Grade: 10^th

Prerequisite: Department Approval

Credit: 1.00

 

Required Texts

The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisernos

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, Carson McCullers

The Bean Tree, Barbara Kingsolver

Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck

The Bedford Handbook

 

Summer Reading

The Secret Life of Bees, Sue Monk Kidd

 

Course Description

Students study a cross-section of American authors and their works including selections from the Early Native American period through the twentieth century.  Students discuss various literary genres such as the novel, the short story, poetry and drama, while evaluating plot, point of view, theme, setting, symbolism and characterization.  Students incorporate technology to enhance their learning of the literature.  Vocabulary, grammar, the fundamentals of paragraph writing, research and study methods, as well as improving reading and discussion skills, are also stressed.

 

Course Objectives

As you complete the requirements for this course, you will learn to

·         practice the steps of the composing process (planning, drafting, revising, editing) in order to learn ways to organize, develop, and support ideas and to write vividly, clearly, and concisely

·         practice writing and reading approaches for various audiences and purposes

·         write essays which contain an introduction, a body, and a conclusion

·         write essays which contain a clear thesis statement

·         develop paragraphs with specific details and examples

·         develop ways to integrate personal and academic writing

·         develop ways to integrate other sources into your writing without losing your voice

·         develop critical stances for reading and writing without losing your voice

·         develop critical stances for reading and writing in various academic disciplines

·         learn documentation techniques and research practices

·         practice thinking critically

 

Plagiarism

Undocumented use of work that is not your own is unethical and will not be tolerated.  Anyone suspected of plagiarism will be punished to the fullest extent of the rules and regulations of Regina Dominican High School. 

 

My Expectations of You

• Always be respectful of yourselves, each other and me
• Always be on time
• Always be attentive 
• Do not talk when other people are talking; I expect the class to be a community of active listeners
• Do not pack up to leave before class is over—this is disruptive to others and to me 
• Never sleep during class
• It’s a good idea to take notes on what we say in class so that you have a written record of the ideas we develop together. 

Your Expectations of Me

•  “Grades fairly & attends to student needs.  Learn something new.”
• “I expect you to teach us what is needed …& to have a fun learning experience.”
• “I expect to learn about American Literature.”
• “Nothing.  Just looking forward to this year.”
• “My expectation is a great teacher and a great knowledge of American Literature.”
• “…to understand American Literature more.”
• “To have fun but learn at the same time.”
• “I hope to learn and have lots of fun in this class.”
• “…having fun while learning…to make us remember it more.”
• “I love to read.”
• “I do not think I am very good at English.”

Assessment

• Academic essays
• Research paper
• Quizzes
• Tests
• Various writing assignments & projects