Welcome to HonorsAmerican Literature and Composition!!
Overview:
I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am that we will be together this year to not only cover literature, but also explore our understanding of the material through writing and varying activities. I’m sure you will quickly learn that above all I want literature to come alive and interest you. But the only way I can achieve this, and subsequently for you to succeed, involves full class participation.
I want you to know that if at any time you need extra help, I am always available to you. I am in the building from 7:45 am to 3:15 pm. You may also reach me by e-mail at .
What should you expect?
I know this is the question that is circling your mind at the moment, and I can briefly let you know “what to expect” (although this is always subject to change throughout the year).
You will be expected to complete daily assignments, write several impromptu essays, and create projects and research papers. On a weekly basis, you will be receiving homework at least 3-4 nights a week.
Honors American Literature covers folk tales, short stories, poetry, drama, fiction, and non-fiction. We will use a chronological approach to work our way from Colonial America to more modern and contemporary writers.
Performance and grading:
It is my intention that you will succeed and you will enjoy what you are doing. I think you must recognize that I expect perfection or what your closest reach to perfection might be.
There are several different types of assignments that will be graded on a weight scale, which means that some will gain more emphasis in the grade book than others. For example, it would generally take at least four to eight daily activities to equal the weight of one major project or paper. All of your work will be graded on an A-E scale, with no attempt made resulting in a zero.
I generally despise late work; all late assignments will be lowered by one grade for each day an assignment is missing. For example, an assignment due on Monday will receive an E by Friday. Let’s not make this an issue.
A general guideline for performance:
Essays/Projects[1]:45% of your grade
Classwork/Homework:25% of your grade
Impromptus:20% of your grade
Quizzes/Discussion posts:10% of your grade
Materials:
You are required to bring your literature text to class everyday as well as any other books you might receive. If you do not bring your books, I will not allow you to go to your locker, car, house, etc. to find them.
You must also bring to class a three-ring binder (with dividers) that will be used only for American Literature. Everything we complete in class must remain in your binder. Throughout each quarter, I will be giving random binder checks to make sure it is organized and updated. Please also bring loose-leaf paper, pens and pencils, as they generally tend to come in handy.
Attendance and Tardiness:
Our classroom will follow the same attendance guidelines established by the school. Tardiness is defined in room 148 by not being in your seat with your books open, homework out, eagerly waiting to begin your favorite class. Do not run into the room after the bell and cause chaos. If you are tardy, please sign in by the door and take your seat. If you are more than a few minutes past the bell, the door will be closed and you must wait in the hall until it is an appropriate time to come in. Please wait until the end of the hour to find out what materials you may have missed.
Rules for the classroom:
There will be…
- respect granted to and by everyone.
- readiness and willingness to participate.
- preparation and organizational steps taken
before entering the room.
Mrs. Elizabeth LulisHonors American Literature and Composition
[1] During first quarter, 10% of this category will include your summer project.