Adv American Lit (9-12)
HERO Class Syllabus for 2008-2009
Course Instructor: Lynn Larson
Blog: http://LynnLars.wordpress.com/
Course Description:
This is an advanced course in great American literature! We will explore American lit. through the generes of the novel, short story, poerty, and drama. Students will be required to read the assigned pieces at home and be prepared to discuss them in class. It is critical that students keep up with the reading assignments. We will interpret the literature by learning about poetic elements, symbolism, metaphors, themes, character roles, etc. We will discuss each books relevance to society at the time it was published and what makes it a classic today. Since every writer’s personal background can provide further insight into his or her work, we will learn about each author.
Our first book will be The Red Badge of Courage.
*For those families unfamiliar with the text of Huckleberry Finn, I feel it is important to advise you that the book frequently uses the “n” word. We will discuss Twain’s literary decision to use the word and how the novel is a lesson in the use of language, of epithets, of slurs and how they can change (or not) over time.
Students will need to obtain copies of the four novels and the play. HERO is working to arrange a book fair at Barnes and Noble. Please check my blog or the HERO website for forthcoming details.
Novels:
The Red Badge of Courage, by Stephen Crane
The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis
The Adventures of Hucklebery Finn, by Mark Twain
The Old Man and the Sea, by Ernest Hemmingway
Drama:
Our Town, by Thornton Wilder
Short Story: (provided by the teacher)
A Rose for Emily, by William Faulkner
Poetry selections from Emily Dickinson (provided by the teacher)
Supplies
3-ring binder, pocket folder, paper, pens, and pencils for tests, quizes, and taking notes in class.
Grading Information:
Grades are derrived from 10% attendance, 40% attitude, preparedness, and participation, 50% homework, quizzes and tests.
Late work policy: Homework is due when collected in class. Homework that is up to one week late will be docked 10% of the value of the assignment. Homework up to two weeks late will be docked an additional 5% and will only be accepted with a note of explanation from the parent, subject to verification. No assignment will be accepted more that two weeks past the class period in which it was due. Assignments will not be penalized for illness or vacation with a note from a parent.
Attendance: A student who is tardy will lose 1/2 of the attendance credit for that day.
