English II: American Literature
Mr. Begin
Introduction:
This course will challenge you to read closely from a variety of genres in American Literature from the 1700s to present day. The main objective is to develop a grasp of the American voice, spirit and culture while enhancing writing, vocabulary and reading skills. We will pay especially close attention to analyzing thematic and symbolic interpretations of the literature. As in English I, grammar will supplement the literary and writing elements of class.
Texts:
A Lesson Before Dying, Ernest Gaines
Twelve Angry Men, Reginald Rose
The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger
The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald
A Writer’s Reference 8th Edition
Wordly Wise 3000
A variety of poems, short stories, essays, and speeches will supplement these texts
Materials:
You may use a laptop or tablet in class to take notes; however, if it becomes a distraction for you or your peers, you will no longer be allowed to use it. Notebooks should be organized and able to store all class materials. These will be checked regularly for compliance and organization.
Writing:
You will complete at least two formal essays per quarter, working through the writing process from brainstorm to final draft. You will begin the year writing detailed sentences that comprise thorough, polished paragraphs and progress to crafting thesis-driven, five-paragraph essays. All drafts will be submitted as Google Docs so I can better chart your revision progress. Formal papers will also be submitted to turnitin.com. Some writing will be completed using the course site on Finalsite; this writing should be considered formal even if it is ‘online.’ Incorporating revisions and feedback is an essential part of this course.
All formal writing assignments must follow MLA format: typed, 12 point font, Times New Roman, double-spaced, proper heading.
Writing assignments submitted after the end of class on the day they are due will lose five points; each subsequent day late is an additional loss of five points. If you have an excused absence on an assignment due date, reach out to me to coordinate.
Reading:
Learning to read closely and critically is essential to success in this class, in college, and in life. You are required to annotate as you read. There are no shortcuts to close reading, so don’t try any. Imagine reading, and your brain, as a muscle that needs constant exertion to maintain and increase strength. We will regularly read in class; be prepared to discuss what you read!
Vocabulary:
You will study one vocabulary unit per cycle. New vocabulary units will be introduced on B days, and vocabulary quizzes will be given on F days. You are expected to know the definition and part of speech for each word, and you must be able to use the word correctly in a sentence.
Tests & Quizzes:
You can expect to take two or three tests per quarter. All tests will occur on D day. Aside from vocabulary quizzes, you can except to be quizzed on grammar concepts and class readings. Quizzes will not always be announced in advance.
Homework:
Homework is assigned so that you can practice skills before tests are given. I will check/collect homework regularly. Reading is homework. Check Finalsite daily. Homework will also be posted on the whiteboard each day.
Academic Integrity
Intentionally or unintentionally representing someone else’s words or ideas (this includes “ideas” you get from online sources like Wikipedia and Sparknotes) as your own is plagiarism. Prep takes this academic offense seriously. If you choose to plagiarize you will, at the very least, earn a 0 on the assignment. Consult Prep’s handbook for further details on the repercussions of plagiarism. Don’t cheat. Don’t do it.
Absences
If you have an excused absence—these must be approved by the Dean of Students Office—it is your responsibility to check Finalsite, get notes and handouts from a peer, and return to class prepared. If you are absent on the day a draft or final essay is due, you are expected to submit it to me via email by the end of the school day. Missed tests and quizzes must be completed on the day you return. Contact me to arrange an appropriate time; I will not track you down.
Scoring:
Tests and Essays…60%
Quizzes…20%
Homework & Participation…20%
Some tips:
· Be creative, curious, open, and organized.
· Come see me or email me right away if you have questions or need help.
· Do the reading and be ready to talk about it extensively. There is no substitute.
· There are many ways to engage and participate. If you are someone who doesn’t raise his hand often, find other ways- email me, see me outside of class, etc. This is important.
· There will be a lot of class discussion in this course; take advantage of it. Distractions will not be tolerated. Maintain proper decorum.
· Be on time, always. That goes for everything- class, assignments, etc.
Course Outline
Quarter 1:
Background unit on American History and Founding Documents
Grammar- 10 most common errors
A Lesson Before Dying
Quarter 2:
Harlem Renaissance
Independent Reading
Short stories- theme and symbolism focus
12 Angry Men
Midterm
Quarter 3:
Modernism
Short stories- modernists
Catcher in the Rye and Salinger
Quarter 4:
Selected Poetry
Realism- short stories
The Great Gatsby
Final- quarter 3 and 4 material only. No exemptions.