AP English III: American Literature

Course Description

This is a course for selected juniors. The course will provide the student with an overview of the major periods of American literary history and with a sense of how the literature of America developed in its historical context. We will investigate various themes of American literature such as the American Dream and the American Hero. Special attention will be given to the various voices of American culture. These ideas and issues will be explored through poetry, short stories, novels, nonfiction, and drama.  Another important aspect of the course is writing and preparation for the A.P. English Language and Composition exam.  Typically, each Monday will be devoted to language and writing activities.  During second semester more time will be devoted to these activities.

Course Requirements

The major focus of this course is literature. Therefore, students are expected to read all assignments. Students need to be prepared for pop quizzes and literary discussions. I encourage note taking while reading assignments and notes may be used on quizzes. Additionally, essays and various writing activities will be important components. 

Assignments must be done on time. Any exceptions are at the discretion of the instructor.  All major essays must be submitted to Turnitin.com.  Missed quizzes must be completed on the student's return.

Required Texts

• The Harper American Literature
• Season of Life  Jeffrey Marx
• Ella Minnow Pea  Mark Dunn
• The Scarlet Letter  Nathaniel Hawthorne
• AP Workbook  To be announced
• The Great Gatsby  F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Of Mice and Men  John Steinbeck
• A Lesson Before Dying  Ernest Gaines
• Slaughterhouse Five  Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
• Reservation Blues  Sherman Alexie
  
  

Grading Policy

I attempt to provide a variety of assessments that may include individual and group projects in addition to quizzes, tests and essays. Projects typically are assigned in conjunction with novels or other longer works. I often give pop quizzes on reading assignments; you may use your notes. After each major unit, you will have a test that may cover class notes as well as reading assignments.

I do not accept late work for daily assignments. However, if you are absent and miss a quiz, you may make it up on the day you return. If you are absent on the day of a test, you must be prepared to take it on the day you return.

Grades will be posted occasionally.  However, I will not post weekly.  You are responsible for keeping track of your own average.

Writing assignments:  You will need a separate notebook for writing exercises.  In class assignments must be legible; all other assignments must be typed.  Not all exercises will be graded.  The assignments are designed to prepare you for the AP exam in May.

Essays: In grading your essays, I will be using the 6 Traits method. This will give us a holistic view of your writing. Typically, I will not evaluate all 6 traits on each essay. I will, however, inform you which 1-3 traits we will be focusing on. Please be aware that it is expected that you submit work that is the best examples of you ability. Your work should be polished and proof-read. Also, keep in mind that an A paper means exemplary work; work that is above and beyond the norm.  

Turnitin.com will not accept late essays.

Ella Minnow Pea

www.dianahacker.com/writersref

Home