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, and 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.
Competency-Based Education Pilot Program
To learn more about this pilot program and competencies, click here. The competencies for the Jr. English Competency-Based Education Pilot Program are as follows:
Competency #4: Listening/Speaking/Viewing
Course Specific Criteria: American Experience
In the fall semester, reading must include teacher selected works from the following periods/movements in American literature: Colonial, Neoclassical, Romantic, Realist, and Contemporary. It must also include a minimum of TWO independently selected literary works of American literature.
In the spring semester, reading must include teacher selected works from the following periods/movements in American literature: Romantic, Naturalist, Modernist, Harlem Renaissance, and Contemporary. It must also include a minimum of TWO independently selected literary works of American literature.
Semester Summative Assessments
Each semester, learners must complete a minimum of two summative assessments. Over the course of an academic year, learners must complete one summative assessment from each of the summative assessment categories. Demonstrating competency in the context of a body of work which reflects academic development over time, the semester portfolio will be the "final exam" for this course.
Semester Formative Assessments: Fall & Spring
Each semester, learner’s will complete formative assessments which will reflect a readiness to demonstrate competency by:
• continually engaging in reading a wide variety of course specific literary works
• maintaining a Reader’s and Writer’s Notebook
• engaging in vocabulary development
• engaging in reading workshop
• engaging in writing workshop
• engaging in peer and individual conferences
• participating in academic discourse
If/When Absent
If/when absent from class, the student should:
• refer to the LHS student handbook for the make-up work policy
• see Mrs. Juster outside of class as soon as possible to develop a plan to get back on track
Note:
This is a tech-rich course. All student work will be completed digitally with the exception of reading. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the school’s computer resources in the library-media center during study hall, lunch or after school. Students with limited access to computers outside of class are reminded to use class time wisely.