices and points of view on reader perception and thematic development.
Comparing how characterization techniques have evolved from early novels to contemporary works.
Examining how authors use setting to create atmosphere, foreshadow events, and reflect character psychology.
Identifying and analyzing recurring themes across different periods of the novel's development.
04Rhetoric 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.
Critically evaluating the rhetorical strategies and potential biases in infographics and data visualizations.
Investigating how algorithmic curation shapes public perception and individual belief systems.
Examining the formation and impact of echo chambers on social media and their role in societal polarization.
Identifying and analyzing the spread of misinformation and disinformation in digital spaces.
Creating multi-modal projects while considering the ethical implications of digital authorship.
Exploring the construction of digital identities and personas across various online platforms.
Analyzing the unique rhetorical strategies and conventions of communication on social media platforms.
Understanding intellectual property rights, copyright, and fair use in the context of digital content creation.
Examining how digital platforms are used for social and political activism, including hashtag movements and online petitions.
Exploring the techniques and impact of storytelling in various digital formats, such as interactive narratives and web series.
Investigating the emerging role of Artificial Intelligence in generating and analyzing persuasive communication.
05The 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.
Learning the technical aspects of podcast creation, including recording, editing, and mixing audio.
Understanding the rules, roles, and structure of formal debate, including constructive speeches and rebuttals.
Practicing the skills of logical reasoning and spontaneous rebuttal in a competitive setting.
Refining public speaking through the study of vocal variety, pace, and articulation.
Refining public speaking through the study of posture, gestures, and eye contact.
Learning to adapt speeches and presentations in real-time based on audience feedback and context.
Developing compelling narratives for oral presentations, focusing on structure, imagery, and emotional appeal.
Practicing the art of speaking effectively with minimal preparation, focusing on organization and clarity.
Developing skills for presenting complex research findings clearly and engagingly to an audience.
Practicing effective communication strategies for media interviews and press conferences.
Developing skills to provide constructive feedback on oral presentations, focusing on content, delivery, and impact.
06Capstone: 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.
Analyzing how specific stylistic choices (e.g., sentence structure, diction, imagery) contribute to a writer's voice.
Engaging in intensive peer review to provide and receive substantive feedback on major writing projects.
Applying global revision strategies to improve argument, organization, and development in a major work.
Focusing on sentence-level editing, grammar, punctuation, and word choice for clarity and impact.
Considering the intended audience and purpose when preparing a capstone project for publication or presentation.
Reflecting on personal growth as a writer and communicator throughout the academic year.
Discussing the ethical considerations and vulnerabilities involved in publicly sharing personal or creative work.
Composing a reflective writer's statement that articulates artistic intentions, process, and growth.
Selecting, organizing, and presenting a portfolio of work that showcases growth and achievement.
A workshop focused on generating new creative work and experimenting with different genres and forms.
Understanding how to effectively give and receive feedback on creative writing to foster growth.