1

American Literature Syllabus

Carlie Thompson

Teacher Contact Information:

carlie.thompson@sccpss.com (preferred) 912.395.6789 (room 2319)

Sign up for text reminders via Remind:

To join via text: Send a text to this number: 81010 with this message: @d39ga6c

To join via web: Go to website: remind.com/join/d39ga6c

COURSE OVERVIEW AND DETAILS

This course focuses on the study of American literature, writing modes and genres, and essential conventions for reading,

writing, and speaking. The student develops an understanding of chronological context and the relevance of period

structures in American literature. The students develop an understanding of the ways the period of literature affects its

structure and how the chronology of a work affects its meaning.

Course Schedule:

Unit 1: Rhetoric and Argumentative Writing

Unit 2: Conformity and Rebellion

Unit 3: Perspectives

Unit 4: The American Dream

Objectives:

Strong emphasis is also placed on academic, creative, and technical writing skills necessary for college and careers.

Students will keep a writing portfolio of all writing assignments. Students are expected to show growth in all forms of

writing as well as vocabulary usage.

In order to prepare students for the increasing technical demands of college and careers as well to help students develop

critical thinking and problem-solving skills, technology will be used in many aspects of learning. Many assignments will

be completed and submitted electronically. Accommodations will be made for students who do not have access to

technology requirements at home (see accommodation form attached to this syllabus).

At the end of this course, you will

Demonstrate knowledge of the major authors, works, and themes of American Literature.

Demonstrate comprehension by identifying evidence (diction, imagery, point of view, figurative language,

symbolism, plot events) in a variety of texts representative of different genres (poetry, prose/short story, novel, essay,

editorial, biography, drama) and using this evidence as the basis for interpretation.

Understand and acquire new vocabulary and use it correctly in reading and writing. Vocabulary to include SAT

words.

Produce writing that establishes an appropriate organizational structure, sets a context and engages the reader,

maintains a coherent focus throughout, and signals closure.

Practice both timed and process writing and use the writing process to develop, revise and evaluate writing.

Use research and technology to support writing.

Write in various modes: narrative, expository/informational, persuasive and technical.

Participate in student-to-teacher, student-to-student, and group verbal interactions.

Deliver focused, coherent, and polished presentations that convey a clear and distinct perspective.

2 Review and demonstrate mastery of grammar usage through pretest and post test of basic grammar skills.

Required Materials

To successfully complete this course, you will need:

Black/blue ink pens and/or No. 2 pencils

Loose leaf notebook paper

Binder with dividers, used only for American Lit class (will be collected frequently)

A computer or web-browsing device (tablet) with internet connection for at-home use (accommodations will be made

for students who do not have access to needed technology at home)

Additional Print Resources

Students will have access to a class set of these books in school; however, students will need to read the majority of the

books at home in order for class time to be spent discussing the texts and working on projects related to the texts.

Purchasing the following books will benefit students in this course. They also are excellent books that will be useful later

in college and are enjoyable reading material for other family members.

The Crucible – Arthur Miller

The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald

Textbook

All students will have access to a print textbook in class. Students also have access to an electronic textbook, which can be

accessed via computer or an Apple or Android tablet. Accommodations will be made for students without internet access

at home. See last page for login instructions.

Pearson Common Core Literature: The American Experience

Online Resources

classroom.google.com

drive.google.com

pearsonrealize.com

dictionary.com

easybib.com

owl.english.purdue.edu

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

o Class Rules

1. Arrive on time and be prepared to learn.

Take care of your business between classes – use the restroom, visit your locker, etc. Have homework, journals, pens,

pencils, paper, and books, as needed, with you before you enter the classroom. No passes will be issued during

instructional time.

2. Be respectful to all.

3

It is imperative that students respect the rights of the teacher to teach and other students to learn. I will not tolerate

talking during instruction, foul language, direct disrespect or disobedience, refusal to complete assignments during

class, any anything I deem to be misbehavior during class. All students have the right to feel valued and respected in

the classroom. To accomplish this, all students must show respect for one another by respecting diverse values and

points of view. Own your own learning and encourage others. Show maturity during discussions of controversial

issues if you disagree with others. Freedom of expression is valued in my classroom; however, it is understood that

certain words constitute “hate speech” and have no place in an educational environment. Any language that creates a

hostile learning environment for any student, or impede the ability of the teacher to teach or students to learn, will not

be tolerated and will result in an immediate referral to administration. Additionally, take care of shared materials and

resources in class, including textbooks, desks, and other materials provided by the teacher or brought to class by

others. All students deserve an equal opportunity to benefit from these resources. Do not vandalize the classroom in

any way (writing on desks or walls, putting gum under desks/chairs, destroying or damaging materials, removing

materials from walls). To do so will result in a referral.

3. Do not eat in the classroom. This is instant detention.

This includes candy, snacks, and all types of food. The cafeteria is for eating, and the classroom is for learning.

Drinks in plastic bottles are fine. Keep the classroom neat and tidy. If you have trash, ensure that it is in the trash can

before you leave the classroom. Put desks back in their original position by the time class has ended. You are young

adults, and I should not have to tell you how to clean up after yourselves.

4. Follow directions the first time they are given.

The classroom is designed as a place for learning. To accomplish this, all students must follow school rules,

classroom rules, and rules given by the teacher.

5. Follow all school rules and all school handbook rules at all times.

Please note: this includes adhering to the tardy policy, the dress code policy, and the protecting instructional

time policy. NO PASSES WILL BE WRITTEN DURING INSTRUCTIONAL TIME. All students must

take care of personal business (restroom, locker, dropping off items, etc.) DURING

TRANSITION TIME. Transition time is the time between classes. There is ample time to conduct all

personal business during this time.

6. Electronics and headphones may be used at the teacher’s discretion.

The instructor will specify if it is time to use technology for educational purposes, such as research, typing, or the only

textbook. This is at the instructor’s discretion. Devices are never to be used for off-task communication, entertainment,

gaming, texting, social media, or other unnecessary distractions.

Headphones may only be used in the following circumstances: during independent work (not partner or group work,

and definitely not during teacher-led instruction) AND only one earbud may be in your ear. Over-the-

head headphones, such as Beats, are not to be used at any time. Music should NEVER be loud

enough for others to hear.

4

NOTE: Any refusal to hand over electronic devices or headphones to the teacher will

result in an automatic office referral.

Consequences 1. Warning/Time Out

2. Parent Contact

3. Detention (a written take-home essay due the next day – failure to submit = skipping detention)

4. Office Referral

SERIOUS OFFENSES will result in an immediate referral and may result in removal from the classroom.

o Plagiarism Policy

Plagiarism is defined as using another person’s thoughts and accomplishments without proper acknowledgement and

documentation. This also includes unauthorized collaboration with another student in which you both submit the same or

similar document. It is an unacceptable offense and a serious breach of honor. Students will receive a zero for the

plagiarized work, which will not be able to be made up at a later time. It should be assumed that all

assignments are independent unless specifically stated by the instructor.

Plagiarism includes copying answers or assignments from the internet or other electronic resources. In the event

that one student copies another student’s assignment, both students will receive consequences. Ensure that no one

accesses or copies your work and that you do not transmit your work to other students electronically.

All students will be required to sign an Honor Code indicating that they specifically understand the

Plagiarism Policy of this class. No grades will be entered until the Honor Code has been submitted.

Assignment grades will not be entered if the assignment is in violation of the Plagiarism Policy (i.e., the

student/s involved will receive a zero for the assignment, and the comment in PowerSchool will reflect

that the Plagiarism Policy was violated, with no option to make up the assignment).

o Grading Policies:

Make Up Assignments and Absences

Excused Absences – Students are permitted to make up work missed during absences for any of the following

reasons: participation in a school-sponsored activities, personal illness, medical requirements, family illness, death of

a family member, observance of a religious holiday, orders of government agencies, hazardous conditions, or

suspension. Students must complete any missed homework, tests, or assessments within THREE school days after the

student returns to school. Any assignments or projects given prior to days of absence are due immediately upon the

first day a student returns with the exception of electronically submitted assignments. Unless approved by the teacher,

electronically submitted assignments should still be submitted when assigned prior to the student’s absence.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR FINDING OUT WHAT ASSIGNMENTS YOU MISSED AND

SUBMITTING YOUR WORK WITHIN THREE DAYS.

5

CHECK THE ABSENT BIN THE DAY YOU RETURN AND

COMPLETE ANY MISSING ASSIGNMENTS.

If you missed a test, you must make arrangements with the instructor on the day you return to take the test.

Most test retakes will occur after school during Tutorial on Wednesdays. Electronic Assessments, such as assessments

given on Google Forms, can only be retaken in the presence of the Instructor. At times, these may be made up during

IF time, but generally, they need to be completed after school during Tutorial.

KNOW WHERE THE ABSENT BIN IS LOCATED AND HOW TO FIND YOUR

ASSIGNMENTS. THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AS A STUDENT.

o Late Work

CLASSWORK, HOMEWORK, AND OTHER DAILY ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT

RECEIVE A GRADE HIGHER THAN 70 IF SUBMITTED LATE. LATE

CLASSWORK OR HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

AFTER THREE (3) CLASS DAYS.

Late work will be accepted within FIVE school days FOR MAJOR PROJECTS AND ESSAYS

ONLY; however, students will incur the following penalties (if assignment is not worth 100 points, equal percentage

will be deducted, for example, 2 days late, 20% grade reduction):

o One day – ten points off grade

o Two days – twenty points off grade

o Three days – thirty points off grade

o Four or more days – forty points off grade

o Five or more days – assignment will not be accepted; students will receive a zero.

Google Classroom Assignments: Most notes, handouts, and assignments are posted to Google Classroom. If a

student is absent, he or she is still expected to submit electronic assignments (Google Classroom is accessible via

mobile phone, tablet, laptop, computer) on time. Students also need to check Google Classroom if they are absent so

they know what they missed, in addition to picking up Absent Bin papers.

Resubmitted Assignments and Assessments – If students submit an assignment on time, but are not content with the

grade they earn, any student may resubmit the assignments by either attending tutorial or completing a remediation

assignment.

Extra Credit – Students who have worked hard and done the usual, expected, and necessary work, but who still need

additional help to pull up their grade may be given extra credit assignments to raise their grade (at the teacher’s

discretion). Students whose grade is suffering because they have missed assignments, however, will not be given the

opportunity to raise their grade through extra credit assignments.

6

Assessments (60% of grade)

Tests, Essays, Projects – 40%

Quizzes – 20%

Other Assignments (40% of grade)

Classwork, Homework – 40%

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

GMAS Information

The Georgia Milestones Assessment (GMAS) is a state test given near the end of the semester and is worth 20%

of the overall course grade. Students’ final grades are determined based on the following formula:

(1st quarter grade * .40) + (2nd quarter grade * .40) + (GMAS grade * .20) = final grade

The GMAS includes multiple choice questions as well as short written and extended written responses.

Tutorial

Tutorial will be offered on Wednesdays from 2:30-3:15. Students must clearly indicate their

objective for the tutorial (name of assignment, quiz, test). Students must pre-register by signing up in class on a

designated sheet. In order to attend tutorial, students (or parents) must sign up by Tuesday evening in order to

allow the teacher time to prepare the needed instruction and assignments for tutorial.

Students may attend tutorial to get extra help and to earn a higher grade on assignments that they completed on

time. Students may not complete work in tutorial that they did not complete by the due date.

Tutorial during weeks 8 and 9 of each marking period is reserved only for students who have attended tutorial at

least once during weeks 1-7.

Grading Scale:

A 90-100

B 80- 89

C 70- 79

F 0-69

7

HELPFUL INFORMATION

Remind code: send a text to 81010 with the message @d39ga6c

Google Classroom codes:

1st block – lnx372g

2nd block – fmz07j

4th block – 7po8qe2

ENTER YOUR CODE at classroom.google.com. Use your school email address

(firstname.lastname@students.sccpss.com) and your computer password. You MUST use your

school email information to join the class. Hit the red circle with the plus sign to add a class.

I recommend that all parents and students sign up for Remind alerts.

Signing Up for Remind

Remind is a service that allows the teacher to communicate easily with parents and students about things that involve the entire class. Information that relates to specific students will never be sent out using Remind. Messages will be limited to due dates for major assignments and dates that progress reports are being issued and are sent out usually no more than twice per week. (I will not blow up your phone. I promise!) You can also send me message via this service. This can be helpful for students who are not comfortable asking questions during class, or who have questions outside of class. Please note that these messages are sent to my email, so I may not receive them outside of school hours.

How do I sign up?

Via text: Send a text to this number:

81010 with this message: @d39ga6c

Via web: Go to website:

remind.com/join/d39ga6c

Online textbook information (online textbook does not work on mobile phones):

Website: pearsonrealize.com

Username: hampstead19

Password: student1

NOTE: You will have to open a new window to access the course content, which is the orange

American Experience textbook under “Programs” or “Courses.”

See next page for textbook example page.

8

Search for titles/authors here

Select page number here (type in) – it

will say “Cover,” but type the number

of the page you want

Flip pages with these

buttons

Website: pearsonrealize.com

Username: hampstead19

Password: student1

9

American Literature 2019-2020 Syllabus Acknowledgement and In-Class Film Permission Form

Mrs. Thompson

Please return this form by August 12, 2019. REMEMBER: you get extra credit for signing up for Remind alerts

by August 14!!

Student name (print clearly) ______________________________________ Block _________

Parent name (print clearly) _____________________________________________________

I have read and agree to the policies in this syllabus. Additionally, I allow my student to watch

films appropriate for and related to content in class that are rated up to PG-13, including The

Crucible and The Great Gatsby.

Please indicate if your child has permission to watch these movies for academic purposes. Your

child will receive an alternate assignment in a different setting if you choose for him/her not to be

allowed to watch the academically-related films.

Parent signature ___________________________________________ Date ______________

Parent Phone #: ( ) ___________________________________________________

Parent Email address: _________________________________________________________

_____ I DO give permission for my child to watch academically relevant films in class. Initial: ______

____ I DO NOT give permission for my child to watch academically relevant films in class. Initial: _______

*Please list any questions or concerns you may have below. Also, if there is anything specific you would like me to

know about your learning, or about how you like to learn, please include that as well.*