Literature-in-English is an integral part of the Senior Secondary School (SSS) curriculum in many countries. For students in the second term of SSS 2, the curriculum includes a mix of classical and contemporary works that foster critical thinking, comprehension, and analytical skills. The study of literature also promotes cultural understanding, deepens emotional intelligence, and enhances language proficiency.
The second term scheme of work for SSS 2 Literature-in-English is designed to expose students to two significant literary works: Othello by William Shakespeare and Native Son by Richard Wright. This scheme helps students explore themes such as jealousy, racism, power, identity, and social injustice. The term is structured into twelve weeks, with specific topics covered each week to guide students through a thorough understanding of the texts, their characters, and underlying themes.
In this article, we will break down the topics covered during the second term, providing detailed explanations, examples, and insights into each section. Whether you’re a student or teacher, this guide will offer a clear understanding of what the scheme entails and how to approach it effectively.
SSS 2 Literature-in-English Scheme of Work for Second Term
Below is a breakdown of the scheme of work for SSS 2 Literature-in-English for the second term.
| Week(s) | Topic(s) | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction to Othello by William Shakespeare | Overview of the play, its themes, historical context, and characters. |
| Week 2-4 | Reading of Acts 1, 2, 3 of Othello | Detailed reading and explanation of the acts with discussions. |
| Week 5-7 | Summary of Books for the Term | Recap and summaries of key themes and events in Othello and Native Son. |
| Week 8-9 | Introduction to Native Son by Richard Wright | Overview of the novel, its themes, and introduction to the characters. |
| Week 10 | Character Analysis | Detailed analysis of key characters in both Othello and Native Son. |
| Week 11 | Revision | Recap of all the topics covered with review exercises. |
| Week 12 | Examination | Final assessment based on the topics covered in the term. |
Week 1: Introduction to Othello by William Shakespeare
The first week is dedicated to introducing the play Othello, one of William Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies. During this week, students will be introduced to the background of the play, its themes, characters, and Shakespeare’s writing style.
Explanation of Othello:
Othello is a tragic play about a Moorish general in the Venetian army, Othello, and his fall from grace due to manipulation by his ensign, Iago. It is a story about jealousy, betrayal, revenge, and love, with a central theme of racial prejudice. Key characters include Othello, Iago, Desdemona, Cassio, and Emilia.
Key Points to Cover:
- Historical Context: The play was written in the early 1600s and set in Venice. Understanding this historical context is crucial to interpreting the events.
- Themes: The themes of jealousy, race, manipulation, and revenge are dominant throughout the play.
- Character Overview: Introduce the main characters, including Othello, Desdemona, Iago, and Cassio, and their roles in the story.
- Setting: Venice and Cyprus are the key settings in Othello, and they symbolize themes of foreignness and isolation.
- The Role of Race: Othello’s identity as a black man in a predominantly white society plays a key role in the plot and character development.
Example:
- Othello’s race as a factor in his relationship with Desdemona.
- Iago’s manipulation of Cassio and Othello.
- The contrast between Othello’s nobility and Iago’s deceitful nature.
Week 2-4: Reading of Acts 1, 2, and 3 of Othello
In these three weeks, students will focus on reading and understanding Acts 1, 2, and 3 of Othello. Each act builds on the story, with escalating tension and deepening conflicts.
Explanation of the Acts:
- Act 1: This act introduces Othello, Desdemona, and Iago. Iago’s jealousy and resentment toward Othello begin to take shape. The relationship between Othello and Desdemona is established, and Iago starts to manipulate others.
Example:
- Iago’s manipulation of Roderigo to get back at Othello.
- The initial seeds of doubt planted in Othello’s mind by Iago.
- Act 2: The setting shifts to Cyprus, and Othello’s marriage is tested. Iago continues to sow discord, manipulating Othello’s perception of his wife and others around him.
Example:
- The growing tension between Othello and Cassio.
- Iago’s continued deception and manipulation of Othello.
- Act 3: Iago’s plot intensifies as he convinces Othello that Desdemona is unfaithful, which leads to Othello’s jealousy and internal conflict.
Example:
- Othello’s transformation from a confident leader to a jealous man consumed by doubt.
- The role of the handkerchief in Iago’s scheme.
Week 5-7: Summary of Books for the Term
In this section, students will summarize the key books for the term, primarily focusing on Othello and introducing Native Son by Richard Wright.
Explanation of Summary:
Students will write concise summaries of the events, themes, and character developments in Othello and begin understanding the premise of Native Son. This exercise will test comprehension and critical thinking.
Week 8-9: Introduction to Native Son by Richard Wright
Native Son is a groundbreaking novel that explores racial and social injustice through the life of Bigger Thomas, a young black man living in Chicago. In these weeks, students will explore the themes, characters, and social context of the novel.
Explanation of Native Son:
- Historical Context: Native Son was published in 1940 and is set in the context of racial segregation and the Great Depression.
- Themes: The themes of racism, poverty, violence, and identity are central to the novel.
- Character Overview: Introduce the protagonist, Bigger Thomas, and his inner conflicts, along with key figures like Mary Dalton and Jan Erlone.
Week 10: Character Analysis
In this week, students will delve into the character analysis of key characters in both Othello and Native Son. This involves understanding their motivations, actions, and the impact they have on the plot.
Explanation of Character Analysis:
- Othello: A noble but insecure general, whose jealousy and distrust are manipulated by Iago.
- Iago: A master manipulator driven by jealousy, pride, and revenge.
- Bigger Thomas: A complex character struggling with racial identity, societal expectations, and inner conflict.
Example:
- Othello’s tragic flaw: his jealousy.
- Iago’s evil machinations and role as the antagonist.
Week 11: Revision
This week will focus on reviewing all the topics covered during the term. Students will engage in revision exercises that consolidate their understanding of the texts.
Week 12: Examination
The final week involves an examination of all the material covered during the term. This assessment will test students’ comprehension of the themes, characters, and plot points in both Othello and Native Son.
Conclusion:
The SSS 2 Literature-in-English Scheme of Work for the second term is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of two important works of literature, Othello and Native Son. By focusing on key themes, character analysis, and critical thinking, students will develop the skills needed to analyze complex literary texts and understand the social and cultural contexts in which they were written.