Course Overview:
In this course, we will be reading various types of American
literature and determining their relationship to different “frontiers”
of literature as well as common themes shared by different authors or
time periods. The focus will be on “classic” authors pre
1950. We will read short stories, poems, novels, and plays. There will
be literature read together and analyzed by the entire class, as well
as group assignments and individual work.
Vocabulary:
We will be studying a unit on vocabulary each week. A
broad vocabulary will help you to become a better reader and a better
writer. You will be given a packet on Monday and it needs to be completed
by Thursday. We will have a test on the material each Friday.
Reading:
Reading is important in order to broaden your vocabulary
and to see how others write. It is also important to see more examples
of American authors. You will be required to read at least 400 pages
per semester, outside of class. Up to 800 pages can result in no more
than 5% added to your grade for the semester. Up to 600 pages can give
you 2.5% extra credit. Reading fewer than 400 pages outside of class
will severely impact your grade. You will lose 5% of your total grade
for every 200 pages you don’t read. Your outside reading score
will be based on all or some of the following: reading journals, book
conferences, and written book reports.
Class Participation:
We will be reading together in class and outside of class.
It is important that everyone is engaged in class discussions in order
to stimulate thoughts and ideas. Every student is expected to be prepared
to give an opinion, ask a question, or provide an answer to a question
on every story we read. These points are tabulated every time we discuss
a story. These points are worth 10% of your grade.
Grading:
Grades are based on the total number of points accumulated
over the course of each quarter. Assignments will be worth varying points.
You will have a variety of assignments and tests to gauge your understanding
of the material. These assignments will include, but are not limited
to: journal prompts, short essays, quizzes, major papers, comprehension
questions, comprehension tests and group and individual presentations.
The points that you accumulate will be divided by the points possible.
Each quarter will be worth 50% of your total grade. The following grading
scale will be used:
|
93-100 = A
90-92 = A-
87-89 = B+
83-86 = B
80-82 = B-
|
77-79 = C+
73-76 = C
70-72 =C-
67-69 = D+
60-66 = D
59.4 and below = F
|
*All grades are rounded up, Ex. 89.5 = A-; 89.4 = B+ |