American Literature Ms. Cooke Eng III/Eng III Honors American Literature Ms. Cooke

Course Objectives To introduce you to American Literature from the major time periods To encourage you to explore literature with a deeper understanding and appreciation

Course Objectives To prepare you for reading, writing, listening AND speaking at the post-graduate level To encourage you to find and express connections between literature, art, music, government, history, science, and personal experiences

Why Do We Read? Leo Tolstoy argued that all of literature, quality literature, revolves around two central issues:  Who are we? How shall we live?  A study of literature is vital to our understanding of ourselves and our world.  The answers derived help us understand our identities and purposes in this life. 

Textbook & Required Materials Text: Prentice Hall’s Literature Materials/Supplies Needed: Blue or black pens Pencils Notebook paper Spiral/Composition Notebook Post-Its Tissues Highlighter

Grading Policy 50% Tests and Research Paper 30% Quizzes 20% Homework and Class work

Expectations Attendance: Come to class! I want to see you every day (or at least every other day). Absences: Find out your work (website, friend, ask me BEFORE or AFTER class). Turn in known assignments as soon as you return or by the next day otherwise. Late Work: Avoid this. You will only get a C at best. Formal Assignments: Type in MLA format

Expectations Electronics: No. Don’t ask me again. I will tell you if and when this is okay to talk about. Dress Code: Follow it. It’s better than wearing a polo shirt tucked into an awkwardly long pleated skirt.

Procedures Coming into the Classroom: Sit in your assigned seat until I tell you otherwise. Write Bell Work in the first half of your notebook. Copy Learning Goal into the second half of your notebook and any homework assignments. Notebooks will be collected after you have completed 10 Bell Ringers (about once per month).

Procedures Homework: Hand in your homework before you begin bell work to the bin on the front table. Anything handed in after bell work will be considered late and graded accordingly Bathroom: You will use your planner. I must initial and date before you can leave the classroom. Please fill it out in INK, not pencil, or I will not initial it. DO NOT INTERRUPT INSTRUCTION—wait until individual or group work to ask me to sign your pass.

Procedures Dismissal: Check the area under and around your desk and throw out any trash. I will play the Barney clean up song on repeat if we have a problem with this. Return any supplies you may have borrowed. Make sure bookshelves are neat and debris-free. Remain in or return to your seat until the bell rings.

Rules Come prepared. Participate in class discussions and group work actively. Do not hold personal conversations or speak when others are speaking. Raise your hand and wait to be acknowledged before talking. Respect me and my belongings. Respect yourself, your classmates and the learning process.

Things I shouldn’t have to say…... Don’t put gum under the desk, on the desk, on the wall, in ANYONE’S hair… Put trash in the trash can; don’t throw it across the room. Everything you do in this class counts in one way or another; don’t ask, “Is this a grade?” Do NOT interrupt instruction or presentations. Questions can wait. I love Sour Patch kids, dogs and travel.

3 Truths and a Lie On your note card: Name Parents’/Guardians’ Names Parents’/Guardians’ Phone Number Write three true statements about you and one lie (not favorite color or age). Don’t put them in any particular order. Don’t make the lie obvious.

BioPoem