Syllabus

Junior English American Literature

Mr. Coia
Contact Information:
E-mail: vcoia@asu.edu
Phone: 301-805-2600 X 2099
Course Description:
This course presents a historical survey of American literature from the early development of
North America to the colonial period and through the twentieth century. Areas of focus in writing
instruction will include utilizing a variety of rhetorical modes, developing voice and style,
developing research skills, and proper language use and conventions according to Modern
Language Association (MLA). Students will produce research papers that feature outside
sources. From the course readings, students will better understand key themes and components
of American literature and demonstrate their knowledge in both their writing and projects. Some
of the major themes we will be covering include the following:

Alienation
The American Dream
Gender Roles
Identity
Power
Society

Required Materials (upon teacher request):

A binder for notes and assignments

Pen and pencils
Notebook(s) with college ruled paper
A Journal for students to write reflections
Any additional materials will be upon teacher request

Book List:

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner
Billy Bud by Herman Melville
Breakfast at Tiffanys by Truman Capote
The Day of the Locust by Nathanael West
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides

Projects:
During the year, students will complete independent and group projects that will assess their
knowledge and reinforce the skills that they have learned, thus serving as a summative
assessment.
Class Expectations:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Be on time
Attend every class unless you are sick or have an excused absence
Be attentive! This means no sleeping.
Make to bring appropriate school materials each day (i.e. pencil, paper, etc.)
Only water is allowed inside the classroom. No food or other drinks.
Put away all electronics

Class Rules:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Be respectful of your fellow classmates at all times, especially during discussions.

When someone else is taking, you are silent.
Be responsible.
Stay on task.
Contribute positively to our learning environment

Late Work:
For homework assignments ONLY, I do accept late work up to 1 week. After that, it will not be
accepted under any circumstances. Please keep in mind, though, each day it is late, 5% will be
taken off accordingly. Otherwise, assignments (i.e. essays, projects) are due on the specified date.
I have made sure that you have sufficient time to complete each assignment. Also, quizzes and
exams cannot be made up. Having said this, I reserve the right to consider evaluating
circumstances for late work. It is your job to communicate with me!
Attendance/Tardy Policy:
Attendance and punctuality are necessary for your success in this course. An excused absence
does not mean that you are excused from the days assignment. You are responsible for obtaining
make-up assignments from the teacher upon return.
Absences:
Excused Absences: You will be given as many days to make up work for excused absences as
days missed. However, if you are aware of any upcoming activities (i.e. clubs, sports), you are
still expected to turn in the work on the day that it is due. You will know for certain what day
certain assignments are originally due before you leave for athletic/club events.

Unexcused Absences: All unexcused absences will receive no credit. NO EXCEPTIONS! At my

discretion larger assignments can be made up for partial credit depending on the circumstances.
Unresolved absences (ones not called in) are considered unexcused.
*Absences and missing work will be your worst enemy! Zeros affect your grade tremendously,
and your chances of getting an A or even passing are drastically limited.
Electronics Policy:
Electronic devices (cell phones, laptops, tablets, iPods, etc.) may not be used for any purpose in
the classroom without specific permission from the teacher.
Academic Dishonesty:
All students must uphold academic integrity when completing classwork, homework, tests,
quizzes, essays, projects, etc. Students caught cheating and/or plagiarizing in any of these
instances will receive a zero for the assignment. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Grade Scale:
A = 90% - 100%
B = 80% - 89%
C = 70% - 79%
D = 60% - 69%
F = 59% or below
Your performance will be assessed in many ways. You will have projects, class discussions,
presentations, seminars, exams, quizzes, homework, essays, and research projects. At any time,
you or your parent/guardian can check your grade. Please, allow for at least two weeks for major
projects and/or assignments to be posted. Students and parents/guardians will be allowed to
check their grade at home and/or school.
Grades will be weighted as followed:
Homework assignments
Classwork (i.e. notes, journal reflections)
Assessment (i.e. exams, presentations)

25%
25%
50%

*Please Note: The instructor may alter at any time during the semester at his discretion.
Student signature:______________________________ Date:________
Parent Signature:_______________________________ Date:_________
By signing, I have read and understand the syllabus for junior English completely and agree to
the rules stated above.