American Experience

Course Overview

Course Description

This course is a tech-integrated Junior English course. In this course, we will continue to develop our reading comprehension skills as we encounter works from each of the following periods and movements in American literature: Colonialism, Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Realism, Naturalism, Modernism, Harlem Renaissance,  20th Century Contemporary, and 21st Century Contemporary. 

Our skills in writing will continue to be developed through the writing of a variety of expository and creative papers with a special focus on the research process and the thesis-based research paper. Critical analysis of film, student presentations, and academic discourse activities will provide us with opportunities to further develop literacy in a variety of media beyond print. Individual needs and interests will receive special attention.

In addition to independent reading selections, the print and non-print texts (films/ multimedia resources) associated with this course can be found here. 

Competency-Based Education: Jr. English 

Embracing a competency-based approach to learning, learners will have the opportunity to experience a rigorous and  personalized year in English. To learn more about district-wide competencies, English standards and related best-practice research,  click here

Course Syllabus

Click here to access the course syllabus.

Demonstrating Competency

Throughout each semester, learners will complete formative work  in the context of their study of American literature. Learners will use this formative work to demonstrate competency as critical and creative thinkers. This will be reflected in a series of summative assessments  across a variety of genres. 

Semester-End Assessment

Comprised of an on-demand writing task and a semester, the semester-end assessment offers learners the opportunity to demonstrate competency as collaborators, communicators,  problem-solvers, critical thinkers, creative thinkers, and self-directed learners.

If/When Absent

If/when absent from class, learners should:

Mrs. Juster's Contact Information and Office Hours