American Literature
Course Syllabus 2006-2007
Ms. Smith
Email:
Phone: 815-609-8506
Course Description/Philosophy of Course: This course is designed for college-bound upperclassmen as a means of study and reflection on our history and cultural heritage as Americans. Planned topics of discussion are intended to generate personal understanding of what being an American means—and has meant—to people of various backgrounds over the past two centuries.
Course Objectives: Junior year begins the transition toward college-level reading, writing, and analysis. Broad reading from a variety of literary genres will support this goal, and students will be expected to demonstrate their observation and growing understanding through projects, presentations, and writing assignments throughout the year. Technical skills built in this class include expanding vocabulary, grammatical correctness, and appropriate writing format for research essays. Emphasis is placed on meeting all of the Illinois State Learning Standards transition from the early to the late high school level.
Illinois Learning Standards:
STATE GOAL 1: Read with understanding and fluency.
STATE GOAL 2: Read and understand literature representative of various societies, eras and ideas.
STATE GOAL 3: Write to communicate for a variety of purposes.
STATE GOAL 4: Listen and speak effectively in a variety of situations.
STATE GOAL 5: Use the language arts to acquire, assess and communicate information.
Required Texts: The Language of Literature (McDougall Littell Publishers)
The Scarlet Letter by N. Hawthorne
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by M. Twain
Our Town with Related Readings (Glencoe/McGraw-Hill Pub.)
Novel choice from accepted list (TBA)
Required Materials: 3-ring binder with pockets (min. 1 ½ inch)
Pen and pencil (both daily!)
Loose-leaf paper
3x5 cards
Highlighter
Computer and printer or email access
Units of Study and Approximate Time Spent on Each:
First Semester Second Semester
Native American Literature & Settlers 4-6 weeks Civil War & Huck Finn 4-6 weeks
Puritanism 2-3 weeks Women’s Voices 2 weeks
Revolution, Reason & Rhetoric 2-3 weeks The Modern Age 1-2 weeks
Romanticism & The Scarlet Letter 5-6 weeks Conflict at Home & Abroad 1-2 weeks
Transcendentalism 2-3 weeks Issues for our Time 1-2 weeks
Independent Novel Unit 5-6 weeks
Components Assessed: Class discussion, class participation, homework, research skills, written work, quizzes, tests, projects, essays, meeting deadlines, listening activities, note-taking, vocabulary, research projects, presentations, class work, and reading comprehension.
Tips for Succeeding in This Class: Minimize absences, and keep up with the reading. (This is especially important in a survey course that is built around eras and literary styles! Survey courses are cumulative and comparative by nature, and missing a reading will limit how well you can analyze future selections.) Use unit calendars to manage your workload. Take notes during lectures and class discussions. Take notes while you read. Review key concepts and vocabulary words regularly. Most of all, be prepared to contribute to and learn from the classroom community. Questions and observations from varying points of view create a better understanding for everyone. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; I am here to help. Last but not least, have fun! It is much easier to learn new things in a positive environment. J
Routines and Procedures:
ü Arrive on time to class, and begin bell work quietly when the bell rings.
ü Bring all required materials to class daily.
ü Do not be disruptive or disrespectful toward your colleagues or teacher.
ü Be prepared for deadlines; all work assigned for a given date is due at the beginning of the class period unless otherwise specified.
ü Use in-class work time wisely, and be an asset to your team.
ü Have a positive attitude.
Plagiarism Policy: As stated in your plagiarism contract, “Plagiarism means that you have used someone else’s words or ideas without giving the source credit for those ideas within the text of your paper…All incidents of academic dishonesty will result in a zero for the assignment and a referral to the dean.” Cheating on and/or copying of homework and in class assignments is also considered academic dishonesty and will result in a zero on the assignment and a referral to the dean. Plagiarism and cheating can also result in an F for the semester. Please refer to the student handbook and the Academic Honesty contract for further clarification and information.
Late Work: See PNHS Standard English Department Policies (2006-2007).
Absences: Absences should be minimized for the sake of the student and the classroom community. See
PNHS Standard English Department Policies (2006-2007). Test and quiz make-up days for this class will
be after school on Mondays and Wednesdays, and students are expected to sign up for and make up tests
and quizzes on the first available make-up date following an absence. Make-up work is the responsibility of
the student.
Tardies: Students will be considered on time ONLY if they are in their seats and quiet when the bell
rings. Disciplinary action for excessive tardies will be in compliance with the Student Handbook.
Grading Scale and Calculation: Grades will be based on points earned by completing required
coursework. (The final exam is worth 20% of the semester grade.)The number of points earned will be
divided by the number of points possible, and this percentage will determine letter grades. The scale is as
follows:
90-100 A 80-89 B 70-79 C 60-69 D Below 60 F