Download AMERICAN LITERATURE – ENGLISH 11A Ms. Lori Jones

AMERICAN LITERATURE – ENGLISH 11A
Ms. Lori Jones
SYLLABUS
Course Description
American Literature, a course based on Indiana's Academic Standards for English Language
Arts and the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts, is a study of
representative works and authors of the United States from pre-Revolutionary times to the
present. Students read, analyze, evaluate, critique, and actively respond to a wide variety of
literary genres that reflect American culture, including quality works of various ethnic and
cultural minorities. Students compare readings and media from literature, history, and
other subjects by demonstrating how the ideas and concepts presented in the works are
interconnected, distinctly American, and important to an understanding of the
development of the current culture.
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Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to perform the following tasks:
Demonstrate an ability to analyze, assess, and appreciate various literary works, including
poetry, short stories, essays, novels, and dramas.
Demonstrate a knowledge and appreciation of the literary, cultural, and historical
influences of major periods in the development of American Literature.
Demonstrate knowledge of literary devices and terms as applicable to literary analysis.
Write in clear, expository prose several critical analyses of literary works concentrating on
three Essential Questions:
1. What makes American literature American?
2. What is the relationship between literature and place/setting?
3. How does literature shape or reflect society?
Demonstrate knowledge of the grammatical structure of the English language and an
awareness of correct usage and punctuation.
Demonstrate an ability to write clear and logically organized paragraphs and essays,
illustrating an ability to locate and correct errors in both structure and usage while
employing a variety of sentence structures.
Increase knowledge and use of vocabulary through both formal and informal study.
Anchor Texts (as per the SCH Curriculum Map for Grade 11A)
Snapshots of the Historical Periods
Various Native American Indian Origin Tales
from The Iroquois Constitution
"When Grizzlies Walked Upright," Modoc
"Museum Indians," Power
from “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” Jonathon Edwards
The Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson
from The American Crisis, Thomas Paine
The Autobiography, Benjamin Franklin
The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, Olaudah Equiano
“The Scarlet Letter,” Hawthorne
Various selections from Emerson, Thoreau, Dickinson, & Whitman
An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, Ambrose Bierce
An Episode of War, Stephen Crane
My Bondage and My Freedom, Frederick Douglass
An Account of an Experience with Discrimination, Sojourner Truth
Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain
To Build a Fire, Jack London
The Story of an Hour, Kate Chopin
The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald
from The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck
Selections from Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, Carl Sandburg
Selections from the Harlem Renaissance Era
Supplies
 Black, blue, and colored pens for school and home
 Assorted colors highlighters for school and home
 Loose leaf (no spiral edges)
 3-Ring Binder with pockets to hold handouts and writings
Grading Policy/Homework Expectations
The student’s grade will be determined through the averaging of various assessment
techniques including tests, quizzes, essays, homework, project, class participation, and end
of quarter assessments. All assignments are expected to be handed in on time. Because
students are given time during class as well as advisory/study hall with tutoring whenever
needed for 3 hours each week, late assignments will not be accepted, except in the case of
an excused absence. Grades will be posted on STI Now/Chalkable in a timely manner. All
assignments have a designated number of possible points. The final grade is determined by
dividing the number of points the student has earned by the total number of possible
points. The end of semester grade is calculated at 1st grading period = 40%, 2nd grading
period = 40%, and the final exam = 20@ of the final course grade.
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Absence Policy
Classroom policy is the same as the SCH Handbook policy and follows the same guidelines
for making up work when absent.
Acknowledgement Signatures:
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Parent/Guardian
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Student