English 10
Mrs. Erin Moore
Room #403
729 – 5566
Curriculum Description
American Literature 10 is a continuation of studies begun in English 9. Students will be asked to take an integrated and conceptual approach to the study of various genres, forms and skills found in language, literature, informational text (non-fiction), grammar, critical reading, critical thinking, speaking, and listening. In addition to novels, students will review the writing process and write a variety of essays, including narrative, argumentative, and informative/explanatory.
This course fulfills the Michigan Merit Curriculum 10th Grade English Requirement.
IB Overview
International Baccalaureate (IB) offers high quality programs of international education to a worldwide community of schools. Thera re more than 700,000 IB students in more than 130 countriesaroundthe world. In essence, IB is a different way of approaching education. It is employed to organize cross-curricular units to give students a broader perspective of course content. Its main goal is to increase student awareness of global issues and better prepare them for the challenges of the 21st century. This course will still follow the Michigan Merit curriculum but will also implement IB principles.
The aim of all IB programs is to develop students who strive to be inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective. The traits of the IB Learner start withthehomeand extend to the every learning opportunity so students will develop their awareness of, and sensitivityto the experiences of others beyond the local or national community.
Course Description
This is a two semester course that focuses on the authors and literature of the United States. Many different genres and themes are explored. Writing, grammar, mechanics, vocabulary, and usage are also addressed.
- The writing aspects of this course will focus on a variety of essay styles (including argumentative, rhetorical analysis, and literary analysis) and grammar activities.
- Writer’s Notebook- you will need a wire-bound notebook or a 3-ring binder, brought with you to class daily.
- Grammar lessons will be embedded into instruction on a regular basis. Students will learn grammar skills that will help them become better communicators with their writing and speaking.
- The literature portion of this course will include a variety of genres by American authors including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. There will be several short stories as well as plays and novels.
- Students will also be expected to performindependent reading on a regular basis-students will be assisted in selecting titles with appropriate reading levels and topics of personal interest.
- Students will be able to select books from the school’s library as well as from my classroom library. Additionally, students can bring in books from home or the public library.
- We will also read informational texts from current events based on each theme of study and important historical American documents. Students will engage in close reading strategies to connect with and to better understand what they are reading.
- Communication skills will be greatly emphasized in class. Students will be involved in discussions (whole class, small group, and partner), Socrative circles, presentations, and writing on a daily basis.
- Vocabulary instruction will include the use of context clues to make sense of unfamiliar words and words with multiple meanings. Students will also focus on the meaning of Latin/Greek word parts to understand multisyllabic words over all content areas.
- Students will study main themes for each unit and make connections to the reading presented in class. Students will be expected to analyze the literature, vocabulary, and informational texts for form and content according to the theme of each unit.
Basics of Argumentation
Essential Questions
What is an argument?
Where do we see arguments in our daily lives?
What makes an argument effective?
How can arguments affect change?
- Argumentative Essays
- Argumentative Analysis
- Social Issues in Film
Connection to Early American Literature
Essential Questions
How does literature reflect the values of a culture and its people?
How is reading early American literature relevant to our lives as Americans today?
What does it mean to be American?
- Native American creation myths
- Native American mascot controversy
Power & Responsibility in America
Essential Questions
How are power and responsibility shared in America?
What challenges come from having or lacking power?
How do the founding documents of the U.S. reflect an emerging America?
- Founding Documents
- Argumentative writing
Hysteria in American Society
Essential Questions
How has hysteria and fear affected American history?
Why and how do hysteria and fear form in societies?
What can we learn from the past?
- Puritanism
- The Crucible
- Research modern hysteria
The Role of the Individual in American Society
Essential Questions
What is an individual’s obligation to society?
Who determines what is right and wrong for the individual?
How can individuals stay true to themselves within a society?
Is it possible to live simply in today’s society?
- Transcendentalism
- Dead Poets Society
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Analysis Essay
- Civil Disobedience Project
Satire
Essential Questions
How is satire used in the 21st century?
How does satire affect our perceptions of the subjects it ridicules?
How could satire inspire social reform?
- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
- Shrek
The Dark Side of Individualism
Essential Questions
How does perspective impact a piece of writing?
How do authorsuse elements of writing to create suspense and mood?
How does culture influence writers?
- Gothic Literature
Independent Reading
Essential Questions
How can reading deepen my understanding of the world around me?
What are the benefits of reading?
What connections do readers make?
- Choice reading – fiction or non-fiction
The American Dream
Essential Questions
What determines our future?
What defines the quality of our life?
How is the American Dream changing?
Do all Americans truly have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?
How does a dream become a reality?
- The Great Gatsby
- The Grapes of Wrath
- Literature Circles
- Research paper & presentation
This class will be reading and writing intensive. I will give you plenty of class time to work. YOU must be responsible and utilize your class time to your best advantage and manage your time to complete all work.
Classroom Expectations
- Be to class on time and prepared. You need to bring your notebook/binder, textbook or novel, and writing utensil to class.
- We will be using 1-to-1 technology on a daily basis. You need to bring your Chromebook, fully charged, to class each every day.
- Pay attention in class. Your head should stay up and your eyes should stay open!
- Take notes when needed and participate in classroom discussions and readings. Engaging in classroom activities will be worth points.
- RESPECT – yourself, others, the classroom, and materials.
- Do not talk out of turn. Do not distract other students.
- Do your own work. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. . Issues will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Grading
Grading will be calculated as a percentage of total possible points utilizing the following grading scale:
94-100: A84-86: B74-76: C64-66: D
90-93: A-80-83: B-70-73: C-60-63: D-
87-89: B+77-79: C+67-69: D+Below 60: F
Grading rubrics will be used often for projects, writing assignments, etc. to outline expectations and how to earn points.
I encourage ALL students to master the skills and concepts covered in class. To this point, I allow the following opportunities for students to display mastery:
- Tests and quizzes can be retaken. You must schedule time with me or at AST to prepare/study. Retakes must be done before or after school (never during class time).
- Papers and projects can be revised and resubmitted.
- Retakes and resubmissions will be due within one week of receiving your original score.
- Original assessments must be handed in at the time of retake/resubmission.
- Quiz and test retakes will be capped at a maximum of 80% (B-). Paper and project resubmissions will not have a maximum score.
Semester exam waivers will be permitted in my class under the following conditions:
- You have 7 or fewer absences for the semester; no out-of-school suspensions
- You have maintained an average grade for the semester of 80% or higher
Extra Help: I will be more than happy to meet with you any of you, before or after school, if you need additional help or have any questions!