American Literature syllabus

Syllabus

English 11 - American Literature

Hour:  1^st/4^th period

Teacher Name: Ms. Amber Fontenot

Room Number: 332

E-mail Address: Amber.Fontenot@ocsi.org

Blog Address: http://ocsi-humanities.blogspot.com

School Phone Number: 958-3000

The best time for parents to call me is: from 3-5 PM.

Course Description:  The students study literature that coincides with what they are studying in their US History class. Students develop oral skills, critique selected readings, and develop their knowledge of the writings of America throughout its history.

Class Activities:  The students study literature that coincides with what they are studying in their US History class. Students develop oral skills, critique selected readings, and develop their knowledge of the writings of America throughout its history.

Class Texts:

McDougal Littell - The Language of Literature

Language Network

Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics (non-consumable workbook)

John Grisham – The Testament

Nathaniel Hawthorne - The Scarlet Letter

Mark Twain – The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Charles M. Sheldon - In His Steps

Fitzgerald - The Great Gatsby

Materials you should bring to class every day:

- Two notebooks (B5)

- Loose-leaf paper

- A binder or folder

- Pens, pencils, erasers

- Class textbooks with book covers

-An IR book

Grading:

Tests/research paper                40%

Quizzes/projects                      30%

Daily assignments                   20%

Class participation                   10%

Expectations:

- Come to class with a positive attitude and be ready to learn, explore, and ask questions.

- Be in your seat when the bell rings and begin bellwork immediately at the beginning of class.

- Assignments are expected to be turned in on time; no credit will be given for late assignments.

- During class, be prepared to take notes and participate in class discussions.

Class Rules:

- Respect:  Respect each other, your teacher, and all school rules.

- Expectations:  Come with an open mind and a positive attitude; be ready to explore and ask questions.

- Materials:  Come to class prepared—you should have all necessary books, materials, and assignments when the bell rings.

Approximate Class Schedule:

The schedule below is estimated, and may be adjusted based on class needs, at the teacher’s discretion, at any point throughout the year.

Summer reading:  The Testament

First quarter:  Historical overview, the Puritan tradition (The Scarlet Letter), extra credit opportunity (The Crucible)

Second quarter:  Spirit of Individualism, informative speeches, Romanticism and gothic literature, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

J-term reading:  In His Steps

Third quarter:  Research paper, Civil War and Beyond (19^th ce. short stories and poems)

Fourth Quarter:  The Great Gatsby, Twentieth Century American Literature

Academic Vocabulary:

suspense

appeal to authority

appeal to emotion

appeal to logic

logical fallacy

valid argument

enunciation

modern literature

noun clause

American literature

Puritan literature

Romantic period literature

Gothic literature

Realism

Transcendentalism

stream of consciousness

semicolon

hyperbole

dialect

tall tale

tone

analogy

symbolism

theme

scan

stress

simple sentence

compound sentence

complex sentence

compound-complex sentence