Harbor High School

Honors American Literature

Ms. Ohana

Room: H7

Phone: 429-3810 x7722

Email: rohana@sccs.santacruz.k12.ca.us  (The best way to reach me.)

Blog:  http://americanlithonors2010-2011.blogspot.com/

Course Overview: Honors American Literature is geared for college preparatory students seeking academic challenges as they explore the rich and diverse American experience portrayed through literature. Students are expected to engage in literature in a personal and analytical way, developing critical thinking skills, as well as increasing their mastery of the language.  This course intends to develop students who can respond to works of great complexity and depth in an articulate manner.  With all that said, it is also intended to be fun for those of us who enjoy reading, writing, or talking about books.

Units of Study:

East of Eden  The bulk of this unit is completed during the summer, but as we continue into the school year we will focus on review of basic writing skills.

The Scarlet Letter This unit is designed to help enhance your analytical skills, build upon your skills from the sophomore year, and introduce you to the level of writing expected in this course.  

The Crucible: During this unit we open eyes to different ways of seeing literature, as we discuss and the different literary aspects associated with drama.

The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn:  While reading this classic story, we will further our skills with literary analysis as we explore the development of theme and regional influences.

Texts that Defined America:  During this unit we take a close look at many pieces of non-fiction that played critical roles in shaping our national identity.  We examine the methods authors used to convey their messages and practice writing the kind of expository responses that are required for the many standardized tests.

American Issues/ Persuasive Writing:

We read selected nonfiction pieces on contemporary issues as we hone our own persuasive skills.  The unit culminates with a persuasive speech.

The Great Gatsby:  Further your knowledge of one of the most prevalent themes in American literature as we continue to work on our analytical writing.

American Poetry:  This unit is designed to hone our analytical and close reading skills as we focus on a detailed study of the works of ee cummings.

Woman Warrior:  Students demonstrate their growth over the course of the year, by teaching a lesson to the class based on this book.  During this unit, we work on our narrative writing skills as we write our college application essays.

Ongoing:

        Vocabulary development will be based on vocabulary found in books read in class, as well as SAT words.  Students are expected to make a regular commitment to memorizing these words.

        Grammar development will be based on demonstrated needs from student writing.

        Regular and active reading habits will be encouraged through the independent reading project.  Students are expected to select books as directed from a list of texts which support the goals of the unit.  They are expected to read a minimum of one independent reading book per six weeks.  (A book is defined as the larger of either one complete text or 250 pages of related material)

*All units subject to change based on student need and textbook availability.

Materials:

        An appropriate writing implement

        A 3 ring binder with lined paper, a section devoted to handouts, and a section devoted to returned work.  It is fine if this binder also includes additional sections used for other classes.

        A composition book which will be devoted exclusively to journals for this course.

        A day planner or similar place for regularly recording homework assignments.

A write on overhead and overhead pen.  

        The book we are currently reading in class.

        An independent reading book.

A pen for posters, etc (something like a sharpie)

Grading policy:

Students will be graded using a variety of assessments including essays, tests, projects, speeches, homework and participation.  All major assessments are graded according to rubrics, with which students will become familiar.  In addition, some assignments will receive points on the basis of such things as study skills, presentation, and participation.  Grading is standard: 100-90% is an A, 89-80% is a B, 79-70% is a C, and 69-60% is a D.  Less than 60% is an F.  Students will be shown how to keep track of their grades and are expected to do so.  Further, students are encouraged to monitor their grades on infinite campus. Individual student grades will not be discussed during class time, so if needed students are encouraged to make an appointment to discuss grades during SGI or lunch. 

On another note…  everything we do in this class is intended to help you build your knowledge or skills in regards to a particular goal of the course, whether it is successful college admissions, meeting a state standard, or progressing in our understanding of literature.  Therefore, I expect you to do it all.

Classroom Procedures and Expectations:

Behavior: All members of our classroom community will treat each other and our learning environment with respect.  Students will come to class on time and prepared for class.  (On time means that they will be in their seats when the bell rings.)  Students will follow school wide rules in regards to dress, electronic equipment, use of offensive language, etc.  Students whose behavior threatens the academic success or safety of themselves or others may receive a verbal warning, teacher conference, parent contact, mandated time out, detention with the teacher, a referral, and/or suspension from class.  Any student who commits a suspendable offense or act of defiance will immediately be sent to the office.  

Cell phones:  Cell phones are to be turned off (no, that doesn’t mean that the ringer is just off) while in class.  Cell phones should not be on the student’s person, but may be in their bag.  Students are not to make or receive calls or texts during class or while on break to the bathroom.  If there is a situation which the student believes warrants their phone being on, they should check with the teacher first.  (Example:  Family member in the hospital.)  The cell phone policy is strictly followed in order to eliminate distractions, disturbances, and opportunities for academic dishonesty.

Ipods etc:  Students may bring individual musical devices to class, however, the devices should remain in their bags unless otherwise indicated.   Occasionally, when a student has dilligently completed their work ahead of the class, they may ask for permission to listen to music while they begin homework.  Since this is a case by case situation, please do not simply notice that someone else is listening and get yours out.  Ask.  Under no circumstances are students to share their musical devices with a classmate, as this creates too much distraction.

Academic honesty:  Students will receive a zero for any work that is the result of cheating or plagiarism.  Students who assist others in academic dishonesty will similarly receive a zero.  The second offense will result in an F in the course.  We will go over the parameters of academic honest before the first quiz.

Attendance:  You can’t learn if you aren’t here.  Be here every day.  Be on time every day.  (On time means in your seat and ready to go when the bell rings.)  If tardy, don’t forget to sign the IN/OUT binder.  It is the only evidence that you were here.  Upon your third tardy, you will receive a referral.

Bathroom:  Go during break.  However, if you must go during class, please sign out in the IN/OUT binder and take the pass.  Only one student may go at a time (regardless of gender).  The bathroom pass is for use when going to the bathroom only.  Excessive use of the bathroom will result in removal of bathroom privileges.  

Late work:  The basic rule of thumb is that there is NO LATE WORK except for excused absences.  Work assigned before your excused absence should be turned in upon your return.  If work was assigned during your absence, then you have the same number of days to make up the work as you were absent.  End of story.  Don’t push it.  

You are of course, welcome to turn in late work because you want feedback on it, but do not expect a grade.  Of course, someone will ask what “late” means… late is after the assignment is collected on the day the assignment is due.   Students doing homework in class (unless explicitly told that they may) will have it taken from them and they will receive scowls instead of credit.  This policy covers both homework for this class and others.

If you can foresee that an assignment will be late because of extenuating circumstances, you may ask for an extension.  Extension requests must be accompanied by a compelling reason and are much more likely to be granted if you have a strong record of responsibility and diligence in the course.  All work turned in late because of an extension must be accompanied with a note, signed by me.  (This is for your own safety.  If I can’t recall giving you the extension, don’t you want the proof?)  You must ask for your extension a full school day before the assignment is due.  (A last minute email the night before it’s due, will NOT be accepted.)  With the exception of truly mitigating circumstances, each student will receive no more than ONE extension during the school year.  Use it wisely.  

Missed class: If for some reason you miss class, you are responsible for finding out what you missed.  I suggest calling a friend in the class.   If a quiz or test was scheduled on the day of your excused absence, see the teacher immediately upon your return to class.  (Hint: immediately means the same day you return to class, not two weeks later.)  I will not chase you down to make up work and I will hold you accountable for missed quizzes that you do not make up in a timely manner.  (When everyone else gets theirs passed back is NOT a timely manner.)  Regarding work assigned on or completed during your absence, you technically have as many days as you were absent to complete the work.  However, I strongly encourage you to get it done as quickly as possible, so that you don’t fall behind.  No work may be made up for unexcused absences.  Your copy of handouts passed out on the day you were absent can be found in the green “live animals” box.

Homework:  Homework is posted on the board.  Students are responsible for writing down their assignments and knowing what is expected of them.  Please do not leave work on my desk, as it is shared with other people and work could get lost.  As for returned work, if you are absent on the day it is returned, you may get it out of the green “live animals” box.  You are required to follow and participate in the class blog, as a supplement this course, but homework will not be posted there.

Final thoughts:

If at any point you feel even the slightest bit overwhelmed, see me.  We are a team and I want you to be successful.  I believe that anyone willing to truly put in the HARD work can be successful with this curriculum.  If you’re willing to get goofy with literature, it can also be a lot of fun.  

“Screw your courage to the sticking place”- Shakespeare

STUDENT:

I have read and understand the course syllabus and will abide by the expectations of my English class.

Name (print)____________________________________

Name (sign) _____________________________________                Date _______________

PARENT/GUARDIAN:

I have read the course syllabus and will contact Ms. Ohana if I have concerns or questions about the syllabus or about the progress of my child in English.  

Parent/Guardian (print) ________________________________

Parent/ Guardian (sign) _______________________________         Date_____________

If there is anything that you think I should know about your child that may help him/ her have a more successful year, please feel free to explain on the back of this paper or contact me at your convenience. (rohana@sccs.santacuz.k12.ca.us )   Thank you.