Rosemount High School ~ English 11A Syllabus
Mr. Hoffman ~ RM 229
Thomas.Hoffman@district196.org
I. Course Description:
This course will thematically explore the literature that has shaped our understanding of what it means to be
an American; it will help you develop an understanding of America’s literary, cultural, and intellectual
heritage. You will recognize the rich diversity of cultures in America, as well as our shared common values
by focusing on the themes of "Dream vs. Reality.”
The aim of English 11 will be to master the skills of reading literature critically, communicating effectively, and
producing original writing. Students will be expected to utilize creative expression through literary analysis,
writing, presentations, research, and team projects. In addition to reading and writing effectively, students
will hone their participation and listening skills. As these skills are developed, students will be expected to
produce individual and group projects that reflect creativity and understanding of the subject at hand. You
will develop composition strategies by analyzing and personally responding to literature, theatre, and film.
II. Course Objectives
Here are the skills that you will learn during your first trimester of 11th grade English:
GRAMMAR AND PUNCTUATIONS
• Semicolons; colons; comma usage
• Clauses (Independent and dependent)
• Conjunctions (Subordinating and coordinating)
CRITICAL LENSES
• Marxist
• Archetypical
• Feminist
• Historical
WRITING-COMPARE/CONTRAST ESSAY
• Establish criteria
• Make judgments
• Support judgments with evidence
• Develop thesis statements
• Incorporate positive and negative evaluations
• Summarize findings
INFORMAL WRITING
• Generate critical thinking
• Build writing fluency
III. Course Details:
Theme of “The American Dream”
Literature:
A selection from the following texts: Fences by August Wilson; Mice and Men by
John Steinbeck;The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Short Stories: “A&P,” by John Updike;”Hunters in the Snow,” by Tobias Wolff;”The
Yellow Wall-Paper,” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman;”A Jury of her Peers,” by Susan
Glaspell;”Samuel” by Grace Paley;”The Black Cat,” by Edgar Allen Poe;”To Build a
Fire,” by Jack London;”Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce
Carol Oates, “Bernice Bobs Her Hair,” by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Writing:
Daily & weekly writing notebooks; Compare/Contrast essay; 6-Trait Writing Model
III. Grading Policy:
We will use a “total point” grading policy to include written work, tests and projects, and class
participation. There may be limited extra credit opportunities throughout the trimester.
Grading scale:
92-100% A
90-91% A87-89% B+
82-86% B
80-81% B77-79% C+
72-76% C
70-71% C-
67-69% D+
62-66% D
60-61% D59-0% F
V. Class Policies and Expectations:
• Each day you will be expected to bring current textbooks and supplies with you to class. These are
necessary for full participation credit.
• Your active participation in class is a must for you to succeed to your fullest ability in this class. I will do
all I can to ensure a safe and conducive environment for your thoughts and ideas to be expressed. :
• For this course all students will benefit by having a USB Flash Drive (or an Email Account) and a folder
to use as a portfolio. Essays with rough drafts/revisions/prewriting will be turned in to me in this folder;
some assignments will be turned in on the flash drive or emailed to me.
• As a student in this course, you are expected to make a sincere effort to learn. If you do, it is highly
unlikely that you will fail.
• Late assignments will be graded on a diminishing scale:
On time = 100%, 1 day late = 75%, 2 days late = 50%, 3 days late = 25%, 4 days late = 0%
• Be aware that work may be returned to you to redo if it is below expected quality. A maximum of a “C”
grade will be awarded for this redone work!
• Plagiarism policy is strictly enforced. I care about strengthening your work.
• All formal written assignments should be typed or word-processed following assigned parameters for
organization, structure and style.
• You will be assigned a seat for the class. You are expected to be in that seat as the bell rings and for
the duration of the hour unless otherwise directed. Please let me know if you have special needs for
vision/hearing/etc.
• The RHS attendance and tardy policies will be enforced for this course.
• Passes to the lav, nurse, phone, locker, etc. are a privilege; if you abuse the privilege you will not be
granted this privilege. Plan ahead.
• NO electronic devices are to be used in this classroom (i.e. cell phones, mp3 players, etc.) – If you use
them, you will lose them!
• Bottled water is OK in the classroom; no other foods or beverages are allowed!
• Tips for success: Keep current with the reading and writing assignments. Be willing to take constructive
criticism. Be adept in word processing assignments whenever necessary or printing legibly if a computer
is unavailable. Use classroom appropriate behavior and language. Work cooperatively in groups when
the situation demands it. Manage time wisely.
Please remember this always:
If it is not good, it is not done!!! You, and you alone, are ultimately responsible for your education. Don’t lay
the blame, guilt, onus on someone else when you’re the one “not taking care of business!”
With your cooperation, we will have a productive and rewarding trimester!