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English 11: American Perspectives

Jean A. BomeislRoom 814

+Overview

English 11: American Perspectives #1140

Through a wide variety of texts, the course will explore significant themes and traditions in American literature. The course emphasizes analytical reading and writing of narrative and expository text, literary analysis, critical thinking skills, and oratory. In preparation for senior year and beyond, students in this class will also develop the skills to create effective job or college applications. Students who consistently perform at the honors level in their coursework and assessments will be awarded honors credit/distinction for this class.

Grade: 11

Prerequisite: English 10 or Humanities 10

Credit: 1 credit, 2 semesters

+Essential Questions

What is the relationship between written texts and social, political, and cultural environments in which they were produced?

What is the relationship between the American social history and the variety of literature and perspectives produced?

How does a sense of place shape identity? 

Family, Sanity, and Sacrifice:  How do family, community, culture, and nation affect an individual’s sense of self?

+Course Outline: Semester 1

Unit 1: The American Dream:

Unit 2: The Puritans

Unit 3: Research Project: Meeting of the Minds

Unit 4: The Horror! The Horror! What Hath Goth Wrought?

+Course Outline: Semester 2

Unit 5: I Protest! Studies in Argumentation

Unit 6: Multiculturalism in American Perspectives

 

Unit 7: Satire and Humor

 

Unit 8: Poetry

+Some of the texts: Semester 1

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller

The Crucible by Arthur Miller

“The Fall of the House of Usher” by Edgar Allen Poe (film and text)

“The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

“ The Damned Thing” by Ambrose Bierce

“The Call of Cthulhu” by H.P. Lovecraft

“Trifles” by Susan Glaspell

+Some of the texts: Semester 2

“Causes of the American Discontents Before 1768” – Benjamin Franklin

The Declaration of Independence

David Walker’s Appeal

Theory of Anarchy by Edward Abby

Protest music: Do Re Mi –Woody Guthrie The Revolution Will Not be Televised – Gil Scott-Hero Fortunate Son – Credence Clearwater Revival Trapped – Tupac Shakur

Film: Jonathan Demme’s Philadelphia (film)

The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams

excerpts from Naked by David Sedaris

Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut

+Required:

Since most of the work is digital, students are required to have a portable storage device every day. Documents have been known to “disappear” from the network, and saving a backup to the jump drive is essential.

+Class Expectations:

Sign in on roster when entering the room.

Get name tent. Every day until I tell say not to!

Look at “Do Now” and DO IT!

Check Agenda

Always check the website calendar prior to and after class for updates, class work, changes, etc.

+Materials:

A three ring binder with paper or a notebook

Pens

Highlighters

Tissues if needed

+Phones and Electronic Media should be OFF and AWAY!

+Phones and Electronic Media should be OFF and AWAY!

There will be times when students will be allowed to use personal electronic devices, but only with my permission.

+Grading:

Since most assessments are project oriented, students will not have a lot of grades being entered weekly.

However, a project may have numerous rubrics to assess standards and benchmarks. Therefore, one assignment might have several separate grades.

All projects are posted on the Bomedia wiki, as are all rubrics, handouts, and PowerPoints used in class.

+Grading:

Assignments are due on the due date.

All work is posted on http://bomedia.pbworks.com/

Honors credit is given to any student who has a 3.5 average at the end of the semester.

If a student has circumstances that are affecting performance, please see me. I will sometimes offer an alternative due to a student’s ability, learning style, or situation at my discretion.

+Grading:

There is no “extra credit” unless I have specifically offered it.

Students are expected to submit their best work every time.

If a student fails a project/assignment, additional project/assignments may be assigned at the discretion of the teacher in order to demonstrate competency. The original project grade will stand, and the additional assignment will be averaged in. It is MUCH easier to complete the work assigned than to take on additional tasks.

+Grading:

“You can lead a student to knowledge, but you can’t make him think.” Mrs. Bomeisl

A student’s success is, ultimately, the personal responsibility of that student. Students should feel free to meet with me before a due date for help. Please make an appointment.

+Grading:

Honors A 3.5 & above

A+ 3.25

A- 2.75

B+ 2.58

B 2.42

B- 2.25

C+ 2.08

C 1.92

C- 1.75

F 0 – 1.74

+ Contact informationPhone: 520-209-8506Email : jbomeisl@cfsd16.orgEmail is usually checked at 7:30 AM and again at the end of the day.

For student work assignments, handouts, etc.: http://bomedia3.pbworks.com/w/page/67281193/FrontPage

Usually at school by 7:15 AM. Available earlier by appointment.