Syllabus

 American Literature

Course Syllabus: 2015-2016

Instructor: Mr. Fielding

Email: fieldingkent@hotmail.com

American Literature

Course Description:

Emphasis: The accelerated development of critical literary skills and devices to use in the analysis of works of fiction, poetry, and non-fiction and the writing of formal essays, research papers, and creative fiction and poetry.

Align to the Common Core Standards the primary purpose of English 11 is to provide an opportunity for students to expand their critical thinking, writing and presentation skills by focusing on some of the challenging materials of American Literature. In Language Standards students will develop vocabulary acquisition and use grammar conventions appropriate to grade level.  The course is similar to English 10 in the dissection of literature in the pursuit of analysis but the class will cover more material and the expectation of the student’s performance is much higher. Students will also look at the history of American Literature as a sequence and explore themes that are unique to the American Experience such as The American Dream and the creation of the American Character.  Students will read a variety of informative texts that includes political documents, speeches, letters, persuasive essays, memoirs, and diaries, and develop group discussion based on themes, purposes, and rhetorical features.  Reading in this class will correspond with the U.S. History class. 

In writing, students will build on the foundation established in English 10 for composing literary, persuasive, and reflective essays, and to produce an original research paper. Additionally, students will utilize proper writing conventions appropriate to their learning level. To accomplish this, students will actively read from an extensive selection spanning all literary genres, analyze these works, develop original theses, and share their ideas in formal compositions (persuasive, reflective, and analytical), class discussions, and oral presentations.

Texts (some of the following): Holt McDougal: American Literature (an anthology), “The Declaration of Independence”, “Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address”, “A Day of Infamy”, “I Have A Dream”, “Self-Reliance”, “Civil Disobedience”, Walden, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Red Badge of Courage, The Great Gatsby, The Grapes of Wrath, The Crucible, Death of a Salesman, The Glass Menagerie, A Raisin in the Sun, The Autobiography of Malcolm X, The Scarlet Letter, On the Road.

BLOGS

Students will be required to keep a blog throughout the year.  This blog will be your journal writing for the year.  In this blog/journal will be reading reflections, lists of literary devices found in stories and novels, creative assignments that correspond with readings, pre-writing exercises, analytic writing. 

NOTE: I read every blog entry and you will lose points for skipping entries or not following directions.  If you do not understand an assignment please ask.

GRADES:

Tests – 25% of overall grade

Papers—25% of overall grade

Projects—20% of overall grade

Quizzes, class work, homework—20% of overall grade

Journals/Blogs—10% of overall grade

Scale:

100- 93 = A

92.49- 90 = A-

89.49- 87 = B+

86.49-83.00 = B

82.49- 80.00 = B-

79.49-77.00 = C+

76.49- 73 = C

72.49-70.00 = C-

69.49-67.00 = D+

66.49- 63.00 = D

62.49- 60 = D-

Below 60 = F

Late Work: Mark down 10% per day.  You are expected to turn in work on the deadlines due. 

Students should expect homework 3-4 nights a week.

Required Materials:

1 Pocket Folders (to keep handouts, note guides, returned work)

1 Binder with loose paper

Something to write with

Highlighter

General Guidelines:

1. Be prepared when class begins.  It is imperative that all pencils are sharpened and materials are ready when the bell rings. 
2. Class discussions should be conducted in an orderly and respectful fashion. 
3. Do not talk when I am talking.
4. I dismiss you, not the bell!
5. You may choose you own seat, but I reserve the right to assign seats or move you if I see the need.

Respect others and their property.  This respect extends to remaining quiet during announcements, directions, lectures, and presentations.  If you are talking someone else might not be able to hear.