Syllabus

American Studies-Literature

Mrs. Brown

(815) 577-5793

I want to welcome you all to the literature portion of American Studies! This class is slightly different than your previous English classes. In here, we will be reading and analyzing literature and then discussing how it relates to the many amazing events of our American history. In addition, we will be working on collaborative projects along with the history portion of the class and completing writing assignments and exercises along the way. The class is presented chronologically in order to build on your understanding with each unit that we study and ultimately to fully understand how America became what it is today. You will learn how to think critically and analytically about different subjects in history as well as improve on your group interaction skills.

Hold high expectations for yourself as I do for each one of you. Anticipate working hard and accomplishing much throughout the year!

Required Texts:

• The Language of Literature (textbook provided for you)
• The Crucible (also provided for you)
• The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Must Purchase)
• The Great Gatsby (Must Purchase)
• One independent novel chosen from a specific list (Must Purchase)
• D.E.A.R. books required for D.E.A.R. reading throughout the year

Required Materials:

• Three Subject Notebook
• Folder or Binder
• Blue/Black Pens
• Pencil (for taking tests)
• Your agenda book
• Access to a computer

Grading Scale:

• 90-100 A
• 80-89 B
• 70-79 C
• 60-69 D
• 0-59 F
• Plagiarism/Cheating is not tolerated and will result in an automatic “0” on that assignment. Please review the plagiarism contract for exact procedures.

How you will be graded:

• Homework/Daily Assignments/Participation 20%
• Quizzes 20%
• Writing/Projects 20%
• Tests 20%
• Midterm 5%
• Final Exam 15%

Units of Study:

• Native American Unit
• Puritans/The Crucible
• Revolution/Persuasion
• Transcendentalism/Romanticism
• Civil War/The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
• The Great Gatsby
• Women’s Literature Unit
• Independent Novel Unit
• Science Fiction Unit

Semester One Native American Unit 2 weeks Puritans/The Crucible 6 weeks Revolution/Persuasion 2 weeks Transcendentalism/ 2 weeks Romanticism Civil War/Huck Finn 7 weeks

Semester Two The Great Gatsby 6 weeks Women’s Lit 3-4 weeks Independent Novel 6-7 weeks Science Fiction 2 weeks

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Critically analyze and interpret a variety of literature
• Apply literary terms to literature
• Comprehend a broad range of reading materials
• Compare different literary genres
• Apply knowledge of historical and cultural importance of literature
• Communicate information and ideas in a variety of different forms of writing
• Listen actively to others
• Use speaking skills to participate in and lead group discussions
• Research and evaluate the usefulness of information
• Draw parallels to your own life experiences

Classroom Expectations:

• Be respectful of everyone in the classroom
• Come prepared for every class: Not having the required materials is unacceptable and disrupts the learning environment
• Speak with purpose and thoughtfulness
• Be on time to class: The school tardy policy will be strictly enforced in this class in order to ensure no disruptions of the learning environment
• All other school policies and expectations apply in this class

Daily Classroom Procedures:

• Arrive to class quietly and begin the posted assignment right away. You should be in your seats and working before the bell rings.
• Complete all given assignments and participate in classroom discussions and group work. Your contributions make all the difference!
• Keep all graded assignments that are turned back to you in your folder or binder.
• Please refrain from sleeping, eating, or drinking in class.
• You will receive three passes (locker, bathroom, etc.) a semester. These will be recorded and you must sign out before leaving the classroom.
• At the end of class, remain in your seat until I dismiss you.

Late Work/Absent Work Procedures:

• All work must be turned in and completed on time in order to be successful in this class. No credit will be given on any minor assignments (homework, daily assignments, etc.). Major assignments will be penalized 10% for each day the work is late.
• If you are absent: Collect any assignment that it is in the appropriate day’s bin at the back of the room. Look at the assignment board in the back of the room to see what the class did that day. Then ask me if you have further questions about what you missed. You will have one day for every day you were absent and excused to make up your work. Remember, you are responsible for finding out the assignments that you missed.
• If you know you will be absent ahead of time, please let me know a few days in advance so I can gather your assignments and give them to you. This way you will not fall behind.
• Please review the following English Department policies. These polices are for all English classes and will be strictly enforced in this class. There are no exceptions.

*Working hard in this class will pay off more than with just grades*

*Knowledge lasts forever*

This portion of the syllabus must be signed by you and your parent/guardian and returned to me by Monday, August 27th.

I have read and understand the classroom policies and procedures of Mrs. Brown’s American Studies course and will follow them accordingly.

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Student Signature Date

I have seen this syllabus and understand the policies and procedures my son/daughter must follow in class.

______________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name Printed

_______________________________________ __________________

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

_______________________________________ ____________________

Parent/Guardian E-Mail Address Phone Number