English 11 Honors: American Studies
Course Overview
Mrs. Lovaglio, [email protected], 823-8700
Ms. Akers, Teaching Intern from UVA
Room B218
2015-2016
Frederic Edwin Church, Our Banner in the Sky, 1861
The eleventh grade English program is focused on American literature, but is accompanied by intensive
writing and vocabulary study. We will explore different types of formal and creative essays, but most
often will engage in the analysis of literature. You are encouraged to view writing as a process and will
be asked to revise and rewrite essays throughout the year. You may be required to complete and turn
in outlines and/or rough drafts in preparation for developing polished, formal written work.
We emphasize vocabulary development in the junior year to help prepare you for your post-secondary
educational career. Vocabulary words used in the context of the work of literature we are studying will
be accompanied by academic vocabulary words in an effort to align with the administration of the Fall
2015 PSAT and Spring 2016 SAT.
As juniors you will take two English SOL End-of-Course tests. You will complete the Writing SOL in
March and the Reading SOL in late May. The Writing SOL is comprised of a multiple-choice test
(including technology-enhanced items) and an essay. The Reading SOL is only multiple-choice
(including technology-enhanced items).
Curriculum:
Our study of American literature is arranged chronologically, beginning with a few selections of Native
American literature that predates the Colonial period, and ending in the late 20th Century. It will be
necessary for you to come to class prepared, having read all assigned materials before class, in order
for valuable class discussions to occur. We will read short stories, poetry, and essays from the
anthologies The American Experience, Literature of the United States, and The Short Stories: The First
Forty-Nine Stories with a Brief Introduction by the Author, by Ernest Hemingway. We will study the
following longer works:
The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck (summer reading)
The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Frederick Douglass
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain
The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald
A Streetcar Named Desire, Tennessee Williams
The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger
A Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Maya Angelou
The Things They Carried, Tim O’Brien
You will also have the opportunity to pursue independent reading projects for extra credit (from a
curated list I will provide).
Materials:
You will need a three-ring binder with notebook paper (or a spiral notebook), a pen, a pencil, and the
text we are studying every day in class. Please also bring your school-issued laptop for digital activities
and tasks. Be sure to keep all notes, quizzes, tests, and assignments, as you will need them to
prepare for assessments! You should organize all class materials in a three-ring binder using
dividers, or in an expandable file-folder system.
Grading:
Your grade will be based on a points system; assignment point values will vary, but generally follow
these guidelines:
Tests: 75-100 points
- Tests will be given at the end of each unit
Classwork: 5-25 points
- Classwork includes group and individual assignments
Quizzes: 5-25 points
- Quizzes may be given throughout the course of each unit
Projects: 50 – 100 points
(There may be unannounced reading quizzes!)
Homework: 5 – 15 points
Essays and other writing assignments, including journals: 30 - 100 points
*One independent reading extra credit project is allowed each semester; quizzes and tests may include
extra credit questions.
Class Contract for AP US History & English 11 Honors: American Studies
Student’s Name: _________________________________
I have read and understand both course overviews, and the class policies section on
Mrs. Lovaglio and Mr. Martin’s websites. I agree to abide by these policies and to take
responsibility for my work in American Studies this year.
__________________
(Date)
_____________________________________________
(Student signature)
___________________________________________
(Student e-mail address- please print clearly)
Parent’s Name: ___________________________________
I have read and understand both course overviews, and the class policies section on
Mrs. Lovaglio and Mr. Martin’s websites. If I have suggestions, questions, or concerns
during the year, I will contact Mrs. Lovaglio or Mr. Martin at school (823-8700) or through
e-mail at [email protected] or [email protected].
__________________
(Date)
_____________________________________________
(Parent/Guardian signature)
How would you prefer to be contacted?
________________________________________________ E-mail address
AND/OR
______________________________________ Phone number