American Studies Overview

American Studies Overview

Enlgish 11 Syllabus. Mr. Materer

Welcome to Junior English/American Literature

Mr. Materer/Coach Materer/Room H-210

Course Description:

English 11 is a course that focuses on American Literature and examines the concept of the American Dream and what it means to be an American in today’s society. Students will discuss and explore American values throughout the semester. The final exam will focus on these values as well.

Students will read thought-provoking plays, novels, short stories, and poetry from different time periods in American History. The literature spans from early American writing and the Puritans through Transcendental literature, modern and post-modern literature. This course is designed to foster growth in vocabulary, research, analysis, essay writing, creative writing and verbal communication. Student must write essays, present speeches, read out-loud in-class, read independently, and write poetry. The writing in English eleven focuses on persuasive writing and the use of rhetorical devices. The student will show growth in reading, writing, speaking and thinking skills.

HOMEWORK:

Homework assignments are given every class period. Check each period to make certain you know when the assignment is due. Reading assignments are due the day they will be discussed in class. Students are expected to have read the materials before class begins and be prepared for discussion. In order to hold students accountable for readings, unannounced quizzes over the readings will be given regularly. Also, reading must be completed for round table discussion.

Independent Reading Books: (IRB)

During the first quarter a biography of a famous American will be assigned. Students will read the entire biography and prepare a detailed poster to present--with analysis and details from the text. Students will have various activities to help comprehend the biography/autobiography/memoir. Students should select a person who is considered a role model or hero.

In addition to the literature studied in class, students will read three novels written by American authors or connected to United States history. These novels will be read independently and in class during SSR. At various times, students will be given forty minutes of class time for silent, sustained reading. Each quarter a novel analysis will be assigned. Also, additional novels can be read for extra credit.

Classroom Binderand IPADS (we can use both)

Students will create a course notebook for the semester in which they will keep all class notes, readings, and assignments in order. Students are expected to keep all class materials in the notebook. Also, students can use their notebook for essay tests and for the final. The final will be an essay assignment with a thesis developed during the semester. Students will write the final on what it means to be an American and/or what students learned about American Culture during the semester.

Journals and Blogs

Students need to maintain a writer’s notebook in which they will keep journals, notes, and pre-writing assignments. Students will write one journal every class period. Journals will be collected daily. Often journals will focus on ethical choices in life and in literature.

Socratic Seminars:

Students will participate in several Socratic seminars where they will be responsible for formulating questions for a group discussion. Students must read in advance and self evaluate their performance in Socratic Seminar. Students must come prepared for Socratic Seminars.

EXTRA CREDIT

Extra novel analysis assignments can be completed as well. Also the poetry slam and attending plays count as extra credit. Students are able to design their own educational rigor through the use of extra assignments.

Major Assessments

There will be three major assessments that will be graded by a group of English teachers. By October 31st, a reading test, writing test, and speaking test will be given. The second round of tests will be given by February 14th, and the third round will be given by April 15th. These tests are very important and count towards your grade.

Final note: I expect all my students to pass this class. I also expect all my students to be planning and thinking about college or post-secondary school. I expect all my students to take the ACT as well.

Course Guidelines

  1. This class follows the guidelines of the CPS/Battle Handbook and expects students to be familiar with them. All students must understand the plagiarism policy and tardy policy.
  2. Please take care of personal issues during passing times (i.e. bathroom, drinks, etc.).
  3. Food and drink will be left outside of the classroom--except for special occasions. Water will be allowed. (Snacks may be okay at times.)
  4. Because this class relies heavily on discussion, it is important that all opinions and points of view will be respected and protected.

Language Arts Course Objectives:

In writing students will:

Select and apply writing strategies appropriate to task (e.g. prewriting, researching, drafting, revising, requesting feedback, editing).

Select and combine text structures appropriately to achieve purpose for audience and content.

Organize ideas in a logical manner and provide adequate support and development.

Collect and evaluate information to establish and support ideas, observations, and opinion.

Demonstrate proficiency with Standard English usage and mechanics.

In reading will:

Independently select and apply appropriate comprehension strategies for reading a variety of texts and self-monitor for comprehension and fluency.

Apply knowledge and understanding of literary elements and techniques in a variety of texts and modes.

In oral language students will:

Communicate effectively and expressively by choosing and adjusting tone and style of speech to audience and purpose.

Analyze and evaluate style and content in presentations.

Provide adequate support and development in presentations and group discussions.

Class Supplies

Binder/IPAD

Pen or pencil: You still need them.

Notebook paper or journal

Highlighter

Post-It Notes

Flash Drive or Memory Drive (this is crucial for writing)

Teacher Contact Information:

Andy Materer

E-mail:

Conference Hour: First hour “A” day.

Mr. Materer is available before and after school for extra help.

Consequences: Students who are not attending or disruptive in class will be subject to consequences outlined in the student handbook. The following procedure will be followed. 1.) Student will be warned and conference with teacher. 2.) Parent will be called and warned that a referral is possible if behaviors continue. 3.) Student will be sent to office for a consequence. I will drop a note on your desk to tell you to go “chill out” at the correct hall office. This does not necessarily mean you are getting a consequence depending on how you handle the situation.

Parent Signature Page

Please sign after reading the syllabus and turn into me. Add any additional information that will help me help your young adult. Use the space below. Also, feel free to add a comment below about anything I need to know to help your son or daughter.

Parent or Guardian’s Signature:

______

Add any contact information like preferred phone or e-mail:

Language Arts Unit Overview: These are units from last year that represent typical units for this year.

Multicultural Literature Unit: Students will read short stories by authors from Native American, African-American, Asian American and Latino authors. Students will demonstrate the ability to understand common themes that are expressed in each culture. Students will also be tested on their ability to construct analytical responses to the readings.

Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry: A play about an African-American family in Chicago during the era of the Jim Crow Laws. Students research the Jim Crow Laws and write about the theme of pursuing of the American Dream/Nightmare.

Media Literacy:Students will learn the persuasive elements used in advertising and television (including the five step pitch). Students will examine the advertising industry and its effects on their culture and surrounding. The final assessment will either be a written analysis of an advertisement or a creation an originaladvertisement using the elements discussed in class.

Career Unit: students will study the top money-making careers and learn about the amount of college education needed to fulfill their goals. Students will compose a resume, job chart, and career essay.

The Crucible by Arthur Miller: a play about the Salem Witch Trials, but it is also a commentary about the era of McCarthyism. Students will be assessed on their understanding of dramatic plot structure, character motivation, irony, a mini-project about Colonialism, and a comprehensive exam. Also, the author’s purpose and the historical time period’s influence on the play will be emphasized.

The Short Stories of Edgar Allan Poe: Several shorts stories and poems by Edgar Allen Poe will be read. Students will focus on vocabulary, symbolism, and imagery. The final assessment is a author study project that will be presented to the class.

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain: Students will read the novel and develop an understanding of Twain’s use of satire and dialect and understand the contrast between Realism vs. Romanticism. Students will closely study the time period and analyze illustrations from the original novel. The final assessment will be a comprehensive exam and an extensive journaling project.

Poetry of Whitman and Dickinson: After reading poetry from these literary giants, students will compare and contrast their writing styles (free verse vs. slant rhyme). Students will be tested and show an understanding of poetic elements and sound effects.

Harlem Renaissance Poetry: Students will engage in a Harlem Renaissance coffee house project and study important writers and poets from this time period through present day Slam Poetry. Students will either develop a Slam poem or present a report about an author from this time period.

Things They Carriedby Tim O’Brien: A novel about the writer’s experiences in the Vietnam War. Major research will be done about the Vietnam War.