English 11 American Literature

American Literature Syllabus

English 11: American Literature 2015-2016

Ms. Palmen, Rm 3109 - 3110

karen.palmen@spps.org
(use the above address to ask questions ONLY)

Course Description:

English 11: American Literature provides an opportunity to read and write critically by surveying culturally diverse and historically significant literature from the beginnings of American literature to the present. Course objectives include vocabulary expansion, increased reading comprehension and critical thinking skills, increased ability to analyze and interpret literature as well as writing for a variety of purposes with attention to revision and the writing process.

Course Materials:

You are required to have a class notebook that is used exclusively for English and a folder with pockets where you will keep all class assignments and handouts. You are expected to come to class each day with a writing utensil and your iPad.

Units of Study:

Each unit will include a vocabulary and writing workshop in which you will produce different types of writing: Narrative, Informative (analysis and research), and Argument.

Units will include: memoir (The Glass Castle), folk tales and creation stories, colonial literature, American drama (The Crucible / Fences ), independent reading projects, research project, and media literacy.

Common Core Standards

The following Common Core standards will be addressed and assessed during this course:

11.4.4.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful. (Include Shakespeare as well as other authors.)

11.7.2.2  Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.

11.7.3.3 Write narratives and other creative texts to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well- structured event sequences.

11.7.4.4   Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1–3 above.)

11.7.9.9  Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

11.9.1.1 Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners

11.9.2.2 Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make informed decisions and solve problems, evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source and noting any discrepancies among the data.

11.11.3.3  Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.

11.11.1.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

11.11.2.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

Class Activities:

We will read and write everyday in class. In addition, this class will practice discussion skills and use dramatic and visual arts as methods of enhancing our reading and developing our understanding of the text. Students will also revisit or learn the writing process including revision (6 traits +1). We will work individually, in small groups and as a class. Assignments will include quick writes, creative projects, oral presentations, essays, quizzes, summative writing assessments and tests.

Expectations and Grades:

Students are expected to arrive on time, attend, bring appropriate materials, and contribute to the class with respect for self and others.

Students are expected to keep all daily assignments together and organized by date.  These assignments will be periodically checked throughout the semester.

There are several longer assignments that will need to be typed in MLA format. MLA is required for every English class at Central High School. If you do not have a computer with Internet at home there are resources in the community to help you meet your school requirements. Many community centers and all public libraries have computers with Internet available for public use. Central library also has computers for student use.

For peer editing days, you will need to bring a HARD COPY of your writing or your personal laptop for your partner to read. Peer editing is calculated into your writing process grade.

For this class, you will need to use your school assigned or personal Google account to submit final copies of your papers. All papers that are assigned will be submitted as a Google doc to:

karenpalmenamlit@gmail.com

No paper copies of assigned essays or papers will be accepted unless prior permission is granted.  Be aware that the answer will usually be NO unless you are experiencing legitimate and dire personal issues and circumstances that are preventing you from meeting this requirement.

Essays and papers should be submitted no later than 11:59pm on the day it is due.

Late and Make Up Work Policy:

Excessive absenteeism and late or missing work will result in lowered grades or failure.

1.              If you are having a problem with an assignment, it is your responsibility to speak with me in advance to the due date

2.              Late assignments lose 10% of total points achieved for each day it is late. Late assignments must be completed within 5 consecutive days after due date (this includes weekends – if it is due on Wednesday, it must be turned in no later than Monday at 11:59pm). No work will receive credit if it is handed in more than 5 days late.

3.              No work may be made up if the student does not provide an EXCUSED Admit slip.

4.              Students with EXCUSED absences are responsible for asking about and picking up their own make-up work. Due dates will remain in place unless the student and the teacher make a reasonable arrangement.

5.              Students are responsible for recording assignment due dates in their daily planners.

I look forward to an exciting and productive year. If you have any questions or concerns, you may e-mail me at karen.palmen@spps.org.

Thank You,

 Ms. Palmen