English 11- American LiteratureCourse Syllabus
Hanover Central High SchoolMrs. Duffy
Course Description
This course is intended to give an understanding and appreciationof our American literary heritage. First semester emphasis is on the chronological development of literature from colonial times to the end of the 19th. In the second semester, the coursewill explore principal American writers from 1860-present and will provide necessary historical/social background for understanding. Process writing based on literary works and historical research will be the central composition modes.
Proposed Texts and Instructional Materials
Elements of Literature: Essentials of American Literature
Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter.
Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby.
Materials
- Homework, textbook, folder, etc.
- Pens, pencils, paper, and highlighters.
Major Assignments and Projects
- Outside, whole-group, individual, and timed reading assignments
- Vocabulary quizzes: literary terms
- Timed writing assignments (both formal and informal)
- Objective assessments (multiple choice, content-specific questions)
- Essays: Process writing, including evaluating and improving Six Traits of Writing
- In-class, exploratory responses to various texts
- Whole class discussion, small-group literary circles, and Socratic seminars
- Cumulative writing and research projects over literary works.
Grading Criteria
As would be expected in a college preparatory class, the pace and workload of this course is intensive. American Literature demands self-discipline, rigor, initiative, and the willingness to “think outside of the box.” Students closely examine and practice the process of critical reading, writing, and thinking. As a serious scholar, you are expected to complete all readings on time and interact with the text. You should expect to take notes daily (you will in college!).
In addition, your grade will be determined largely through a combination of objective tests, writing (formal and informal, timed and untimed) assessments/projects, in-class participation, and vocabulary. Each major assignment is naturally weighted through its allotment of points. Your grade will include study guides/questions, written responses to readings, in-class discussions, and various writing assignments. Your unit exams are comprised of objective questions and analytical writing. The objective portion will blend knowledge and application of literary devices, course content, and practice reading questions over an unseen text. Your final exam grade at the end of each semester will be a culmination of the skills we cover during the semester.
Cheating/Plagiarism: It is expected students will be honest in all academic work and will be responsible for their work. Academic dishonesty is a serious violation of academic standards. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to: cheating on assignments and tests, plagiarism, submitting the same paper or project in more than one course without prior consent of the instructors involved. Depending on the severity of the offense, the student will receive no credit on the assignment, additional assignments, and/or be referred to the principal for further discipline according to the Parent/Student Handbook.
Finally, improving your overall writing is a fundamental goal of this course. You will revise major writings in this course. I approach writing and its assessment using the Six Traits of Writing. As you become more familiar with the Traits, you will become a better writer. Therefore, you should expect to peer edit often, both your peers’ works and sample essays taken from various sources; furthermore, we will review grammar to strengthen the mechanics of the writing.
Grading Scale
This course follows the basic 90/80/70/60%, but for a further breakdown, look to the following:
%Grade %Grade %Grade
93-100 A77-79 C+60-62 D-
90-92 A-73-76 C<59.5 F
87-89 B+70-72 C-
83-86 B67-69 D+
80-82 B-63-66 D
Classroom Rules & Procedures
- Follow all rules established in the student code of conduct.
- Chewing gum is allowed until it becomes a problem.
- Cell phones should be OFF during class (not just set to vibrate). You will be written up for any items (including cell phones, iPods, CD players, PSPs, etc.) visible in the classroom.
- Students are expected to bring all required materials and supplies to class every day. Passes will not be issued to students’ lockers once the bell has rung except at teacher’s discretion.
- Students are expected to complete and bring homework to class every day.
- Late work is unacceptable.
Help and SRT
Students should utilize resource time before school. Students should ask for special appointments to make up exams after school, since morning contact time may not suffice. Other means of contact include e-mailing me at . Assignments will also be posted on the class website.My phone number is 219-374-3830.
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