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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Posts

8/19/15--Class Info

Thanks for a great day in class analyzing some great songs.
*Today we first began by discussing your Journal #2 responses.
*We then discussed some of your responses for the song analysis from yesterday.
*We then listened to 3 more songs and discussed them briefly. The songs were "America" by Niel Diamond, "Amerika" by Rammstein, and "American Saturday Night" by Brad Paisley.
Homework: 1. Q1 terms due October 15. 2. Word Crime #1 due Friday. 3. Analysis sheets for today's songs due tomorrow.

8/18/15--Class Info

Thank you for a great day in class.
*We began by finishing up the analysis of the images from yesterday. We realize the "rhetorical precis" part was challenging. We are hoping that it will be a little easier with the songs. I collected the image analysis today.
 
*You wrote down Journal #2 which is "What factors have and continue to influence the identity of America? You need to answer this for homework tonight.
 
*We then began to listen to an analyze the songs in the packet. Periods 4, 6, and 7 only got through listening and briefly discussing "American Idiot" so for homework, just finish the analysis sheet for "American Idiot". We will continue to take a look at the songs tomorrow.
 
Homework: 1. Q1 Terms due October 15th. You need to define each of the terms and describe the function of each. 2. Word Crime #1 due on Friday. Remember to use reputable sources and cite them according to MLA format. 3. Journal #2...due tomorrow. 4. Analysis of "American Idiot" due tomorrow.

The 2nd image we analyzed in class. Remember: this was taken on September 20, 1932. The photographer is unknown because there were 3 different photographers there. These men were working on the RCA (now GE) building in Rockefeller Center in Manhattan.

8/17/15 Class Info

Thank you for another great day in class. I truly do love my job.
*Today you received your first Word Crime assignment, "What is the difference between spelling and grammar?" You got a handout with the format you will need to follow. Make sure you are researching the answer and documenting your sources accurately. Your sources should be reputable...not "Yahoo Answers" or something similar.
 
*You were then given the Q1 Terms and Objectives. On a separate piece of paper (typed or handwritten) you will need to state what each of those terms are AND describe the function of those terms. This will be due on Thursday, October 15th.
 
*We then discussed various types of "texts" and took a look at at two images (a type of text) and annotated them for meaning. You began to fill out the rhetorical analysis chart for the first image and need to finish the second one for homework.
 
Homework: 1. If you didn't yet turn in your signed syllabus you need to do so tomorrow. 2. Word Crime #1 is due Friday. 3. Q1 Terms are due October 15th.

8/15/15--Treat for Proving Subscription

Happy Weekend! 
 
In in an effort to encourage students to subscribe to the class website, please bring me something that starts with the letter "A" (for "awesome" that you are on top of things and for the grade you are on pace to earning!) on Monday to prove you have subscribed. If you bring an "A" item on Monday, you'll get a treat. 

8/14/15--Class Info

Thank you all for another great day in class.
 
*You took the trick "3-minute test" to remind you to read through ALL directions BEFORE beginning any assignment.
 
*We had your first journal: "Why do we mark a book and annotate?" Make sure you keep your journals somewhere safe and label them as I will collect the journals every 10. You may continue your journals on the same page, the back of the page, or a new page...your choice.
 
*We then read, annotated, and discussed the text "How to Mark a Book." Remember, no matter how much you may hate annotating, it DOES help you to "digest" the material which is better learning, and that's good for everyone.
 
If you did not turn in your signed syllabus today try to remember to get it signed this weekend and turn it in on Monday...it's not due until Tuesday.
 
Have a great weekend! Stay cool!!

8/13/15--Weird Al Word Crimes Video

Here is the video from today that inspired the grammar investigations you will be doing throughout the year. The template for completing the assignment will be given to you, but also is included on the side bar on the website homepage. Have fun!

8/13/15--Welcome!

Welcome to your junior year and to my class. I am truly looking forward to working with each one of you and I am looking forward to getting to know all of you better as we learn from one another throughout the year. This year will be a challenging one on many different levels, but we will work together to make sure you learn what you need to, and we should have fun doing it. I hope you haven't forgotten everything you learned last year, as you will be held accountable for knowing how to properly format essays, we will be reviewing ethos, pathos, logos, and we will have many graded discussion opportunities. Have a great year!