College Prep. English 1-- American Literature*
Instructor: Ms. Melissa Surber, B.A. Eng. & M.A.E. Eng. Sec.Ed.—Truman State University
Phone Number: 636-462-5148, room 214
Prep Times: 4th Purple and 5th Gold, before school from 6:45-7:30, after school from 2:30-3:15
Email: surberm@troy.k12.mo.us
Course Description:
Students will study selected American short stories, poems, plays, and novels. Students will improve their
writing skills as they create and revise various essays, including persuasive (research) and literary analysis essays.
Course Objectives:
College Prep English 1 students will study and analyze a variety of literature and will use these works as
examples to improve their own writing. The focus of American literature will allow students to gain a broader
perspective on changes in writing style and the impact historical events have had on the literature in our country.
Students will be:
 reading and responding to a variety of literary genres written from many perspectives.
 becoming active observers of language in the world today.
 organizing, producing, and presenting oral, written, and visual materials for a variety of audiences and
purposes.
 extending vocabulary through predicting, determining, and confirming meanings of words from context,
structural analysis, or use of appropriate sources.
Evaluation:
Assignment Type
daily assignments/homework
quizzes, tests, projects, and formal essays
final exam
Portion of Total Grade
around 20%
around 60%
20%
 Students will receive credit for participating in class discussion and turning in all assignments on time.
 DO NOT depend on extra credit; it is not guaranteed or required.
Late Work:
Students who are college bound are expected to turn in ALL assignments on time. However, sometimes
late work is somewhat inevitable. I do not like to give zeros nor do students generally like to get them, so 10% of
your grade is allotted to turning work in on time and turning in every assignment. If all work is turned in AND on
time, you will automatically receive ALL the points assigned. For each assignment turned in late, you will receive full
credit on the assignment, but you will lose 1% of the points allotted for on-time work. You will also lose 1% for every
zero. BE ADVISED OF TWO PROCEDURES. 1) The late work policy only pertains to daily work and assignments.
Compositions, projects, and exams MUST be completed on time as dictated on the scoring guides for each
assignment. 2) Late work must be turned in before the test for the unit or it will no longer be accepted and will
result in a zero. To insure a good grade in this class, it is vital to turn all homework in on time.
Supplies:
Students should always have the following:
 pen or pencil
 a notebook of at least 200 pages dedicated to College Prep English (it will be divided into sections and
used ONLY for this class.
 Notebook paper aside from that in the 200 page notebook (feel free to get a larger notebook and use
the extra pages).
 folder or binder for organization (graded work, homework, assignment sheets, etc.)
Recommended: a set of highlighters and a flash drive-- if you word process at home and at school
College Prep English 1 Content
anthology: McDougall Littell’s The Language of Literature
Most short works are available online.
The list of basic titles below does not include supplementary articles, stories, criticism, poems, or essays.
Quarter 1
Quarter 3
emphases: imagery, ethos, pathos, logos, voice, tone,
emphases: setting, theme, mood, character
theme, historical context, grammar, traits of quality
writing
development, symbolism, grammar, traits of quality
writing
titles:
The Interesting Narrative of Olaudah Equiano
Speech in the Virginia Convention
Lecture to a Missionary
The Crucible (play)
American Opposing Arguments (independent
reading)
titles:
The Masque of the Red Death
The Raven
The Yellow Wallpaper or Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment
A Rose for Emily
To Kill a Mockingbird (independent reading)
significant assignments:
Socratic seminar
personal narrative/college admission essay
literary analysis project
independent reading critical analysis
Quarter 2
emphases: tone, theme, voice, perspective, drawing
conclusions, social commentary, grammar, traits of
quality writing
titles:
Walden
Self Reliance
Whitman poems
A Psalm of Life
Poetry
Into the Wild (independent reading)
significant assignments:
Socratic seminar
descriptive essay
literary analysis project
Poetry Out Loud presentation
significant assignments:
Socratic seminar
literary analysis project
research essay
Quarter 4
emphases: theme, social commentary, character
development, historical context, grammar, traits of
quality writing
titles:
The Great Gatsby (novel)
The Story of an Hour
The End of Something
The Man Who was Almost a Man
Ambush
Independent Novel
significant assignments:
Socratic seminar
literary analysis essay
Grade Definitions:
“A” quality work is consistently accurate with detailed evidence of strong ability, thorough knowledge, deep
understanding, and thoughtful consideration that is free (or nearly free) of errors.
“B” work lacks one or two components expected for “A” work, yet demonstrates course-level understanding and
effort.
“C” work represents a score of 70%-79% on objective* assignments, quizzes, or tests and on all other assignments is
characterized as average, typical, or lacking independent/original ideas.
* multiple choice, matching, true/false, fill-in, or sequencing
Work categorized as “not yet gradable” must be re-done to meet expectations for course-level understanding or
achievement, detail, editing, ability, or completion.
Assignments receiving a “C” or below may be revised if teacher gives approval. Revisions must be comprehensive and
returned to teacher in a timely manner.
*Teacher reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus.