English 11: American Literature Syllabus

The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function. F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940) Course Goals: The 11th grade English curriculum is designed to develop the students ability to read critically, write clearly, and speak comfortably in front of a group. Students will take two terms (A & B) of English 11: American Literature. The course will involve close reading, thematic analysis, discussion, and writing about various selections of American Literature. In this course, students will:
Examine and discuss the relationship between American literature and what it means to be an American today. Examine and respond to American history through literature. Read, think, discuss, and write critically in response to American literature. Write from experience, analysis, and research in a variety of forms. Understand, recognize, and apply literary terms. Discretely study vocabulary and grammar skills. Apply grammar and vocabulary skills within the context of writing and revision. Read, discuss and critique a variety of American literature such as: The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain; Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald; Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck and My Antonia by Willa Cather. We will also have the benefit of selected excerpts from the literature text: McDougall-Littells The Language of Literature: American Literature 11. Investigate the essential American questions of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness through a critical reading of the literature and an investigation of these essential questions as they pertain to ones life as an American.

Student Expectations: Students are expected to come to class on time with the appropriate materials: the book(s) we are using, notebook (journal), and a writing utensil. In addition to the assigned reading, students are also expected to maintain and cultivate a regular independent reading life you should always have a good book of your choice that you are reading. Our daily homework assignment is to read at least 1/2 hour per evening. We will devote class reading time to independent reading each end-of-the-week day. Students should use an appropriate note -taking-for-learning strategy on a daily basis. All formal academic papers should be the students original and best work, and should be turned in on time. Papers should go through the drafting, review, revision, and editing processes. We will facilitate the writing process through our efforts in the classroom and computer lab regularly. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Please document all sources according to the MLA rules as posted on the teacher webpage at www.nmps.k12.mi.us. Assessment: Students are expected to contribute to discussions, in groups and as a whole class, based on an intelligent, thoughtful reading of the works. Class participation will be worth 25% of the marking period grade. Assignments, quizzes, tests, projects, and papers will be worth 75% of the marking period grade. There will be an examination at the end of both terms.

Class Participation (discussion groups, journaling and note-taking, whole class discussion, activity participation) = 25% Assignments, quizzes, tests, projects, and papers = 75% NMHS Grading Scale
A+ A AB+ B B100-98 93-97 90-92 87-89 83-86 80-82 C+ C CD+ D DE 77-79 73-76 70-72 67-69 63-66 60-62 59 or below

Resources: Students will have classroom access to the McDougall-Littell, The Language of Literature: American Literature text, 2006 edition. Students will have daily opportunities for classroom discussion and participation. Students will have access to a copy of The Language Network (grammar text) on their netbook. Students may reach me by phone at 719-4161, or e-mail at schanhmi@nmps.k12.mi.us