American Experience: American Literature Syllabus

Instructor:  Ms. Elaine Peterson

School year:  2008-2009

Room: 320  Ext. 236

Office hours:  M/Th at lunch, before or after school with appointment

E-mail: epeterson@judgememorial.com

Overview:

            This course is designed to explore multiple perspectives on the American Experience through the four basic genres of literature:  poetry, drama, fiction (both short stories and novels) and nonfiction.

            As a class, we will discover, analyze and critique issues concerning the formation of an American identity in light of multicultural influences.  During the length of this course, you will establish a perception of your own “American Dream” as you investigate the various facets of the American Experience.

            Although the literary pieces we shall read can stand alone as works of art, the focus of the course it to use the literature as a means of understanding our society in which we live.  Over the course of the semester we shall read the following major works:

          

  • Hawthorne’s “The Birthmark” and various other short stories
  • The Crucible, Arthur Miller
  • Emerson’s “Self-Reliance”
  • Thoreau’s Walden
  • The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain
  • Your Own Sylvia, by Stephanie Hemphill
  • "The Yellow Wallpaper," by Charlotte Perkins Gillman
  • Beloved, Toni Morrison

Course Objectives:

  • Think critically:  Learn to analyze and interpret what we read, write and say.
  • Improve writing skills by learning prewriting, drafting and editing techniques.
  • Learn proper use of the English language by using correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
  • Improve vocabulary for academic and social language strategies.

                                                           

Policies and Procedures
2008-2009

Rules

  1. You must bring all materials needed for class to class with you each day.  This includes your books, journal, pen, pencil, and paper.
  1. You are responsible for your work in this class.  If you are absent, ask another student or see me before or after class.  Do not expect me to take class time to get you caught up on what you missed.
  1. If you are unwilling to listen to others, to be courteous in class, to pay attention, or if you are participating in disruptive behavior, you will be subject to the appropriate school discipline procedures.
  1. You must be in uniform.  You may drink water, but you are not allowed any other beverage or food in class.  All gum must be disposed of.
  1. You are expected to follow the school rules and customary rules of conduct in our room.  Immature and rowdy behavior will not be tolerated.  Talking while others “have the floor” will not be tolerated.  Sleeping and not being prepared for class will not be tolerated.
  1. Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated.  If you are caught cheating, the deans will be notified and you and I will have a meeting with your parents or guardians.

Homework Policy

Homework will be assigned daily and is due at the beginning of each class period.  If the student does not have his/her work when I ask for the assignment, the assignment is late.

Late Work Policy

            Late work is only accepted with an excused absence.  If you miss class for a school related activity you must turn in your work before you leave. If you are going to be absent for reasons other than illness, you must get the work before you leave.  It's your responsibility to get missed notes and assignments.

Academic Honesty

            Cheating in any form is unacceptable.  Cheating consists of but is not limited to:  copying homework assignments, copying test or quiz answers, using notes during a test, or plagiarizing.  Students found cheating will receive a failing grade on the test, quiz, or assignment.  Parents will be notified and the student will be referred to the Deans.  

Test Make-Up Policy

Students must contact me the day they return to schedule a make-up date for their test.  Normally, a test must be made up within a day after returning from an absence (obvious exceptions made for extended illness, family crisis, etc.).  If students are informed of a test prior to their absence it does not excuse them from taking the test the day they return.  For example, if they are aware there is a vocabulary test on Friday, and they are absent on Wednesday, they are still required to take the test if they return Friday.

Assessments

Major Course Assessments:

  1. There will be regular writing assignments.
  2. There will be regular vocabulary and reading quizzes.
  3. Class participation is required.
  4. Class presentations will take place

Grading

            95-100%         A
            90-94%            A-
            87-89%            B+
            82-86%            B
            80-81%            B-
            77-79%            C+
            72-76%            C
            70-71%            C-
            67-69%            D+
            62-67%            D
            60-61%            D-
            Below 60         F

PowerGrade

              Grades will be updated and posted every Friday.

Website

              My website can be accessed by logging on Judge’s website (www.judgememorial.com), then clicking under faculty and staff.  When you find my name, Elaine Peterson, you will be able to access my website.

Office Hours/Contact Info

Room: 320
Phone:  801-363-8895 ext. 236
Office hours:  M/Th at lunch, before or after school with appointment
E-mail: epeterson@judgememorial.com