Academy of Holy Angels English 11: American Literature Mrs. Deirdre Hocks English Teacher Head of English Department

A little bit about Deirdre Hocks B.A. in English & Teaching from University of St. Thomas (UST) Minors in Communication Studies & Spanish Completed M.A. program at UST in Special Education: Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) Current 5-12 Comm. Arts & Lit MN teaching license 4th year at AHA Group fitness instructor in Eagan & 200-hour yoga certified Assistant coach for JV/Varsity soccer and Track

Course Overview Students will: Build a community of learners through collaboration & discussion Discuss and analyze literature Write five-paragraph essays (1 per trimester) Enhance grammar and vocabulary skills Refine research skills Read challenging literature

Catholic Social Teaching & The AHA Way 2.0 Life and Dignity of the Human Person Call to Family, Community, and Participation Rights and Responsibilities Option for the Poor and Vulnerable The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers Solidarity Care for God's Creation

Curriculum for Adv. English 10 Trimester One: Summer Reading assessments Early Settlers – Native Americans, Puritans and Planters The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne Nationalism & Romanticism Poe, Irving, Cooper

Trimester 2 Transcendentalism Fools Crow by James Welsch Melville, Emerson, Thoreau, Dickinson, Whitman, Bierce, Crane, Douglass, Lincoln, Twain Fools Crow by James Welsch The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Trimester 3 Harvest Gypsies by John Steinbeck Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller Fences by August Wilson The Things They Carried By Tim O’Brien

Classroom Policies & Expectations Available in the course syllabus and on Moodle Respectful, responsible, safe, and mature behavior at all times Late work is not accepted unless due to an emergency or absence Papers/major projects, etc. = reduced grade Plagiarism, copying work, etc. is a serious academic offense and not tolerated in the classroom.

How to connect school and home… Enforce good study habits - Write assignments in planner, check Moodle, manage time Enforce habits of good readers - re-read, look up words, no distractions Enforce habits of good writers - start writing early, make numerous drafts, ask for help with revisions, understand the severity and consequences of plagiarism

How to Reach Me Email: dhocks@ahastars.org (the best way to reach me) Web Page: access through Guest access on Moodle (Hocks1617) Syllabus All homework, in-class work, PowerPoints, etc. available Please contact me with questions, concerns, comments, clarifications, etc. I am here to help, support, and guide your child!