During the second trimester, while studying the short story, students analyze the use of the single effect, satire, parody and allegory. Students continue to write essays describing the techniques authors use to convey meaning to the readers. During the third trimester, students read the novel the Grapes of Wrath and complete and present an I-Search project about their own family history. Students reading below grade level develop the above skills while using adapted versions of the literature. Writing instruction for these students focuses on refining paragraph skills.
Students examine philosophical, political, religious, ethical, and social influences in literature.
Seniors study Shakespeare and one of his works. In conjunction with this unit, students attend a production at the Ashland Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Novels that deal with the breakdown of society such as Lord of the Flies are also critiqued. During their final trimester, students complete a multimedia project entitled A Slice of Life. This project entails choosing a cultural subgroup within the Deaf community and completing an extensive project that includes primary and secondary research as well as community service.