English 11 Course Syllabus 2015-2016
Ms. Hamm - room E104
hammj@wlwv.k12.or.us
Office Hours: M-F 7:00-8:30 a.m and 3:15-4:00 p.m.
Testing center: T, Th 7:30-8:00 a.m and 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Course Description/Overview:
This course examines American Literature including pieces from a variety of time periods and a
diversity of voices. Students study major writers and their works by drawing connections and extending
understanding from the text to themselves and the world. Through collaborative and strategic process,
students explore themes and issues related to American identity. Students will analyze readings and then
compose responses through discussion, activities and written and oral expression. The course is designed to
help students develop critical thinking skills, view reading and writing as meaningful processes, understand
the importance of discussion in academic and social communities, and take control of their literacy
development.
Common Major Units and Themes:
Quarter 1 - Who Controls the Story? What is the American Dream? Has it changed? What
are the costs of achieving it? Does everyone have equal access to the dream?
Quarter 2 - What are the American Myths?
Quarter 3 - How has the American Culture shaped me?
Quarter 4 - How will I participate in this culture?
Specific Writing Taught:
We will explore the personal essay and thematic analysis of literature. Additional writing will occur
on a daily basis and includes the following: journal writing, response writing, fictional narrative writing,
expository paragraph and essay practice, and essay test writing.
Vocabulary:
Our vocabulary curriculum is based on the SAT vocabulary. Expect to learn 1-3 new vocabulary
words every week. Vocabulary quizzes take place every one to two weeks. Additional vocabulary will be
enhanced through reading. Grammar and writing skills will be built through essay revision and mini-lessons.
Learning Goals and Objectives:
 Understand that major contributions to the body of American literature have been made by ethically and
racially diverse authors and by both male and female authors. Students will recognize that a literary work
may reflect the author’s background, the milieu in which she/he lives, and the audience for which
she/he writes.
 Identify and discuss, with specific references, the common values and themes expressed in the body of
American literature.
 Demonstrate his/her ability to analyze a literary work and the ability to synthesize aspects of several
works, making connections regarding theme, style, and/or structure.
 Produce increasingly complex expository, persuasive and narrative writings.
 Demonstrate the ability to develop an original claim about a text and support that claim with specific
textual evidence.
 Demonstrate proficiency with Standard English prose as per department writing rubrics (establishing
claims, developing claims with evidence, utilizing cohesion, crafting impactful introductions and
conclusions, using appropriate style and conventions).
 Demonstrate an ability to think critically about philosophical, cultural, religious, political, economic, and
social issues.
Grading policies/practices:
While grades are limited in their scope, my goal is to have your grade accurately reflect your effort and
growth in the class. Daily work and quizzes are worth 5-10 points. Longer tests and writings are usually worth
25-50 points. Major projects, essays, and tests are usually worth 75-100 points. Semesters average 850-1000
points. Grades are on the 10% scale (90-100% = A) You have access to the gradebook. Be sure to check it.
Late Work:
Daily work will not be accepted late unless you have an excused absence. It is your responsibility to find
out what you missed and submit the assignment the next day. Projects and major writing assignments will be
accepted late with a loss of 10% for each of the first three days and half credit thereafter. A test or quiz must be
made up the next day you are in school. You may be asked to take your quiz or test in the testing center.
Warm Ups:
Each day at the beginning of class, you will have instructions for a warm up activity. This must be
completed during the warm up time, and you'll receive credit for completing it. This part of the class must be
silent. Failure to work in silence disrupts other people's work space, your thought process, and will result in
reduced points.
Extra Credit:
Extra credit opportunities are uncommon, but may occur periodically throughout the year.
Attendance and Behavior Expectations:
You are expected to be in class on time. Please respect our classroom community; we need and want you
here on time! If tardiness or absenteeism become an issue, we will follow the school’s detention and parent
notification policy.
Phones:
There will be sporadic times when you will be able to listen to music while you work if you have
headphones with you. Other than that, my policy is that phones are not part of this class. I will not check my
phone during class, and I expect the same of you. You will be required to put your phone in my desk if it is out
during class. Please avoid the hassle.
Supplies needed for the course:
1.
2.
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4.
a notebook for note-taking, journaling, and warm up activities
the text we are currently reading (provided by me)
at least one folder for storing loose papers
a personal system for organizing notes, handouts, quizzes and tests, and documents related to the
writing curriculum of the course; a small binder or few sections of a binder work well. If your
notebook has built-in pockets you can use those if that works for you.
Website Access:
All teachers will maintain a classroom website that provides course information. Online grades will be
updated at least every two weeks. Classroom websites can be accessed on the West Linn High School website.
Plagiarism:
Failing to cite your sources in your writing or formation of ideas is intellectual theft. If plagiarism occurs,
you will receive no credit on the assignment and will have a conference with me. Please refer to the West Linn
High School Honor Code.
Above all, I am excited to go on this journey with you! Use your planner, be present, participate, work
hard, and you will be very successful in this class.
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world" - Nelson Mandela