American Literature

Course Overview/Expectations
Ms. Scapino
School Phone: 636-2388
School Email: sscapino@sd308.org

E
A
S
T

EXCELLENCE
ACADEMICS
SPIRIT
TRADITION

American Literature emphasizes critical reading of fiction and non-fiction texts, via the
study of literary movements, novels, poetry and other texts. Emphasis is also placed upon
strong writing and grammatical skills, as well as critical thinking, analysis and synthesis
of information, and personal and social responsibility. Students are expected to participate constructively in class discussions and to
demonstrate the ability to provide verbal and written justification/support for ideas.
21st Century Skills
In order to help students prepare for college, the work force, and real-world compatibilities, students will be challenged to hone
their skill sets in the following areas:

Written and oral communication

Critical thinking and problem solving
Creativity/innovation
Initiative and self-direction
Productivity and accountability
Leadership and responsibility
Digital literacy
Interpersonal adaptability
Media literacy
Collaboration/project management

Writing Expectations
Students are expected to know the fundamentals of essay writing, including thesis statements, essay structure, MLA format, in-text
citations, and works cited pages. Students will write a minimum of three literary analysis essays, as well as a research paper.
Length of the essays will vary. All major essays must be typed (Times New Roman, 12 font only), and all major essays and projects
are course requirements.
Classroom Expectations
1. You are expected to come to class prepared every day. This means that you will have a pen (dark blue or black in only), a pencil,
lined paper, a pocket folder, your student handbook, and any books that may be required.
2. You WILL respect everyone in this room. This means that any derogatory comments (racist, sexist or otherwise) will not be
tolerated. If you feel that someone is treating you with disrespect, see me immediately.
3. I do not accept late work for daily assignments. If you are experiencing difficulty getting something finished and you have a
legitimate reason, see me to arrange extra time BEFORE the assignment is due. Unexcused absences will result in a ZERO for all
assignments/tests/quizzes given that day. Major projects/essays may be accepted late.
4. There are three things that I will not tolerate: cheating, lying, and attitude. I do not treat my students disrespectfully, nor am I
rude to them. I expect the same consideration.
5. After self and family, your education should always come first. "I have to work" or "I had to work last night" are NEVER excuses
for not completing assignments. Unless you are living under extreme circumstances, you DO NOT HAVE to workyou choose to
work. (Cars are luxuries, not requirements). Therefore, do not even consider uttering these phrases to me. If you are having
difficulty completing an assignment, see me in advance of the due date to work something out.
6. If you are a negative person by nature, that is your right. However, I have little patience for negative, unproductive, or otherwise
distracting comments. Either offer conversation that is contributory, or please refrain from speaking.

Effort
You will be diligent in the completion of homework and in-class assignments. If you find that you are struggling to maintain
adherence to the assignment schedule, please communicate your concerns in a timely manner. I am available before school, after
school, and by appointment for assistance.
Essay Expectations
Writing is a process as well as a product. While I will facilitate the process, it is your job to complete it. This means that I will not
simply grade all of your written work and allow you to re-submit it with only the changes marked. You must reflect, edit, and
develop your own written workfrom the initial ideas to the polished productwithout complete reliance on teacher feedback.
You will learn to seek feedback in multiple ways, and to utilize all of the technological resources available to you.
Assessment
Methods of assessment include, but are not limited to the following:

Essay studies and reflections

Quizzes/tests
Homework
Class participation and discussion/Socratic seminar
Presentations

Academic Integrity
Students are expected to adhere to the precepts of academic integrity at all times.
Academic Dishonesty includes the following:

Providing or receiving information during an exam.

Providing or receiving information about exams given during an earlier period.
Using unauthorized devices or materials during an exam.
Using ideas or written materials from other sourcesstudents, professional writers, Internet notes/study
guideswithout acknowledging the source in your own writing.
Copying or using another students work when not authorized by the teacher to do so.
Allowing other students to use your work on assignments.

Miscellany

Food/drinks are allowed in the classroom as long as they do not become a nuisance, distraction, or mess for others to clean
up. This means that your food items will not reek throughout the classroom or be so crunchy that we can hear you
chewing from space. You may not use your gigantic daily water intake as an excuse to constantly leave class to visit the
restroom. If this becomes the case, your liquids will not be allowed in class.
Cell phones/iPods/MP3s/earbuds/headphonesthese items are NOT permitted in class and should not be on or
visible during the period. If there is an occasion where you might need to use personal electronics for an
ACADEMIC purpose, you may do so only with teacher acknowledgement and permission. If you feel that you have
an addiction to your device and simply cannot refrain from checking it constantly, I will be happy to lock it in my
file cabinet for the duration of the period.*
*FYI: It is especially troubling when you are caught texting and you indicate that you are communicating with a
parent in the middle of class. If you have a dire emergency, parents should follow protocol and notify the school
immediately.