H. Literature

The high school graduate can:

H1. Demonstrate knowledge of 18th and 19th century foundational works of American literature.

(Associated Postsecondary Assignment: #6)

H2. Analyze foundational U.S. documents for their historical and literary significance (for example, The Declaration of Independence, the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution, Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address," Martin Luther King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail").

H3. Interpret significant works from various forms of literature: poetry, novel, biography, short story, essay and dramatic literature; use understanding of genre characteristics to make deeper and subtler interpretations of the meaning of the text.

(Associated Postsecondary Assignments: #5 and 6)

H4. Analyze the setting, plot, theme, characterization and narration of classic and contemporary short stories and novels.

(Associated Postsecondary Assignment: #6)

H5. Demonstrate knowledge of metrics, rhyme scheme, rhythm, alliteration and other conventions of verse in poetry.

(Associated Postsecondary Assignments: #4 and 6)

H6. Identify how elements of dramatic literature (for example, dramatic irony, soliloquy, stage direction and dialogue) articulate a playwright's vision.

H7. Analyze works of literature for what they suggest about the historical period in which they were written.

(Associated Postsecondary Assignment: #5)

H8. Analyze the moral dilemmas in works of literature, as revealed by characters' motivation and behavior.

H9. Identify and explain the themes found in a single literary work; analyze the ways in which similar themes and ideas are developed in more than one literary work.