11 AMERICAN LITERATURE & COMPOSITION
Mrs. Beale
Room 219
Supplies for class:
 1-1/2 inch to 2 inch notebook
 Notebook Paper
 Blue or Black Pens
 Pencils
 1 colored pen (red, green, purple, etc.)
 3 Notebook Dividers (store bought or homemade)
 1 Pack of Colored Pencils
 Highlighter
Optional Supplies:
 White-Out
 Note Cards (HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR VOCABULARY)
 Kleenex
 Hand Sanitizer
Course Description:
This course focuses on American Literature from the beginning of the American experience to
modern day America. We will study the different literary periods and their authors to
develop our understanding of the changes that have occurred in American literature over
time. This course also aims to increase your vocabulary by adding words related to our studies
in literature and words that are frequently used on college entrance exams. We will also
review grammar and writing skills. We will prepare for the Georgia Writing Exam and learn
the skills necessary to complete a required research project. All of the skills we learn in this
course will be tested on an End-of-Course and on the Georgia High School Graduation Exams.
Homework:
Homework is for your benefit. I expect you to complete all homework assignments on time. I do
not accept any homework that is turned in late. You must have your assignments with you when
you come to class, or a grade of “0” will be given.
Vocabulary, Reading, & Grammar Quizzes:
Quizzes may be announced or unannounced.
Vocabulary Quizzes:
We will learn one word each day. After every twenty (20) words, we will have an announced
vocabulary quiz. After the first quiz, we will begin learning the next set of words; however, you
will always be required to know the previously learned words. Once you truly learn a word, you
should never forget it. You should make sure that you ALWAYS learn your new words DAILY;
we will have unannounced vocabulary quizzes on occasion.
Tests:
Tests are VERY important in this class. I recommend that you review your class notes for at
least 10-20 minutes every day so you do not have so much to learn at the last minute. Test dates
will be announced as soon as possible in advance so that you will have adequate preparation time.
Make-Up Work:
Check folder in front of room each day after absence for class handouts. You will also be
responsible for getting class notes from a friend. You will need to turn in all previous assignments
or complete assigned tests/quizzes on the day you return to school. Make-up work not
completed within 3 days will be counted as a zero (0) unless other arrangements have been
made. Please check with me on the day you return to school to make arrangements to make
up any missed work within the allotted time period.
Notebooks:
Organization is an essential skill for success in this class and for life beyond the high school walls.
LABEL NOTEBOOK SECTIONS: (put in this order in your notebook)
 Vocabulary
 Grammar/Writing
 Literature
I reserve the right to check notebooks at any time. Notebook checks may be announced or
unannounced. All notebook check grades will count as quiz grades.
Extra Credit:
Extra Credit will not be given to individual students. If extra credit is given, it will be given to
the entire class. Check our class web page often for assignments and occasionally extra credit
opportunities.
Grading Scale:
Daily Work (Homework, Classwork)………………………………………………….…………..25%
Quizzes (announced & unannounced)………………………….... …………………………….20%
Tests (Unit Tests, Major Projects). …….. ………………….……….......................40%
9 Week Exams (Jan/May)………………….. ………………………………………………………..15%
End of Course Exam……………………………… ……………………………………………………….20%
OTHER NOTES:
I encourage you to ask questions and be responsible for your own progress in this class.
(Remember you will get out of something what you put in it.) I am available for conferences
before and after school.
Mrs. Beale’s Contact Information:
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School Phone Number: 478-875-1000
Email Address: holliebeale@lcboe.net or wlhsbeale@gmail.com