GOALS:  English 11 Honors will concentrate on American Literature from the nation’s birth to the present, while reinforcing research, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and presentation skills.

OBJECTIVES: 

1.      The student will observe the influence of geographical, historical, and cultural factors on the development of literature in America.

2.      The student will increase his/her awareness of the six -isms (Puritanism, Romanticism, Realism, Naturalism, Impressionism, Imagism) of American Literature that extended from the Colonial Period to the Modern Period.

3.      The student will recognize and analyze common themes through works of fiction and nonfiction.

4.      The student will recognize and demonstrate the characteristics of different types of literature including poetry, drama, and prose.

5.      The student will distinguish literal and figurative language.

6.      The student will continue to apply the steps of the Writing Process to produce various types of writing.

7.      The student will continue to implement library research skills to produce critical analysis papers.

8.      The student will build his/her vocabulary.

9.      The student will apply speaking skills in classroom discussions and formal presentations.

10.  The student will improve use of grammar, rhetoric, and punctuation.

The Curriculum by:

Students will be exposed to the above authors and movements during the class periods.

* Puritanism is an influence and not a true “movement” in literature.

ASSIGNMENT * REQUIREMENTS * EVALUATION PROCEDURES:

1.      Attendance and punctuality are extremely important. A single point is granted for each day a student is in the class.  This point represents the credit given for participation (speaking and/or listening) on that day.  Because participation can only be achieved when inside the four walls of the classroom, the point is not given for ANY ABSENCE.  If a student sleeps in class, is late, or leaves class early, 0 or a 1/2 point is earned respectively. 

2.      Various assignments will be given during the course of the year which will include miscellaneous homework, essays, performance tasks, worksheets, vocabulary tests, writing portfolio, major final project, completed novels, literary circle discussion.

3.      ALL ASSIGNMENTS will have a due date that will be given on the day the work is assigned.  The work must be completed for the BEGINNING OF THE CLASS for which it was assigned.  Homework assignments (a.k.a. vocabulary units) WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR ANY CREDIT after it is checked that class period.  Major papers and essays will be accepted up to two days late with a 10% point deduction for each day late. On the second day, if the paper has still not been received the grade will result in a zero. Although it is possible for a paper to result in a zero, any major paper or presentation must be done to gain course credit.  If a requirement for the quarter is not completed, an “I” will be recorded.  If the “Incomplete” is not removed by the end of the year, the student will fail for the year and course credit will be withheld.  All assignments are DUE UPON THE DAY OF RETURN from an absence.  With the advent of e-mail, all  MAJOR PAPERS are due on the pre-assigned date and penalties will apply when late (even over a weekend or holiday!)

4.      Plagiarism is a serious offense and will be punished as described in the student handbook.

5.      Grades are computed as a percentage of points earned in comparison to the total points possible in a single marking period.  A midterm exam and a final exam are required.

6.      It is expected that the student will keep a notebook for the course.  A three-ring binder is suggested, as this course produces a large number of handouts through the year.  The notebook is left to the student; however, it is warned that it may be checked for its accuracy and completeness throughout the year.  It will be to the student’s advantage to be as organized and complete as possible (foreshadowing).

7.      A WRITING PORTFOLIO will be maintained by the student in class.  Each essay written will be stored in the folder.  By the end of the year, it will contain a minimum of 6 examples of the student’s writing from class.  Additionally, the student can include pieces that may come from another curricular area in which he or she felt the most success.  The student will present their portfolio in June discussing what each believes to be his or her strengths and/or weakness from the beginning of the year to the end of the year.  This is a course required presentation.

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