Syllabus
Welcome to Mr. Pershan's American Literature Class.
This course involves literature that describes or expresses the American identity. Students will read an array of literature stressing the values and experience of newcomers (Puritans), minorities (Native Americans,
African-Americans, and Latin Americans), and outsiders within the larger cultural population of America. Students will explore what it has meant – over some 500 years of time – to be an American, and how different Americans have expressed their experiences in words. Readings will involve the colonial, enlightenment, romantic, realistic, naturalistic and modernistic periods to the present. Students will explore the characteristics, themes, philosophies and writing styles of various authors in each period. Proving specific statements with evidence from selected readings is emphasized in discussions and in essays.
In addition to reading literature of various types (fiction, non-fiction, poetry and plays), students will study grammar and hone their writing and creative writing skills. An emphasis is placed on reading comprehension, writing and language skills and further development of vocabulary and critical thinking skills. Assignments include reading in class and for homework, journals, essays, and individual and group projects
Projected Texts
• The Scarlet Letter
• The Crucible
• The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
• Ethan Frome
• The Great Gatsby
• Their Eyes Were Watching God
• Played
Additional readings in anthologies
Grading Policy
1. In class exercises (reading questions and quizzes): 35%
2. Classroom Participation -Attitude 15%
3. Homework: 30%
4. Unit Tests and Special Assignments (Essays, Projects, Creative Writing): 20%
Requirements
All students must bring a notebook and pen or pencil to every class.
All written assignments must be typed.
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| Upcoming Events and Homework |
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| see past |
Essay on Played (homework)
Due Date: November 24, 2009
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| See assignment attached. |
| Downloads |
 Document 1 (26.11 KB)
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Lyrics and Stories (WW)
December 8, 2009
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| Read the lyrics attached and write a story embodying one of them. (Wreck of Edmund Fitzgerald; Fast Car; Delilah; Bullet and a Target). |
| Downloads |
Document 1 (29.7 KB)
Document 2 (36.86 KB)
Document 3 (28.67 KB)
Document 4 (25.09 KB)
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Hamden High School
Richard Pershan
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