American Literature

"We will walk on our own feet;

we will work with our own hands;
we will speak our own minds."Ralph Waldo Emerson
What is an American?
How does American literature reflect and influence American society?
Why does freedom matter?
Welcome to American Literature! During the course of the school year, well be studying some pretty
cool (??) pieces of literature (short stories, novels, drama, poetry, non-fiction, etc.) by talented
authors. Well move through American literary history, starting with the literature of Native Americans
and Puritan settlers, and ending with a class novel. Through reading, writing, speaking, listening and
viewing, well explore several essential questions that will be shared with you throughout the
semester.
Classroom Expectations
1. Have high expectations for yourself, your learning, your teacher, and your peers; in turn,
anticipate high expectations from others.
2. Be prepared to think, discuss, participate, and WORK.
3. Come to class prepared, bringing all necessary materials, supplies and having completed any
assigned reading so that you are ready to get the most out of our time together...that includes
reading materials for Sustained Silent Reading times when we have them.
3. Accept, even embrace, challenge. Remember, you have to push beyond your comfort

zone in order to grow.

4. Take advantage of available resources: teachers, peers, computer resources, texts and course
handouts, class discussions, etc.!!!!!!!!!!!!
6. Actively ask questions and seek clarification.
7. Choose and maintain an effective system for organizing your course materials.

8. Manage your time wisely.

9. As per district policy, put away and switch off all electronic devices (including cell phones) and
no headphones in class unless otherwise stated.
10.YOU are responsible for keeping track of assignment due dates and turning in assignments on
time.

Major Components of Course

1. Literature
We will examine literature of the United States, focusing on some while skimming over others, as well as the philosophies
and historical contexts of each movement. There will be one or two major texts read in class as well as an independent
reading selection.
2. Writing
Informal assignments will include analytical responses to readings and creative responses to writing prompts. Formal
assignments will stress critical analysis of literature.
3. Vocabulary
We will study various vocabulary - some from the material we are reading; others that are necessary.
4. Grammar, Punctuation, and Mechanics
We will review and practice the conventions of good writing, such as the use of commas, semicolons, colons, apostrophes,
hyphens, dashes, parentheses, and quotation marks, as well as parallel structure, active voice, subject/verb agreement,
pronoun/antecedent agreement, and other grammatical and mechanical lessons through bell work lessons.

Academic Honesty
It is expected that students will use genuine, sincere, and fair means for the
accomplishments of the tests, tasks, or projects from which evaluations of progress shall be determined.
Students found plagiarizing, copying, or cheating in any way will receive automatic zeros.
Late Work
If it is an assignment that was given during your absence, you will have two days after you return to turn it
in without penalty.
If it is an assignment given before your absence, it must be completed when you return if the due date was
the day you were absent. Should the work not be completed, a lower grade will be received automatically.
Late work will be taken up to TWO weeks passed the deadline. After the two weeks has passed, the work will
not be accepted.

Make-Up Work/Tests
If you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out what assignments you missed and to make
them up. If you miss a test, you may make-up a test before or after school. Arranging a make-up
requires speaking with me to set up a time.
Grading

Homework = Practice
If I give a homework assignment, it is expected you will do it. Sometimes it will be graded, other
times you will get a score for completing it, and yet there will be times there will be no score.
You need to look at homework as practice. You cannot master something without practicing. It
prepares you for the assessment that will be graded.

Participation
Yes, I will occasionally grade on class participation. I need to see you actively participating in
class or group discussions, asking questions, completing assignments so that you CAN participate in
discussions, or using class time to work on assignments when you are given that time...basically,
being ALIVE in class and not just filling a seat in the room.
Tests, Quizzes, Writing/Analysis Essays, and other forms of assessment that may be given.
---------------------------------------------------------------------Quality of Work
For each of my assignments, YOU have the option of simply meeting those requirements. Doing so
constitutes "doing fine" and earns the grade of C, possibly a B. Failing to meet the requirements
earns a grade below C. Meeting the requirements with additional care, creativity, and
effectiveness earns a grade of B, possibly an A. And doing excellent or superb work earns the
grade of A.
Final Note
I love teaching English, and Im excited to share my passion for the subject with you this semester.
Above all, I want you to be successful. If you are struggling in class, have questions, or just want to
chat, talk to me. Please know that I am always more than happy to answer your questions and help
you. Never hesitate to email me, call me, or talk to me during lunch or before or after school.
Please sign and return.
I have read the American Literature syllabus issued by Mrs. Vanderhoff for the 2014 second semester
and understand the policies, requirements, and expectations of her class.
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Student Signature
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Date

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Parent/Guardian Signature

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Date
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Parent/Guardian Cell Number
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Parent/Guardian Email Address (REQUIRED)