This course explores American literature and evolving cultural trends from the 1600s to today. Students will read, analyze, and critique classic and contemporary novels, plays, poems, and short stories. Additionally, the course emphasizes vocabulary development, grammar, and communication skills.
A key component of this class is inquiry-based research, encouraging students to ask questions and seek answers. This approach fosters lifelong learning and a growth mindset.
Syllabus Grading
Formative Assessments – 40%
Summative Assessments – 60% (includes major tests, projects, and essays)
Late Work Policy
Major projects may be submitted late only in extreme circumstances if discussed before the due date. Otherwise, late work will incur deductions or may not be accepted.
Late Penalties: 10% deducted per day; formative assignments will not be accepted after one week.
Plagiarism, including AI-generated work, will result in an automatic zero.
Summative Assessment Retake Policy
Students may retake a summative assessment once, but must select a new writing prompt or thesis rather than revising the original.
Retakes must be completed within two weeks of receiving the original graded assessment.
Students must arrange retakes with the teacher and have completed all classwork and assignments.
A retake learning plan, signed by a parent/guardian, may be required before scheduling the retake.
Midterms and final exams are not eligible for retakes.
Classroom Expectations & Discipline
Respect yourself, your peers, and your teacher. Respect is a two-way street, and students are expected to come prepared and actively participate.
Unacceptable behavior (e.g., bullying, explicit language, insubordination) may result in a warning, a misconduct report, a call home, or a referral to administration, depending on severity.
Phone Policy
Phones must be put away during class unless instructed otherwise.
Violations will result in a warning, followed by a written referral.
Phones should be on silent and stored in backpacks, which should be placed away from desks (per Student Handbook).
Absences & Makeup Work
Classwork and assignments will be posted on Google Classroom. Students should check there first if absent.
For extended absences, students should meet with the teacher before their leave during office hours.
Students are responsible for making up all missed work.
Curriculum Subject to change based on class progress. Novels