American Literature

Course Description

In this course, students will explore the fascinating world of American Literature. Through lecture, discussion, and readings, students will discover the changing patterns of American thought. Students will encounter new authors and perhaps get reacquainted with some that they have previously read. They will continue to develop their communication skills and to build their vocabulary. Students will be engaged in the material through the Common Core State Standards framework, which will focus on close readings of texts, argumentation strategies and practice, and Socratic discussions.

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9/08/15-9/09/15--Class Info

*We started the class by talking about the "Legacy of Puritanism" article and Jeremiad Rhetoric. This was given to you on Friday for homework. I collected this.
*I gave you a vocab list for all the vocab for The Crucible. You are to do vocab squares for List #1...due Friday. Keep this sheet. You will need it.
*We did a "Witch Hunt Hunt" where you investigated historical witch hunts and the context for their happening.
*You were given an article from Arthur Miller explaining why he wrote "The Crucible"
HW: 1. Q1 terms due October 15th. 2. List 1 vocab squares due Friday. 3. Read and annotate "Why I Wrote The Crucible...due tomorrow.
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9/04/15--Class Info

*We began the day with a fun exchange of Puritan Valentines to remind us of Puritan values.
*We then shared out responses to Word Crime #3 and I collected it.
*I then collected your "Sinners" vocab squares.
*You had a very brief vocab quiz. If you were absent today, you have until next Friday to come and make it up. You come see me.
*We then discussed the sections of "Sinners" in more detail to give you a better understanding of what kind of deep analysis you need to be doing in your essays. You need to at times break down a piece to individual words to look at the significance of them. We looked at the significance of Edwards using the word "you/your" 112 times in that short excerpt. We looked at logos words like "consider" and "sensible." I hope you are beginning to understand that you can't just tell me an entire quote says. You need to analyze HOW words and devices are being used in a piece.
HW: 1. Q1 terms due October 15th. 2. Read and annotate the "Puritan Legacy" article and answer the four questions that follow. Due Tuesday or Wednesday, whenever I see you.
 
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.

9/03/15--Class Info

*Today your groups received a section of "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" to analyze more closely. You were supposed to work through the analysis sheet together and be ready to present your findings with the class tomorrow.
HW: 1. Q1 terms due October 15. 2. Word Crime #3 due tomorrow. 3. Vocab squares due tomorrow. 4. Finish section analysis.

9/02/15--Class Info

*We began today with Journal #6.
*I collected the vocab sheet from yesterday. Don't forget that squares are due Friday.
*We finished reading "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" and began to look at it more closely with a SOAPStone activity.
HW: 1. Q1 terms due October 15. 2. Word Crime #3 due Friday. 3. "Sinners" vocab squares due Friday. 4. Finish the SOAPStone page and finish the annotations for "Sinners" by tomorrow.

9/01/15--Class Info

*We began today with a mini-lecture on Puritanism and discussed what you discovered in your Fact Find. I then collected your Puritanism Fact Find.
*We then had Journal #5 which was analysis of a picture. You were supposed to describe what was in the picture, hypothesis what the hands represent and what is going on in the picture, state the claim the picture is making and evidence (the premises) for that claim. We then flipped the picture upside down and discussed what happens to the claim.
*I gave you a vocab sheet for "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God". You are to do vocab squares for all 10 words--due Friday. The rest of the paper is due tomorrow. Write down or take a picture of the words.
*We then began reading an excerpt from the sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." You need to follow the directions for annotation. We will finish reading it tomorrow and then we will be working with it for the rest of the week.
HW: 1. Q1 terms due October 15th. 2. Word Crime #3 due Friday. 3. Vocab squares due Friday. 4. Vocab sheet due tomorrow.