Natalie Smith

English

Subjects Taught
227 American Literature I Honors and 235 American Literature II

American Literature II

(235- College Prep)

Instructor Information

Ms. Natalie Smith

Room 112

JCCHS ext. 433

nsmith@jcchs.org

Required Texts

Elements of Literature of U.S.

Grammar for Writing 6^th course

Vocabulary Workshop F

MLA Handbook 6^th edition only

As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner

The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald

Much Ado About Nothing, William Shakespeare

Course Materials

1.5” binder

Tabs/ dividers for the binder set up in the following order:

Journal

Literature

Vocabulary/Grammar

Writing/ Research

Clear page protectors for Writing Portfolio Handouts (if this is not already done)

Loose leaf paper

Blue or black pens (no other colors will be accepted)

Pencils (#2)

A planner or assignment pad

Course Description

In this class we will trace American literature from the height of American Realism into the 21^st century.  This tumultuous period of American literature was greatly influenced by the perils and aftermath of the two world wars, the disintegration of old ideologies, and the fight for gender and racial equality. These factors had a tremendous impact on writers and the way they envisioned both America and the world. We will examine these developments and changes in American literature. In this class, we will also work to review old and tackle new grammar skills, build a strong vocabulary, master MLA format, and sharpen writing skills. We will also be studying a Shakespearean play. Writing will be a major component in this class. Get ready!

My ultimate goal is for each of you to walk away from this class with a better understanding of what makes American literature so amazing and distinct. I want you to enjoy this class and learn a great deal in the process. I can guarantee that each of you will be challenged. I promise to work hard everyday to make this information both interesting and accessible to you. In return, I expect that you give me no less than your very best at all times. I am really excited to begin this journey with you. It is going to be a great year!

This course is designed to teach you five different strands of English concurrently. As a result, the speed at which we proceed through this enormous amount of material will depend of various factors.

In order to provide you with the most accurate schedule possible, I will make weekly course schedules available to you through the John Carroll website, and I will also post the weekly schedule in my classroom.   

You will each receive a printed schedule of vocabulary exercise and quiz dates. This schedule will also be placed on the John Carroll website for your convenience. Please refer to this schedule for information regarding the quiz format and policies.

Course Policies

Course Expectations

• FULLY ATTEMPT ALL ASSIGNMENTS.

***I expect you to try your best. If at any time you need extra help with an assignment or any clarification regarding class lectures, please do not hesitate to come to me for help. I want you to really learn and appreciate this material.

• BE PREPARED FOR CLASS.

***Have all of the necessary books and your binder with you when you enter the door to my classroom. You will not be allowed to make an extra trip to your locker if you fail to bring the appropriate materials. Being prepared for class also includes doing your homework!

• PARTICIPATE IN CLASS.

***I want you to feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and opinions about class topics with the group. I want you to learn to think for yourselves and be respectful of other people’s opinions.

• TRY TO ENJOY THE MATERIAL.

***I understand that English may not be your favorite subject, but I hope that you will each try to find interest in at least one work or topic we discuss. I only ask that you keep an open mind.

Grades:

You will receive grades for virtually everything you will do in this class. All points will be added together to compile your quarter grade. You will be expected to keep track of all of your grades in your binder so that you are always aware of your grade in this class. I will notify you of your grade prior to interim, quarter, and semester reports. If you wish to see or speak with me about your grade you should make arrangements to do so before or after school.

Points may be earned through

• Quizzes
• Tests
• Classwork
• Daily participation
• Homework checks
• Class projects
• Bonus  

Late Work Policy:

I expect you to have your homework and classwork assignments completed at the time they are due in class. If you do not have your work when I ask for it, it is then considered late (even if it is given to me at the end of that class or that day).

I will accept late assignments if they are delivered to me no later than the beginning of our class period the following day. All late work will be subject to a half credit deduction. For example, if you turn in a 30 point vocabulary assignment the day after it is due, the very best you could hope to receive on the assignment is a 15/30. 

Absence Policy:

• Please refer to the student handbook for absence policies.
• If you know in advance that you will be absent, you must see me prior to being out. Work will be due before you leave. If you fail to take care of your work, you will receive no credit.
• If you are out sick, call a friend from class and try to do what you can.
• When you return to class you need both to see me and sign the absentee binder. In signing the absentee binder you will specify the date(s) of your absence and possible times in which you will be available to make up any missed work. It is your responsibility to make arrangements with me to make up missed work. If work is not completed by the timeline agreed upon or specified in the handbook, I will be left with no other choice than to award no credit for any missed assignments.

Homework:

Amounts will certainly vary but assume you will have homework most nights. Homework assignments will be written on the homework board or dictated by me at the end of class. Supplemental homework materials will often be placed on the John Carroll website. I will notify you in advance if I place materials for you on the website. I expect you to keep up with homework assignments in your planner or assignment pad. Homework may consist of reading, working grammar or vocabulary exercises, answering questions, preparing for class presentations, library research, or whatever else we can come up with!

All homework should be completed at home and is due at the first bell.  Please refer to the above stated policy on late work.

I reserve the right to institute pop quizzes or unannounced homework checks at any time. I do not give a great deal of homework; therefore, I expect you to complete what is assigned to the best of your ability.

Academic Dishonesty and Honor Code Information:

I fully support and uphold the morals and principles we share as part of the John Carroll Catholic High School community. Thus, any form of cheating, copying, and/or plagiarizing will not be tolerated in my classroom. Students found participating in such behavior will be subject to the academic and behavioral consequences outlined in the Student Handbook.

Tardy Pass System:

In order to not be considered tardy to my class, you must have your entire body inside the black line at the thresh-hold of my door. If any part of your body is outside of the black line, you will be counted as tardy for class.

In my class I utilize a free pass system to help you in the event that you receive an unexpected tardy. You will receive one free pass at the beginning of each quarter. In the event that you are tardy, you may use your free pass to prevent you from receiving a petty misconduct. If you are tardy to my class and have already used your free pass, you will be required to serve a 15 minute detention in my classroom after school on the specified day. A petty misconduct will be written and turned in to the Dean of Students to officially record any subsequent tardies.

Students who retain their free pass will be eligible to turn in their pass for bonus points at the end of each quarter. Students who have been tardy to class may not forego using their free pass in favor of bonus points. It is to your advantage to utilize the pass if you need it.

Other Important Items to Note:

• The official MLA heading is required on ALL assignments (including homework!).  You will lose a point for each incorrect element. An example of MLA format is posted on my chalkboard.
• All tests and assignments that you will turn in to me will be placed in your class tray at the front of my classroom.
• Your name should be written clearly on all materials and texts for this class.
• Books, notebooks, or other materials left in my classroom after the bell will be collected and placed in a basket near my desk. It will cost you 5 cents for every item left behind.
• Please refer to the Minimum Standards for English handout regarding other expectations in my classroom.
• I do not loan pens or pencils. Please be prepared for class.
• Help sessions will be held every Thursday morning and the morning of the day before a test day. Please let me know in advance if you plan to attend any of these sessions.