American Literature
Mr. Trace
Room 227
American Literature and American History are not the same. We can learn about both of them by
looking at how they influence one another. First, we must understand the material and the age by
interpreting what we read while using what we already know. I want you to understand why the literature
was written and more importantly how to think critically and synthesize what you have read/ learned.
This class will focus a great deal on writing and class discussion about American literature. You
will be expected to construct your interpretations about the literature into a meaningful argument. If you
take the necessary steps to interpret the material, the writing and discussion will come easy. Keep in
mind that all answers are subjective and you can be less sufficient at explaining the material than
someone else.
Expectations
 Come to class prepared. Just like the real world you will need to come to class prepared
everyday with your materials and your homework.
 Respect everyone. Keep all comments to yourself unless you have something helpful to
contribute to the class.
Materials
American Lit. Book
Notebook (Journal)
Blue or Black Pen (NO RED)
Grades
 45% Homework/Participation Work:
 This includes essay responses to material and some in class discussion written
and/ or oral. This includes your journal entries as well.
 55% Essays/Tests/Projects
 You will be responsible for writing an essay on a topic, a story, or poem that we
have read. You will have unit tests. There are some projects we may have
throughout the semester as well.
Makeup Work
It is your responsibility for any makeup work. You may see a classmate or me. Anything you turn
in late because of an absence, mark it absent.
Availability
I am generally available in the morning before school starts and anytime after school. I do have
some time available during 4th and 5th hours. I do have an email address that I check every day
([email protected]).
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Consequences
 Cheating
o Cheating will not be tolerated.
 Tardiness
o Be on time and in your seat.
 Late Assignments
o You need to be on task at all times. You cannot show up for work the next because you
didn’t feel like going the previous day. I will allow you to turn in late assignments up to
a week after it was assigned with a 10% deduction. After a week it becomes a zero.
Extra Credit
You will have few opportunities for extra credit. I urge you to take full advantage of it when you
can.
Tentative Schedule We have a lot to get through and this schedule is likely to change.
Week 1
Native Son/ The Great Gatsby
Basic Writing Skills
7 Steps of close reading in detail
Week 11
Native Son/ The Great Gatsby
Week 2
Unit 1: Origins
Week 12
Native Son/ The Great Gatsby
Weeks 3/4
Unit 2: Colonization/ Puritans/ Revolution
Week 13
Native Son/ The Great Gatsby
Week 5
Unit 3: Individualism
Week 14
The Great Gatsby/In Cold Blood
Week 6
Unit 4: Slavery and War
Week 15
The Great Gatsby/In Cold Blood
Week 7
Unit 5: Changing America: Women’s voices
Week 16
The Great Gatsby/In Cold Blood
Week 8
Unit 6: Modern Age/ Cultural Identity
Week 17
The Great Gatsby/In Cold Blood
Week 9
Native Son/ The Great Gatsby
Week 18
The Great Gatsby/In Cold Blood
Week 10
Others: “Death of the Ball Turret Gunner” 1088
King’s Letter From Jail 1136
Giovanni’s “Rev. Dreams” 1145
Tyler’s “Teenage Wasteland” 1168
Soto’s “Mexicans Begin Jogging” 1194
Mora’s “Legal Alien” 1194
Grading Scale:
A 93-100
A- 90-92
B+ 88-89
B 83-87
B- 80-82
C+ 78-79
C 73-77
C-70-72
D+ 68-69
D 63-67
D- 60-62
F 59 or below
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------Dear Parent or Legal Guardian:
Please review the syllabus above for your child’s American Literature course. Please sign and date the
form below. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at [email protected] or 898-3000.
Student’s Name: _______________________ Date: ___________
Student will try to achieve this grade in the class: ______ (Filled out by student)
Parent’s Signature: ______________________ Date: ____________