English 11

English 11
Course Syllabus: 2009-2010
Instructor: Mr. Fielding
Phone: 983-3604
Email: fieldingkent@hotmail.com

Course Description: American Literature

Emphasis: The accelerated development of critical literary skills and devices to use in the analysis of works of fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. The writing of formal essays, research papers, and creative fiction and poetry.

The primary purpose of English 11 is to provide an opportunity for students to expand their critical thinking and writing skills by focusing on some of the challenging material of American Literature. The course is similar to English 10 in the dissection of literature in the pursuit of analysis but the class will cover more material and the expectation of the student’s performance is much higher. We will also look at the history of American Literature and explore themes that are unique to the American Experience such as The American Dream.

We will build on the foundation established in English 10 for composing literary, persuasive, and reflective essays, and to produce an original research paper. Additionally, students will utilize proper writing conventions appropriate to their learning level. To accomplish this, students will actively read from an extensive selection spanning all literary genres, analyze these works, develop original theses, and share their ideas in formal compositions (persuasive, reflective, and analytical), class discussions, and oral presentations.

In other words the class will dissect literature (and literary genres) at the roots—for the roots beneath the tree are extensive and only by understanding those roots can one understand the entire tree. We will look at literature as an investigation, an exploration, an adventure. We will examine genres and themes and we will share our ideas, interests and findings by discussion and writing essays, poetry, and fiction and by doing research to find out more.

Texts: The Great Gatsby, Huckleberry Finn, The Scarlet Letter, Death of a Salesman, poetry and short story selections from Literature and Language Arts Textbook, and selections from Walden.

JOURNALS/BLOGS

Students will be required to keep a blog throughout the year. This blog will be your journal writing for the year. In this blog/journal will be reading reflections, lists of literary devices found in stories and novels, creative assignments that correspond with readings, pre-writing exercises, analytic writing.

NOTE: I read every journal entry and you will lose points for skipping entries or not following directions. If you do not understand an assignment please ask.

GRADES:

Tests – 25% of overall grade
Papers—25% of overall grade
Projects—20% of overall grade
Quizzes, class work, homework—20% of overall grade
Journals/Blogs—10% of overall grade

Scale:

100- 93 = A
92.49- 90 = A-
89.49- 87 = B+
86.49-83.00 = B
82.49- 80.00 = B-
79.49-77.00 = C+
76.49- 73 = C
72.49-70.00 = C-
69.49-67.00 = D+
66.49- 63.00 = D
62.49- 60 = D-
Below 60 = F

Late Work: Mark down 10% per day. You are expected to turn in work on the deadlines due.

Required Materials:

1 Spiral Notebook (use as a journal)
1 Pocket Folders (to keep handouts, note guides, returned work)
1 Binder with loose paper

General Guidelines:

1. Be prepared when class begins. It is imperative that all pencils are sharpened and materials are ready when the bell rings.
2. Class discussions should be conducted in an orderly and respectful fashion.
3. Do not talk when I am talking.
4. I dismiss you, not the bell!
5. You may choose you own seat, but I reserve the right to assign seats or move you if I see the need.
Respect others and their property. This respect extends to remaining quiet during announcements, directions, lectures, and presentations. If you are talking someone else might not be able to hear.