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: Jr. English Pilot Program

To learn more about this pilot program, district-wide competencies and related course standards, click here.

Demonstrating Competency

In the fall semester, learners will complete formative assessments in the context of their study of American literature. Learners will use this formative work to demonstrate competency through the following summative assessments:

In the spring semester, learners will complete formative assessments in the context of their study of American literature. Learners will use this formative work to demonstrate competency through the following summative assessments:

Summative Assessment: Essay Test Learners will develop a trend (final score) over the course of three essay test this semester.

Free-Choice Summative Assessment #2 Selection must not be from the same category as Summative #1 (completed in fall semester). For this summative, learners have the opportunity for remediation/reassessment through writing conferences and the revision process.

Summative Assessment: Ongoing Development as a Learner Learners will develop a trend (final score) over the course of three assessments each quarter. Each quarter in a semester will have a unique trend and score.

"Final Exam"

The Semester Portfolio Symposium will feature formative and summative work for the semester and showcase the evidence needed to demonstrate competency.


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.