INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS

This college level course in American and British Literature, primarily, analyzes all genre in fiction and demands sophistication in the literature based thesis essay. Students will deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. Students will also consider a work’s structure, style, and themes as well as such elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. A ten – twelve page poetry analysis paper must be successfully presented to complete this course. All candidates in this section will also take AP English Literature and Composition Exam in the spring. An appropriate score on this exam may allow for college credit. This is determined by the college the student will attend. 

NEEDS AND RESOURCES

Required Background

• To successfully complete this course, you must have scored a “B” average or higher in British Literature Honors or AP Language and Composition. 

Required Materials

Texts: Introduction to Reading and Writing

Write for College

            Notebook

            Dictionary and Thesaurus

            1 Pocket Folder

            Looseleaf Paper (quizzes, collected assignments)

COURSE SCHEDULE

September Syllabus

Sept. 6^th: Introduction; Poetics

Sept. 7^th: Poetics

Sept. 10^th: King Lear (Test); Othello Act I

Sept. 11^th: AP review (King Lear)

Sept. 12^th: Bluest Eye (Test); Othello Act II

Sept. 13^th: AP review (Bluest Eye)

Sept. 14^th: Kite Runner (Test)

Sept. 17^th: Othello Act III; Group Presentations begin

Sept. 18^th: Kite Runner (AP review)

Sept. 19^th: College Essay (First Draft)

Sept. 20^th: Othello Act IV

Sept. 21^st: Thesis #1 due

Sept. 24^th: Othello Act V

Sept. 25^th: AP Review (Othello)

Sept. 26^th: Unit Exam: Othello/Poetics

Sept. 27^th: College Essay (Final Draft)

Sept. 28^th: Death of a Salesman Act I (in textbook)

October 1^st: Thesis #2 due

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

General Rules:

1.       Restroom/Drinking Fountain Privileges: Use your discretion. 

2.       Do not be late for class.

3.       Late Assignments: They will only be accepted one day late. It is your responsibility to show me the assignment. I will not ask you about it. You will only receive late credit for the assignment. THIS IS FOR HOMEWORK ONLY. 

4.       THESIS ESSAYS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED LATE.

5.       Plagiarism: If you decide to copy another person’s thoughts, you will receive a zero. 

6.       Extra Help (class, college, etc.): Make an appointment to see me before or after school.

7.       If you cut class, you will receive a zero.

8.       NO FOOD IN CLASS.

9.       Reminder: If you fail English class for the year, you do not graduate. You must attend summer school to qualify for graduation. 

10.   If you do not submit your final thesis, you do not graduate. 

Grading Policies:

 (first quarter only)

            Thesis Essays               *           60%

            Unit Tests/Quizzes         *           30%

            Homework

Class Participation        *           10%

            (discussion, texts, notebook, pen/pencil)

Grading Scale may be revised based upon change in assessment procedures. 

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Frank Portanova
• Office hours vary; please make an appointment.
• fportanova@stepinac.org