HULL HIGH SCH00L
STUDENT COURSE EXPECTATIONS
ENGLISH 11 MRS. LANNEY 6 CREDITS
TEXT: Elements of Literature, Fifth Course (2000: Holt Rinehart Winston)
A Hull High School Student:
· will write effectively for a variety of purposes
· will read actively and critically
· will present ideas fluently and comfortably before an audience
· will use technology appropriately to acquire, integrate, evaluate, create, and impart information in a knowledge economy
Course Overview
This course, an overview of American literature, focuses on major American works and the uniquely American ideas upon which they are based. Students will read early works that provide the foundation for the structure of major plot and conflict scenarios found in modern literature. The emphasis will be on interpreting literature beyond the literal level, with particular attention given to symbolism and analysis. Non-fiction works will also be considered. Although students will have opportunities to write creatively, the primary writing focus is literary analysis, research, and persuasion. There will be intense vocabulary building within the context of the readings and through vocabulary lessons and practice. Preparation for the SAT’s will be covered in the fall. There will be
some opportunity for oral presentations.
Course Objectives
Students will identify, analyze and apply knowledge of theme in a literary work and provide evidence from the text to support their understanding
Students will analyze patterns of imagery or symbolism and connect them to themes and/or tone and mood
Students will analyze and evaluate the logic and use of evidence in an author’s argument
Students will relate a literary work to primary source documents of its literary period or historical setting
Students will relate a literary work to the seminal ideas of its time
Students will organize ideas for a critical essay about literature or a research report with an original thesis statement, well constructed paragraphs that build an effective argument, transitions sentences, and a conclusion
Students will formulate original, open-ended questions and apply steps for obtaining and evaluating evidence from a variety of sources, organizing information, documenting sources in a consistent and standard format, and presenting research
Students will use their knowledge of standard English conventions in writing, revising, and editing
Students will understand and acquire new vocabulary and use it correctly in reading and writing
Students will make oral presentations that demonstrate appropriate consideration of audience, purpose, and the information to be conveyed
Course Content
Literature: Analysis and interpretation of representative works from various genres and time periods in American literature
Vocabulary: Vocabulary within the context of the readings, vocabulary commonly found on standardized tests
Writing: Persuasive writing, literary analysis, and research papers. Development, organization, and mechanics. Process writing with particular emphasis on revision.
Speaking: Occasional oral presentations.
Required Reading
- Selected readings from Elements of Literature
- Novels selected from The Scarlet Letter, Huckleberry Finn, The Great Gatsby
- Non-fiction: Into the Wild and selections from current publications
- Drama: The Crucible
Required Writing
Assigned essays and literary analysis,
Research papers
Course Evaluation Criteria
Grades will be based on the percentage of points you earn out of the total possible points each term – Quality counts! Effort Counts! Discussions Count!
The specific value of each assignment will be announced when it is assigned
Hull High Writing Rubric will be the basis for evaluating writing assignments
Course Policies
- Attendance, tardiness, behavioral consequences, academic dishonesty, make-up work, food, drinks and electronic devices in the classroom—as outlined in the Hull High Student Handbook
- Class Preparation—Bring your textbook, three-ring binder, and pen or pencil. Written assignments should be printed and stapled before you come to class.
- Homework—Homework will be assigned nightly and is given as an aid in understanding the concepts and skills presented in class. You will frequently be asked to read for homework; do not let yourself get behind on this. Late homework will not be accepted at the end of class or later in the day. Quality counts!
- Late Work—Late writing assignments and projects will be marked down one grade per day (“A” becomes “B”, “B” becomes “C”, etc.). Work that is more than three days late will not be accepted at all unless there are documented extenuating circumstances. If you are late to school or on a field trip when an assignment is due, it is still your responsibility to pass it in on the day it is due. Never leave work on my desk or in my mailbox; you must give it to me directly.
Extra help is available after school
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