American Literature Syllabus Fall 2016

Hillgrove High School

Coach Kayler
Melody.Kayler@cobbk12.org
COURSE DESCRIPTION: American Literature surveys American authors and
their works, as well as provides informational, argumentative, and narrative writing
opportunities with a focus on research, writing style, grammar, and vocabulary.
Listening and presenting skills will also be exposed in accordance with the Common
Core State Standards.

GRADING: 90-100 A; 80-89 B; 74-79 C; 70-73 D; <69 F

Grading Procedures:
Reading and analyzing text: 25%
Writing: 25%
Speaking and Listening: 15%
Language: 15%
EOC/ final exam: 20%

Final exam/ EOC:

There will not be a full-course final exam for the class. However, on the day of the final,
students will take a test on the final unit (Unit 4). There will also be a state-mandated EOC that will count as 20% of
the students final grade.

Supplies:

3 ring binder for this class only. It needs to be equipped with dividers and lined paper.
Students should have their signed syllabus as the first page
Extra notebook paper or a notebook for daily journals/ activators
Pens/ highlighters
Independent reading novel/ graphic novel/ magazine, etc. to be brought to class
DAILY. If you forget your own material, you will be issued a text by Coach Kayler.
Provided textbooks/novels and purchased novel

TEXTBOOKS:

Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience (checked out through book room)
The Crucible, Arthur Miller
*The Things They Carried, Tim OBrien*
A Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry
o *Students are required to purchase this text on their own*

Tentative Semester Schedule:

Unit 1: The Building of a Nation and Rhetoric (4 weeks)

Anchor text: The Crucible by Arthur Miller

Unit 2: The American Individual (5 weeks)

Anchor Text: The Things They Carried by Tim OBrien

Unit 3: Voices of Discontent (4 weeks)

Anchor Text: The Things They Carried by Tim OBrien

Unit 4: The American Dream (4 weeks)

Anchor Text: A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry

Final Exam and Review (1 week)

MAKE-UP WORK: In order to align with school policy, all make-up work must be
completed within the number of days absent plus one day. For example, if the student is
absent 4 days, they have five days for make-up work. Up until the work is turned in, the
grade will be a zero to serve as a reminder that it is not completed. In regards to long-term
tests and projects, if a student misses days prior to these they still have to take the test or
turn in the project on the original day. There will be enough warning given by the teacher
using the Remind App as well as the blog that the students will be aware of the test/project
ahead of time. It is the students responsibility to get any missed work from the what you
missed folder by Coach Kaylers desk.

LATE WORK: Late work will be accepted; however, for everyday hat it is late 10 points
will be taken off the final grade. If this right is abused, late work acceptance will be revoked.

EXTRA CLASSROOM HOURS: Students are able to meet with Coach Kayler before
school between 7:30-8:10 if extra assistance is needed.

PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES: Students will not be allowed to use any

personal electronic devices during class unless notified by Coach Kayler. Students will be
given a five-minute break on most days and will be able to use their phones at this time. If
phones are used outside of the allotted time, this privilege may be revoked for the class as a
whole. If a student continually uses their parents/guardians will be contacted. If it continues
to be an issue after this, the student will be sent to see an administrator. For more
information, see the student handbook.

CLASSROOM RULES/EXPECTATIONS: Students are expected to follow the rules

discussed in the student handbook. In addition to these, Coach Kaylers rules are as follows*:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Be prepared.
Make an effort and work hard.
Only use cell phones/ electrical devices during breaks and when notified.
Be respectful to your peers and teachers in order to allow for everyone to grow and
learn as they should.

*Rules are subject to being adjusted and added to as needed.

Consequences for breaking any rules listed or discussed in class:
1.
2.
3.
4.

A verbal warning
Side chat with the teacher
Contact with parents/guardians
Discipline referral/sent to administrator

HONOR CODE: If a student is caught cheating they will immediately receive a zero for
that test or project. This applies also to plagiarism. Parents/guardians will also be contacted.

CLASS BLOG: Information about the class can be found on Coach Kaylers blog
(http://CoachKaylerblog.weebly.com). Please look here if you were absent. Updates will also
be posted here concerning homework, quizzes, tests, projects, etc.

REMIND: Students are encouraged to sign up for reminders using the Remind app.
Students can text the message @mkayle to 81010.

PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN TO CLASS NO LATER THAN

TUESDAY, AUGUST 2.
I have read and I understand the course syllabus for Coach Kaylers
American Literature class:
Student name: ________________________________________
Student signature: ____________________________________________
PARENTS/GUARDIANS,
Please take a moment to fill out the following information If you have further questions or
concerns, please email me at melody.kayler@cobbk12.org and I will get back to you as
quickly as possible. Please allow up to twenty four hours for a reply. I look forward to a great
semester!
Thanks,
Melody Kayler
PLEASE FILL OUT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION LEGIBLY:
PRIMARY CONTACT:
Your full name: ______________________________
Your email address: ___________________________
Your phone number: __________________________
Your relationship with the student: _______________
SECONDARY CONTACT (if available):
Full name: __________________________________
Email address: _______________________________
Phone number: ______________________________
Relationship with student: _____________________
EXTRA INFORMATION:
Does your student have access to a computer/internet?

Is there any additional information you would like me to know?