Syllabus

American Literature and Composition

General Information and Overview-

Over the course of the year, you will have the opportunity to explore and analyze the traditions, techniques, and genres of American literature from the exploration of Christopher Columbus to the contemporary writings of Tim O’Brien. This course emphasizes writing and offers extensive instruction in the writing process. Vocabulary (stems) will also be reviewed and continued.

Contact Information- Email- Jeffrey.vlk@d214.org (best method of contact)

Schedule- 1. Room A124 2. Room A124 3. Room A124 4. Off 5. Off 6. Room A111 7. Off 8. Room A111

Homework and Late Work-

Homework is due at the beginning of the period. It will be counted as late if you do not have it when I check it and or turn it in after I have collected it. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule.

It is your responsibility to find out what you missed if you are absent. You can ask me or contact a class mate to get the assignment and/or notes.

No Late Work Accepted. You miss a day of school you have ONE day to turn in assignment or it is entered in as a zero.

General grading scale

100-90 A 89-80 B 79-70 C 69-60 D 59 & under F I grade on a total points system.

Mygradebook.com-

In having such a useful resource, it is your responsibility as a student to continuously keep yourself up to date on your grade or missing assignments. Directions to access your grade: The class word for the website is __. Your ID number is your password.

Expectations-

I expect you to have a folder and notebook for English class only. You are also expected to show up on time, pay attention, and come to class prepared with a writing utensil and any other supplies you may deem necessary.

Tardy Policy-

I expect you to be in the classroom when the bell rings. If you are not, you are considered tardy. No exceptions.

Units and Core Readings

-Native Americans/C. Columbus -Colonists -Revolutionary Era -Romantic Era -Civil War and Realism -Modernism/Materialism -Contemporary

Required Readings and texts-

Prentice Hall Literature, Lies My Teacher Told Me, The People’s History of America, America Now, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, The Crucible, excerpts from Thoreau, Emerson, Hawthorne, and Poe, Huck Finn, The Great Gatsby, The Things They Carried, and a variety of titles for literature circles. This list does not include a variety of short stories, poems, and essays.

You are responsible for maintaining your text book and returning it at the conclusion of the year. Any damage will result in the appropriate fine(s). I am not responsible for your text book if you leave it in the room and it turns up missing. This is a calculated risk you are welcome to take, but understand these text books are quite expensive.

Final Thoughts-

Responsibility is a particularly important word as you continue along in your educational endeavors. You and you only, are responsible for your actions and performance while in class. Learning about accountability and its significance is an imperative lesson in both school and life. Take pride in what you do and be responsible.

I will not bore you with general rules and regulations, but take note of the following. Use common sense while in class. Stop and think before you act or speak. If you think for a second something you are going to do or say might be inappropriate, it probably is. Lastly, respect is essential in my goal of creating an educational utopia. That being said, without the presence of respect in the classroom, your educational journey a