John Kissingford
e-mail: jkissingford@ouray.k12.co.us
Voicemail or Text: 970-325-3501
Office hours here.
American Literature is a college preparatory course ordinarily taken in the sophomore year, though open to juniors and seniors who have not taken it. It is designed as an inquiry into the nature of American literature, history, thought, and expression, through which students develop the skills of analysis and expression that they will need in all their post-secondary pursuits.
The first semester surveys the currents of American literature and thought from pre-colonial through modern times; the second focuses more closely on a few great works by major American writers: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Grapes of Wrath, and The Great Gatsby, among others. In addition, throughout the year, each student will choose great American writers to read and study in depth. Many of the assignments in the course will grow out of this independent reading.
Students will write papers in a variety of modes: narrative, expository, analytical, argumentative. At least two of the papers will require significant research and documentation in MLA style. Lessons in the mechanics of the English language will grow out of the writing, revision, and editing process.
Materials:
You will need the following supplies with you every day:
Journal Binder section Relevant texts
Pen or pencil Chromebook
For more detailed expectations, see this page.