+
English 11: American Perspectives
Jean A. Bomeisl
Room 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 information
Phone: 520-209-8506
Email
Email
: jbomeisl@cfsd16.org
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/pa
ge/67281193/FrontPage
Usually at school by 7:15 AM.
Available earlier by appointment.