In this course we will explore several themes of American literature including, but not limited to, journey, the American Dream, race, the frontier, the invented self, individualism, and reconciliation with the past. In our examination of these themes, we will pay particular attention to historical context. This course will emphasize analytical writing and thinking. As you develop your own opinions about and reactions to the literature we read, you will hone the skills needed to express your ideas in writing and in lively class discussion.

First semester texts:

From “A General Historie of Virginia, New England and the Summer Isles,” John Smith

From “Of Plymouth Plantation,” William Bradford

From “The New English Canaan,” Thomas Morton

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin , Benjamin Franklin

The Scarlet Letter , Nathaniel Hawthorne

Huckleberry Finn , Mark Twain

Expectations

A respectful environment : Debate is good (actually GREAT), but no one should feel personally attacked. I expect that people will listen carefully to the opinions of others without interrupting and work actively to include all members of the class in the discussion. At the same time, I expect us to push each other to new and greater levels of intellectual engagement (see “Participation” below).

Preparation : Every person should arrive at class with all work completed. Reading should be done carefully and actively before class begins – in other words, read with class discussion in mind. We cannot have a good discussion unless everyone has read the text and completed the assigned homework.

** Nb: Homework and writing assignments are due at the beginning of class; late homework will not receive credit.

Participation: This is an upper level elective, and I expect that each member of the class will contribute generously and regularly to class discussion. Your comments should add to discussion, not simply reiterate what has already been said. Your careful completion of each reading assignment is crucial; read with class discussion in mind.

Promptness: You must arrive to class on time. Check the upper school handbook for school policies on tardiness.

Policies

Communication : I welcome chances to talk with you outside of class. If you have questions about an assignment or some other aspect of class, or if you would like to follow up on an idea from class, please feel free to schedule a time to meet with me at the end of class or just drop by my classroom or the 9 th grade office (Moore 006 and Westview 007, respectively).

To get in touch with me outside of school hours, email is best (clare.mackenzie@ssfs.org.) You’re also welcome to call my cell phone up until 9:30 (301-646-5089).

Homework : Reading assignments will generally be between 25-30 pages a night, less on nights when you have writing to do. I expect you, as juniors and seniors, to keep up with the reading and to manage your own time – i.e. if you know that you have a very busy week ahead, it makes sense to get a jump on the reading.

Missing class: If you know that you will miss class ahead of time, please let me know in advance. If you miss class due to an unforeseen circumstance, you are responsible for completing whatever work was assigned in the class you missed. This means you need to contact me or a responsible classmate. If you can’t complete the work for the next day, let me know.

Extensions : If you feel that you need extra time on a paper, you may, without penalty, request an extension AT LEAST twenty four hours before the assignment is due. If you miss a test or quiz because of an excused absence, I will expect you to take it on the day you return unless you contact me to make a different arrangement.

Grading : (approximate for now)

Homework and class participation—20%

Tests and Quizzes—30%

Writing —50%

Materials

A reading journal (a.k.a. plain old notebook to be turned in occasionally), a notebook or dedicated section of a binder for class notes and handouts, your book, your brain.