American Literature (122)

Mrs. Harris

Room 203

Email:  mharris@rdhs.org

 

Course Content:  This course will further develop skills in the areas of reading, writing, critical thinking, and literary analysis.  The literary genres that will be covered include short stories, dramas, novels, and poetry written by American authors.  Throughout the course of the year we will focus on paragraph construction, essay test writing, the five paragraph essay, and research writing.  A major requirement of this course is a research paper which will require you to conduct individual research and apply your findings to a piece of literature that we have read as a class. Like all written assignments for this class, the research paper must be in proper MLA format.

Theme:  Throughout the course of the year, our theme will be “Reverence for Life”.  How does our society’s “reverence for life” (or lack thereof) affect the world in which we live?  What role has this played in our nation’s history?  In what ways does having an awareness and appreciation of the world around us affect the way in which we live?  What evidence can we see of this awareness and appreciation in literature? 

Required Texts:

Elements of Literature

The Bedford Handbook

The Scarlet Letter

The Great Gatsby

 

Required Materials:

Pens

One spiral notebook for English ONLY

Folder or binder

 

Expectations:

I expect you to be prepared for class each day and to put forth your best effort.  In return, I pledge to put forth my best effort.  In addition, I expect you to maintain an attitude of respect for your peers, yourself, and myself at all times.  This includes keeping an open mind and adopting a positive attitude.

 

Classroom Policies and Procedures

 

Beginning of Class:  I expect you to be in your seat and to have your materials out on your desk WHEN THE BELLS RINGS.  You should not be talking to friends in the hall or working on an assignment for another class, as it is imperative that we make the most of our time together.

 

Homework:  As stated above, I expect you to come prepared for class each day; this includes having completed homework PRIOR to the beginning of class.  Some assignments will be collected while others will be checked for completion and discussed as a group.  If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to find out what you have missed, either from myself or from a classmate.  I am always available via email, and I strongly suggest checking in with me if you are sick, particularly if you are going to miss more than one class.  If you are sick, you will have  one day for each day you were absent to make up any assignments or tests.  Late homework that is not due to absence will be marked down a number of points for each day it is late.

 

Plagiarism: Cheating or plagiarism on an assignment will result in a “0” on that assignment for all involved.  The work may not be made up, and the dean of students will be notified.  Moderators of honor societies will also be notified, and a report will be placed in your school file.

 

Standards for Written Work:  All work should be neat and legible with your name, my name, the class (English 122), and the date in the upper left-hand corner.  If  I ask that an assignment be typed, you will lose points if you turn it in hand-written.  The computers in the CRC and library are available for your use both before and after school.  All written work should be in proper MLA format.

 

Class Participation: A large portion of your grade will be based on class participation.  The following things will help you earn full credit:  be on time, have all of your materials and texts with you, participate in discussion, and turn your homework in on time.  If you do not REGULARLY participate in class discussions, your grade will suffer.  This includes not only contributing to discussions but also being an active listener when others are sharing their thoughts and ideas.

 

Class Rules:  In addition to the school rules, I ask that you

 

1.       Be respectful (of everyone)

2.      Be prepared

3.      Be polite

4.      Be on time

 

*If at any point throughout the year you feel that you need extra help or guidance, please feel free to email me or see me before/after school.  I am at school by 7:30 every morning and am in the building until at least 3:30 every day after school and would be more than happy to meet with you.  I am looking forward to a fun and productive year with you!