American Literature and Composition

2012-2013 School Year
Full Year Course
Grades 11 & 12 recommended
Tuesday
1 English Credit

Course Tutor:
Kathy Annis
kathrynannis@gmail.com

Course Description:
This study of American Literature begins in the Early American Settlers period and continues through 20th Century literature and across genres.  This is a whole-book literature course for the serious or college bound high school student. The reading schedule is vigorous, and students should plan to complete some of the books over the summer to lighten the reading load during the school year. Writing assignments as well as tests are based on the literature studied and will aid in understanding the facets of character and conflict development. Students will write a research paper with MLA documentation, learn several forms of essays and analysis papers, and study and write poetry.

Compositions will be tied directly to the literature studied in the course in many cases, and students will analyze not only the literature itself, but the worldview of the author as compared to a Biblical worldview. Students will be taught structural and style techniques that will help mature their writing and vocabulary.

Course Notes:
Parents are expected to see that students have all the appropriate texts prior to the first class session.  Reading assignments are due to be completed before the student arrives at class for the lecture on the assigned material.  Parents will need to monitor the students’ reading record sheets to ensure they are keeping up with the schedule. This is a challenging but achievable class, and students will do a great deal of reading and writing.  The benefits of working hard in this course will be the development of analysis and writing skills that will serve your student well in college or the workplace.

**Special Note:
If you have a student who has a special learning style or who struggles with English, I am willing to work with you. Please contact me to discuss how the American Literature and Composition class can work for your student.

Course Prerequisites:
While there are no specific prerequisites for the course, students should have completed one or more high school level English classes with composition instruction before taking this class. A strong work ethic will also be necessary.  Students will not derive the benefits of this class without completing assignments to the best of their ability and on time.

Course Fees:
$15 copy fee for the year payable to tutor on first day of class

Required Texts (Available through the Teenworks Resource Center):

  • American Literature: Encouraging Thoughtful Christians To Be World Changers, Senior High Level Student Book  by James P. Stobaugh**
  • MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 7th Edition by Joseph Gibaldi
  • The Roar on the Other Side: A Guide for Student Poets by Suzanne U. Clark

**Students must have access to the works of literature used in the Stobaugh book. The tutor will provide a list of these books in early June so the student can purchase, borrow, or make arrangements with their local library to have the literature available when needed for the course.

Required Supplies:

  • 3” 3-ring binder
  • Tab dividers (wait to set up until instructions are given on the first day of class)
  • Materials for research paper will be announced in class