Syllabus+for+American+Literature

**Syllabus** **2010-2011** **Mrs. Petra**
 * American Literature**

American Literature is a chronological survey of American literature which emphasizes literary movements within the context of social, political, and intellectual history. The goal of the 10th grade American Literature class is to understand how various periods of American history and literature affect us and what we read today. The course aims to develop written and oral expression, critical thinking skills, and appreciation of the various literary genres through responding to literature in a personal way, both in writing and orally.

The student will: · Identify and explain various literary techniques used in works of literature. · Define and/or use vocabulary words from a given work of literature and SAT preparation lists. · Complete personal reader responses to works of literature. · Identify and write a thesis statement and supportive information in essays. · Demonstrate an ability to express ideas with clarity, coherence, and correctness. · Demonstrate an ability to comment (in writing or orally) on language, content, and structure of literary works. · Demonstrate an awareness of the effect of styles and techniques employed by the author. · Complete several pieces of writing based on student and teacher-generated topics demonstrating knowledge of different genres of writing (i.e., journals, personal narratives, literary analysis, responses to art, reading logs, letters, reflective writing and diaries). These may include, but are not limited to, response to literature. · Complete a variety of oral activities in response to writing/reading (i.e., role playing, re-enactment of scenes, introducing character, author, choral reading, small group presentations, etc.)
 * Objectives:**

In my classes I expect students to show respect for the teacher, to each other, as well as the school setting and its rules. Please come to class prepared and ready to work. Keep an open mind---we will read a number of different texts, some which may be easy, and some which may be difficult, some which may be familiar and some which may seem completely foreign to you. Keep an open mind, but be prepared to offer an educated and informed opinion. Do your best and be positive.
 * Expectations:**

· Nightly reading and writing · Annotating, note-taking, diagramming, drawing, writing formal and informal responses. · Blogging and oral recordings · Have something to say about what you read; ask questions. · Homework is due at the beginning of the class period. The assignment should be placed in the homework bin at the front desk by the time I finish taking attendance. This does not allow time for printing typed assignments in class, so be sure to print at home. Assignments not turned in on time will be given a grade of zero. · NC policy-“No credit/No Penalty” 24-hour grace period: For those times when you are unable to complete an assignment due to unforeseen circumstances, you will be given a limit of 2 NCs per quarter (no “roll overs”). When using your NC, please inform me at the beginning of class. You must turn in the work 24 hours later, at the beginning of the next class. You must label the assignment with an NC at the top of the page. The NC is not applicable to major papers/projects. See the student handbook for the late paper policy. · Please use the MLA format for all typed assignments.
 * Homework:**

Attendance is important. Please be “present” and prompt. If you are absent, please check the “make-up” bin next to my desk. You will find a sheet with your name and the details of the work you missed. Any handouts will be attached to that sheet. It is your responsibility to pick up your assignments and handouts. You may also check the wiki for homework assignments. You will have one day’s grace for each day absent. For extended absences, such as off-island trips, please notify me in advance so we can make arrangements for your assignments. If you are absent on the day an assignment is due, please make every effort to have the work delivered to me either in hard copy form or by email. When submitting your NCs or make-up work by email, be sure to submit them as Word attachments.
 * Absences:**

Grades come from daily class activities, quizzes, tests, and essays as well as other writings and projects/presentations. You are expected to participate in all activities and assignments and turn in all graded work by the due date. Work will be graded according to the school’s grading scale with a rubric for each assignment.

· Four three-prong folders · One one-inch 3 ring binder with the following dividers: reading responses, handouts/worksheets, vocabulary, grammar · Thesaurus and dictionary · Post-its
 * Supplies:**

You may contact me by email: epetra@stjohnsguam.com
 * Contact info:**