American Literature Assignments
- Instructors
- Term
- 2017-2018 School Year
- Department
- English
- Description
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American Literature is required of most sophomore students and has an average level of difficulty. Course work centers on an awareness of American literary heritage beginning with the works of Native Americans and early settlers and concluding with 20th century writers.
Students explore a variety of genres and literary movements as well as work on composition skills, vocabulary acquisition, and literary analysis. Students are expected to read independently as well as during class time. Student progress is assessed through objective tests, writing assignments, presentations, and class participation, in addition to creative projects. Summer reading is required.
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Upcoming Assignments
No upcoming assignments.
Past Assignments
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Finals preparation....American Literature final is Wednesday, June 6th
Attached to this assignment are copies of last year's final and the To Kill a Mocking bird test as well as others that may be helpful.
Taking the 2017 final as a pre-test should help to expose areas of weakness and provide an idea of the structure of the test.
More information will be shared through study days and review games. Please check back for study group dates AND news about an extra credit opportunity.
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To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
TKAM is the independent novel for the second semester. A variety of resources are available to support the independent study of this novel including books on CD, digital downloads, free audio books, films, websites, and more. The novel should be read by April 30th and a set of comprehension questions has been attached as a guide for reading. There are also many fun projects, ideas and enrichment activities shared on Pinterest at the link below. Assessment for the novel has not been decided yet but should be expected in early May.
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In addition to the class time given, the long weekend is given to those who need time to finish this creative writing assignment. Don't forget to address the required elements which help to demonstrate 'local color' and highlight all we love about Pittsburgh.
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As a final assessment for the short story portion of Dark Romanticism, students will convert a short story into a cartoon. The cartoon should summarize the short story by presenting characters and showing key plot points. It should also show detail of the story and Poe's language that relates to the elements of Dark Romanticism discussed and listed on the rubric. Students are free to choose from The Tell-Tale Heart, The Cask of Amontillado, The Fall of the House of Usher and The Pit and the Pendulum. The Pit and the Pendulum and the Fall of the House of Usher are in the textbook and include support material, but you are free to choose. These and other Poe stories can be accessed free online at PoeStories.com. The rubric is attached and here's a link to the StoryBoardThat creator page.
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Feb 20th - annotated 'Raven' poetry analysis, summary, worksheets
Feb. 21st - Raven and Poe quiz...bonus from The Devil and Tom Walker
Feb. 22nd - begin The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Bell-ringer vocabulary games and study guide provided.
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Complete the DBQ essay as directed. The documents provided and referenced in the textbook, as well as your own knowledge, should be used to address the prompt.
Feb. 14th - an MLA formatted essay of approximately 500 words is due. If making a digital submission, essays must be received on 2/14/2018 to be considered 'on time'.
Successful essays with follow good 5 paragraph essay form, reference a majority of the documents provided and make good use of rhetoric.
The DBQ packet, graphic organizer and rubric have been attached, in case the copies provided in class have been misplaced.
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Attached is a 'skeleton' study guide for the Am. Lit. midterm. Complete the study-guide to earn up to 5 extra credit points and an opportunity to use the study-guide as a resource on test day. Study-guides must be checked and authorized by me in order to earn extra credit or be used at the test.
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Midterm review materials....American Literature
Attached please find a list of topics and terms as well as an old midterm. The format of the test will be similar as will the content. If taking the exam as a practice test, please contact me to discuss corrections and feedback.
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Fahrenheit 451 is perhaps Ray Bradbury's most famous novel, and this semster's independent read. There will be several activities and 'check in' points throughout the reading period, but the work in its entirety is 'due' on January 5, 2018 when there will be an assessment.
To provide opportunities for active reading, record-keeping and enrichment activities, a study packet is provided below. It is not necessary to complete all the activities. The required activities and some additional activities will be accepted for credit and that information will be announced.
Check out this brief biography of Ray Bradbury (1920-2012) and enjoy the novel!
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Happy Thanksgiving! Hope you have had some time to consider all the things for which your are grateful and enjoy time with family and friends.
If you are interested in earning a few points, watch this It's America Charlie Brown video then write a paragraph (5 to 7 sentences will do) discussing the similarities between the cartoon and the narrative we read on which it is based. This should be an easy one if you're familiar with the narrative. Please submit your work in MLA format by Nov. 30th. Thanks.
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Access the American Literature course documents. Review the information then print the acknowledgment page. Sign, and have a parent or guardian sign the acknowledgement page. Submit the signed page to Ms. Long by Thursday, August 31st.