American Literature Course Description
I. Texts
Literature:
Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes, Prentice Hall, 1999. 0-13-434059-0
The Great Gatsby. Chas. Scribener’s Sons, 1992. 0-684-80152-3
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Bantam Classic Edition, 1981. 0-553-21079-3
Fallen Angels. McDougall Littell, Inc., 1988. 0-395-83360-4
II. General
A. Prerequisites: Sophomore English
B. Length of Course: Year
C. Number of Credits: Two
D. Grade Level: Eleventh
E. Level of Course: Regular
III. Course
description:
This study of American culture through its literature provides the student with average and above average ability in language arts an opportunity to study major writers of fiction and non-fiction, utilizing a thematic approach, encompassing the literature from America’s earliest years to the present day. Frequent formal essays and research projects and papers are required as well as regular homework, quizzes, tests and oral presentations.
Grading Categories
60 percent: essays, drafts & outlines, oral presentations
40 percent: reading tests, quizzes, and
group work
Grade Scale: A =100-93
B = 92-86 C = 85-75 D = 74-70
F = 69 or below
Significant Policies
1. It is assumed that essays written at home have already been subjected to a rigorous revision, proofreading, and editing process before they are turned in . Therefore, essays written at home may not be revised after they have been graded. In-class essays may be revised with teacher permission.
2. All homework and class work must be submitted on time. No late work will be accepted without penalty unless the student receives the prior consent of the instructor. You may turn in any incomplete assignment until the nearest grading period deadline. For example, if you missed something in the first half of first quarter, you have until quarter one mid-term to turn it in for up to 50% credit. After that mid-term deadline, however, you will not receive credit. For an essay or major project, you will receive a penalty of one letter grade per week the essay or project is late. After three weeks (three letter grades), you will receive the highest ‘F’ for your work. Never allow a zero to stand on your record. To avoid penalties for late work, always keep the instructor aware of legitimate circumstances which may necessitate a deadline extension.
3. The English Department keeps cumulative grades for each student all semester long. We do not grade the first quarter as one half and the second quarter as another half. Every thing you do or fail to do from the first day of class has a bearing on your final semester grade.
4. Students must be prepared for class every day. They should bring their own textbooks, paper, their own pencils and pens every day.. Students who need to return to their lockers for materials will be issued a tardy if they fail to be in their seats before the bell rings.
5. Students must be in their seats--not moving towards them--before the bell rings. Students not in their seats before the bell will be issued a tardy. Students who are tardy more than once will be issued a classroom detention. Failure to serve a classroom detention will result in a discipline referral.
6. It is expected that students will remain respectful and courteous at all times; this includes sitting up straight in class, keeping one's head off the desk, and remaining alert. Sleeping in class is not acceptable under any circumstances. If a student is ill or distracted and unable to sit up, participate, and pay attention, he/she should request a pass to the nurse.
IV.
Exit level goals
Throughout the course students will strive to:
Goal
One:
1.
Read with understanding and fluency
1A.
Apply word analysis and vocabulary skills to comprehend selections
1B.
Apply reading strategies to improve understanding and fluency
1C.
Comprehend a broad range of reading materials
Goal
Two:
2A.
Understand how literary elements and techniques are used to convey meaning
2A5b.
Evaluate relationships between and among character, plot, setting, theme,
conflict and resolution and their influence on the effectiveness of short
2B.
Read and interpret a variety of literary works
Goal
Three:
3.
Write to communicate for a variety of purposes
3A.
Use correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization and structure
3B.
Compose well organized, coherent writing for specific purposes and
3C.
Communicate ideas in writing for a variety of purposes
Goal
Four:
4A5b.
Use techniques for analysis, synthesis and evaluation of oral messages
4B5b.
Use speaking skills to participate in group discussion
Goal
Five:
5A.
Locate, organize and use information from various sources for research,
problem-solving and communication
5B.
Analyze and evaluate information acquired from various sources
5C.
Apply acquired information, concepts, and ideas to communicate in a variety