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Literature page.
American Literature is a comprehensive survey course that includes many
different genres such as poetry,
drama, novels, essays, and short stories. In addition to the reading
of many famous works, the students will
complete a variety of composition assignments, reader response journals,
and a research paper.
Textbook and novels to be used:
American Literature, A Chronological Approach (government loan)
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
The Tell Tale Heart and Other Stories – Edgar Allan Poe
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – Mark Twain
Catcher in the Rye – J. D. Salinger
Death of a Salesman – Arthur Miller
The Old Man and the Sea – Ernest Hemmingway
The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald
Vocabulary Book - Green
It is recommended that students purchase all novels as soon as possible.
Grading Procedure
All grades will be determined using a total points system each quarter.
Midterm Grade = 40% first quarter + 40% second quarter + 20% midterm exam
Final Grade = 40% first quarter + 40% second quarter + 20% midterm exam
This class will follow the Bishop McNamara grading scale as follows:
93 – 100 A- to A+
84 - 92 B- to B+
77 - 83 C- to C+
70 - 76 D- to D+
0 - 69 F
Important Note: This course is non-cumulative. If a student fails the
first semester, the student will lose ½ credit.
This course is a graduation requirement.
Other Course Requirements
Compositions – Juniors will complete numerous composition assignments
analyzing various types of literature.
The students will write persuasive, thesis development, comparison/contrast,
and critical analysis essays.
There will be some opportunities for creative writing also. All papers
for this course are to be typed.
Research Paper – Juniors will be completing a research paper due in
January 2000. This paper will cover
some aspect of American Literature that the student chooses and the
teacher approves. The 8 – 10 page typed
paper will be in the MLA research paper format.
Journals – Juniors will complete a number of reader-response journals
to stimulate discussion on topics of
American Literature and current events.
Expectations for Class
Students who are absent from school are to make up work in a timely
manner. Students are to speak to the
teacher on their first day back or in the event of a scheduled absence
(athletic or scholastic event, college day,
Kairos); in advance to arrange make-up dates for missed work. Students
are expected to have an admit slip
when returning to class and to obtain this slip prior to the start
of class. First hour students who are absent or
late must have an admit slip to come to class.
The Bishop McNamara policy regarding absences on page 14 of the student
handbook will be strictly enforced.
The Dean of Students will also be notified by the teacher if the student
appears to be consistently absent on test
or quiz days or when major composition assignments are due. If a student
arrives late or leaves early during the
day, the assignment is expected that same day.
Students are expected to turn in all work on time at the beginning of
the class period. No late assignments will
be accepted. (The teacher reserves the right to make a judgment in
extreme circumstances. Parents will be
called to verity such circumstances.)
Important Phone Numbers and Information
If students have questions or need additional help, I am available:
6th Period – I have study hall in 15-16 during the first semester only. Second semester is free.
7th Period – Preparation Period
After school, I am usually in the building for at least 30 to 40 minutes.
Students should check in room 115 and
room 24.
Home Phone Number: 933-5074 or e-mail at spokes@colint.com