Course:

Welcome to American Literature. Throughout this year-long survey course, we will immerse ourselves in a blend of classical and contemporary American literature in an attempt to read and familiarize ourselves with as many highlights of the American Canon as possible. In addition to a well-rounded regimen of intensive reading, the course will also include a substantial focus on vocabulary building, grammar, writing, and critical thinking skills.

Course Objectives:

As stated in the Alaska State Content Standard for English/Language Arts, a student meeting the standards should be able to:

A.) Speak and write well for a variety of purposes and audiences.

B.) Be a competent and thoughtful reader, listener, and viewer of literature, technical materials, and a variety of other information.

C.) Be able to identify and select from multiple strategies in order to complete projects independently and cooperatively.

D.) Think logically and reflectively in order to present and explain positions based on relevant and reliable information.

E.) Understand and respect the perspective of others in order to communicate effectively.

Course Activities:

Exposure to, and analysis of, multiple genres of American literature, critical thinking activities based on class reading, vocabulary, grammar, reading tests and quizzes, composition, revision, and peer editing.

Assessment:

Short papers will be assessed through the use of specific rubrics given out a head of time (Extra copies always available). Terminology and/or literal or factual information will be assessed through the use of objective test and quizzes. Students are well advised to do the assigned reading in preparation for unannounced quizzes.Test dates are always announced ahead of time.

Grading Policy:

Homework: 35%

Quizzes: 15%

Test and Projects: 50%

Late Work and Makeup Policy:

Please note that late work will absolutely not be accepted unless the student has an excused absent on the day/s the work was assigned. If the student has an excused absence, it is his or her responsibility to find out what work they have missed and to turn it in the next school day. If an absence is unexcused, students will not receive credit for assignments due that day. It is the responsibility of each student to find out what work they have missed and to immediately arrange to make-up missed quizzes and tests.