Mrs. Karyn Williamson Room 808
Best time to reach me: 7:35 – 9:00 am
or 253-804-5154
American Literature
2013-2014
“The man who doesn’t read good books has no advantage
over the man who can’t read them”.
Mark Twain
CONTENT: Springboard Curriculum
The Springboard Curriculum was created by The College Board and designed to support the Common Core State Standards. Students will have individual log-ins and can access all curriculum online at https://springboard.collegeboard.org/SB/login.action. More information about this curriculum can also be found at http://springboardprogram.collegeboard.org/.
Unit 1: THE AMERICAN DREAM ~ “In this unit you will explore the foundations of the American Dream through literary movements and a variety of American voices” (1).
Unit 2: AMERICAN FORUMS: THE MARKETPLACE OF IDEAS ~ “In this unit you will learn to discern a news story from an opinion piece and a satirical text, and you will be better prepared to know where to go when you want to find out what America is thinking – and to create texts that may influence that thinking” (97).
Unit 3: THE POWER OF PERSUASION ~ “…this unit provides an opportunity to analyze models of effective persuasive speech in preparation for writing and delivering original speeches … then delves into Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible… (209).
Unit 4: AN AMERICAN JOURNEY ~ “In this unit you will study the novel Their Eyes Were Watching God, which traces the physical and emotional journey of a woman striving for self-expression” (283).
Unit 5: THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS ~ In this unit, “…you will research the American Dream and the pursuit of happiness and articulate what that dream means to you and your fellow Americans” (359).
DAILY MATERIALS
Please bring the following materials with you every day.
ü Three-ring notebook / ü Black/blue ball point pen / ü Highlighter(s)ü Lined notebook paper / ü Pencil & eraser / ü Reading Material
GRADING SCALE
A / 100-93 / B+ / 89-87 / C+ / 79-77 / D+ / 69-67A- / 92-90 / B / 86-83 / C / 76-73 / D / 66-60
B- / 82-80 / C- / 72-70 / F / 59- 0
GRADES
65% / Assessment (Projects, Essays, Tests): Each unit will include two assessments as well as an end of unit test. Assessment due dates will be provided at the beginning of each unit and will only be accepted on or before the due date for full credit. Assessments will be accepted for one week after the due date for 60%.25% / Daily Work: Daily work will consist of homework as well as in-class assignments. Doing your daily work and homework will enable you to keep up with what we are doing in this class and in many cases is directly tied to the embedded assessments in each unit.
10% / Outside Reading: Each student will be required to read one novel per unit. More specific information will be given at the beginning of each unit regarding requirements and due dates.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
“You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.”
Mark Twain
In General:
« Food and drinks are allowed within reason. Just clean up after yourself and don’t draw attention to yourself.
« Keep it clean. Vocabulary should be school appropriate J No need for potty mouths.
« Refrain from drug, alcohol or other talk that is not class appropriate.
« Bring your materials to class…books, paper, pens etc.
« Treat all class members with respect regardless of whether you agree or disagree with what they are saying. An atmosphere conducive to learning is one where many points of view can be heard and discussed. Bullying or harassment is NEVER okay, and if it happens, it will be dealt with immediately.
« Listen when other members of the class are sharing.
« Be KIND, THOUGHTFUL, Creative, ENCOURAGING, and SUPPORTIVE of your peers J
Consequences for failure to meet these expectations:
1. Warning
2. Student/Teacher Conference and/or removal from class
3. Removal from class and parent contact
4. Counselor and/or Administrative Conference
Electronic Devices:
NO electronic devices (iPods, cell phones, mp3 players, CD players etc) will be allowed during class time unless specific permission is given. If electronic devices are out during class time:
1. Device will be taken until the end of the period.
2. Device will be taken and given to administration.
** Any electronic device that is out during a quiz/test will be given to administration and student will receive a zero on the quiz/test. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Attendance Policy:
It is imperative that you come to class on a regular basis. Much of what we do including discussions, reading aloud, and group work depends on your attendance.
· If you know in advance that you will be absent, ask ahead of time for any work you will be missing.
· If you are home sick, please e-mail me or check with a friend to get that day’s assignments.
· It is your responsibility to be aware of what you have missed.
Late Work Policy:
Although I expect work to be submitted on time, I do realize that sometimes things come up and work can’t be submitted on the due date.
· Daily work will be accepted for full credit until the end of the unit.
· Process essays & projects will be accepted for one week after the due date for 60%.
· Outside reading will be due at the end of each unit and will be accepted late for one week for 60%.
· Presentations must be completed on the date assigned and will not be accepted late. If you cannot be here on the day of a presentation, you must let me know in advance and we can schedule an alternate day. If you do not let me know in advance, you will not be able to make up the presentation.
Plagiarism: The act of using and passing off as one’s own (the ideas or writings of another)
Plagiarism is illegal. The language arts department enforces the ARHS school-wide policy regarding plagiarism. Students who plagiarize will be given a zero on that assignment and will be required to write a research paper on plagiarism. Until the plagiarism essay is completed, no work can be turned in for credit. DON'T PLAGIARIZE.
* * *
“You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand."
Woodrow Wilson
28th President of the United States
* ITEMS ON THE SYLLABUS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
American Literature Syllabus - Grade 11
Mrs. Williamson
Dear Parent/Guardian: Please read the American Literature Syllabus and sign below acknowledging that you have read and support its contents. Please don’t hesitate to email or call if you have questions or concerns.
******
I have read the syllabus, and I agree to do my best in meeting the classroom expectations. I know that my teacher with work with me to ensure solutions for my success in this class.
______
(print student name) (student signature) (date)
I have read and understand the syllabus and will support my student and the teacher to maintain a successful classroom environment.
______
(print parent/guardian name) (parent/guardian signature) (date)
Movie Permission Slip
Movies often provide additional insight to a novel or lesson and allow visual learners to make connections with the readings. Movie clips also provide an interesting way to teach vocabulary and provide writing prompts. Over the course of the year I may choose to show one or more of the following movies (clips or full length) to accompany different units. If you give your son/daughter permission to view the following movies please sign below. If there are movies below that you do not want your/son daughter to view, please note your requests. Alternate assignments will be provided in those cases.
Smoke Signals (Eyre, 1998)
The Crucible (Hytner, 1996)
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Gilliam & Jones, 1975)
Kazan and Miller (Documentary)
Good Night and Good Luck (Clooney, 2005)
Zora is My Name (Barnette, 2006)
Their Eyes Were Watching God (Martin, 2005)
______
(parent/guardian signature) (date)