American Literature
Course Guide
Ms. Haskins
Course Description:
American Literature is a full-year course. The first semester surveys American literature from the colonial period through 1865; it includes selections from the anthology and two complete works of literature. Second semester continues to survey American literature form 1865 to the present, including selections form the anthology and two complete works of literature. Writing experiences are linked to the literature read and focus on the development of composition skills. Research is required for this course and will be completed first semester. The second semester includes PSAE/ACT review.
Classroom Procedures:
1. Treat your classmates, classroom, teacher, and yourself with RESPECT. Take pride in your school and your work.
2. Arrive to class on time. If you are not, you will be counted tardy. In accordance with EHS policy, three tardies will result in an after-school detention.
3. Use the restroom during passing periods.
4. Complete all assignments and readings on time and bring all materials to class each day.
Late Work:
You are expected to turn in homework when it is due. I will accept late work for 50% credit that can be turned in up until the end of the current unit of study. Once we have moved on to a new unit, no credit will be awarded for late work from a different unit.
Absences:
If you are excused absent, you have 2 days for each day absent to turn in work for full credit. If you are unexcused, you will receive 50% credit if the work is turned in the day you return.
Materials needed each day:
v Pen or pencil
v Literature book, novel, and/or current classroom handouts
v English folder or notebook
v Spiral notebook for daily reflection/reaction papers.
v Email address
v Post-It Notes
v Student ID and Password. Many activities in this class will be completed using the computer, so you will need to have this everyday just in case we go to the computer lab. If you do not have an ID or a password, it is your responsibility to get one as soon as possible.
Grading Scale:
Numerical Average / Letter Grade90-100 / A
80-89 / B
70-79 / C
60-69 / D
59 and below / F
I look forward to a fun and exciting semester with each of you. If you need to contact me during the day, here’s when I can be reached:
Before or after school in A240 (English Office)
During 6th hour in A240
The Writing Center 3 & 4th hours
You may also e-mail . I check my e-mail several times a day. You may also leave a message on voicemail at 656-7100 ext. 20240 or 20800.
1st Semester Units of Study
Textbook: Literature: The American Experience, Prentice Hall.
Supplemental Resources: Simon and Schuster’s Handbook for Writers.
Various Novels
Web Blog
The following is a list of units that we will be covering this semester. I reserve the right to adjust this list given necessary conditions.
I. Native American Voices
II. Colonial Period
III. Revolutionary Period
IV. Romanticism
V. Transcendentalists & Anti-transcendentalists
VI. Civil War
VII. Research Unit
A. The Writing Center
B. Library Skills
1. Athena
2. Electronic Café: Internet
3. Reference books
C. Research Process
1. Prewriting
a. Graphic Organizer
b. Outlining (topic or sentence)
2. Rough Draft
a. Typed, double-spaced
b. Sentence variety
c. Long and short quotes
d. In-text citations
3. Revision/Revisiting
4. Proofreading
a. Conventions (grammar)
b. Publishing
VIII. Novels (*The Scarlet Letter(?); The Crucible and Choice for research)
A. Literary Analysis
1. Theme
2. Symbolism
3. Character
B. Essay Response to Literature