Subject: Language Arts

English 12: British Literature

Study British literature from epic origins to modern voices while building analysis, writing, and rhetorical skills in this self-paced 12th-grade course

Course Type: Standard High School

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Credits: 1.0

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Course Description

English 12 explores British literature across major historical periods—from epic origins to modern voices—showing how events and cultural movements shaped form, theme, and perspective. Students read epic poetry, drama, satire, novels, and contemporary media while practicing close reading, rhetorical evaluation, and effective composition. Vocabulary building and “Watch Your Language!” grammar practice reinforce core skills for college- and career-ready writing.

The course is organized into seven thematic modules that pair engaging content with clear ELA skills: Origin of a Nation: Epic Literature, Heroism & Early English Identity; A Celebration of Human Achievement: Drama, Poetry & Literary Analysis; Tradition and Reason: Satire, Rhetorical Strategies & Informative Writing; Emotion and Experimentation: Romanticism, Individualism & Genre Evolution; An Era of Rapid Change: Narrative Voice, Reform & Research Writing; New Ideas, New Voices: Modernism, Inequality & Argumentative Writing; and Course Wrap‑Up: Reflection & Synthesis. Representative readings include Beowulf, “The Wife of Bath’s Tale,” Le Morte d’Arthur, Hamlet, sonnets, A Modest Proposal, Romantic and Victorian poetry, Frankenstein, Jane Eyre, Great Expectations, and modern essays and poems.

Students analyze literary elements and rhetorical strategies, develop arguments with textual evidence, synthesize ideas across texts, and present insights in written and visual formats. This 100% online, self‑paced, asynchronous course delivers all resources through the Learn Stage platform and typically completes in about six months.

Course Objectives

Analyze and interpret British literary and informational texts across historical periods.

Identify and evaluate literary elements, rhetorical strategies, and stylistic devices.

Write analytical, expository, and argumentative compositions with supporting textual evidence.

Synthesize ideas across texts and present insights through written and visual formats.

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Course Contents

Module TitleModule Topic(s)
Origin of a Nation: Epic Literature, Heroism & Early English Identity
A Celebration of Human Achievement: Drama, Poetry & Literary Analysis
Tradition and Reason: Satire, Rhetorical Strategies & Informative Writing
Emotion and Experimentation: Romanticism, Individualism & Genre Evolution
An Era of Rapid Change: Narrative Voice, Reform & Research Writing
New Ideas, New Voices: Modernism, Inequality & Argumentative Writing
Course Wrap-Up: Reflection & Synthesis

Recommended Prerequisites

Carnegie Credits Explained: Our Approach vs. Trimester Credits

Carnegie Credit System
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Carnegie Credit vs. Trimester Credit
While Carnegie credits are awarded based on total hours over a year, trimester credits divide the school year into three terms. In a trimester system, students complete courses in shorter, intensive sessions, often earning partial credits (e.g., 0.33 or 0.5 per term). In contrast, Excel’s use of Carnegie credits ensures students have ample time to engage deeply with the material and develop a well-rounded understanding at a consistent pace.

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At Excel High School, we are proud to be regionally accredited by Cognia, along with additional accreditations from NCA, SACS, NWAC, and the Middle States Association. Our programs meet the same rigorous standards as public schools, giving you the confidence of earning a well-respected diploma.

Global Recognition for Our Accredited Diplomas

Excel High School’s regionally accredited diploma is accepted by colleges and universities around the world. With our recognized accreditation, you can confidently pursue higher education wherever your journey takes you.

Accreditation You Can Trust

Recognized & Respected Nationwide

At Excel High School, we are proud to be regionally accredited by Cognia, along with additional accreditations from NCA, SACS, NWAC, and the Middle States Association. Our programs meet the same rigorous standards as public schools, giving you the confidence of earning a well-respected diploma.

Global Recognition for Our Accredited Diplomas

Excel High School’s regionally accredited diploma is accepted by colleges and universities around the world. With our recognized accreditation, you can confidently pursue higher education wherever your journey takes you.