Jane McEvoy
11 College Prepratory English
After school Hours: available on Fridays from 2:25 - 3:20
Contact Email: JMcEvoy@leeublicschools.net
Contact Phone: 1(413) 243-2781

11 College Prepratory Englsih

Course Description

This course in American literature will be presented chronologically beginning with Native American mythology and the Iroquois Constitution and ending in the contemporary era.  Students will study and read works by various authors, will come to identify common and recurring themes in the American literary tradition, and will compare and contrast treatment of those themes between authors and eras.  This course will also have a strong writing component.  Narrative, expository, and descriptive writing, including the personal essay, will be emphasized.  In addition, this course will include a review of grammar, mechanics, and the research process, and studies of vocabulary and public speaking skills.

Purpose
This course is designed to:

• Advance reading comprehension skills
• Develop expanded vocabulary knowledge
• Develop more sophisticated writing skills
• build public speaking skills
• Provide basic knowledge of major authors, works, eras, and themes in
  American literature
• Prepare for upcoming tests, such as the SAT and the Accuplacer

Course Objectives
  At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate critical reading skills and apply those skills to literature of all 
  genres.
• Use direct references to the text effectively to support a thesis.
• Compare and contrast themes, characters, and ideas from texts.
• Interpret themes from literature and relate them to the modern world and
  everyday life.
• Recognize and analyze the relationships between literature and the historical
  context by which it is influenced.
• Write creatively and analytically applying themes, literary terms, elements of   
  style, grammar, and proper mechanics in the writing process.
• Incorporate an expanded vocabulary in verbal and written expression.
• Deliver effective presentations and communicate confidently and with clarity.

Grade descriptor

• 25% Participation and Classwork
  On time, on task, well-prepared, good attendance, participates in all activities and discussions, completes all in-class work thoroughly and thoughtfully, makes a consistent effort to succeed, positive attitude and
  excellent behavior.
• 25% Homework
  Both reading and written work completed thoroughly, thoughtfully, and
  on time.
• 20% Quizzes
• 30% Tests and Projects

Final Exams: A final exam will be given at the end of each semester.