American Literature and Composition 2 XCourse Syllabus -- Spring Semester 2004
Ms. Rinaldi
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American Literature 2 is a required course for graduation in the Denver Public School system. The “X” course is the honors level of American Literature, and is geared toward a higher level of analysis and understanding. Because each student must succeed in the class in order to graduate, the course is designed to be comprehensive and it is expected that all students will work diligently. The Spring semester class covers American Literature in the 20th century. Essays, poetry, short stories, novels and plays are all examined in the context of historical events and human experience. It is essential that we make the connection between life and literature, and understand how the writers’ environments and circumstances influenced their work. In addition to the literature covered in this course, there is a strong writing component, and students will be encouraged to write a great deal. While the focus will be on mastering the skills of formal and analytical writing, there is also opportunity for poetry and creative work. The required projects in each 9-week period are designed to focus student effort on specific, practical forms of writing. In particular, students will master the art of writing a paper. |
First
Marking Period: In
the first 9
weeks, writers
who formed a new, darker
perception of the American Dream will be
explored. We will also
cover the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s into the era of
the Great Depression. The
move westward from the dustbowl and the still struggling and
impoverished American South provided important canvasses for the writers
of this period.
REQUIRED PROJECTS: Click on the links below for the details on these projects. |
Second Marking Period: In
the final marking period we examine the writers who have truly defined
the "modern" era of American Literature.
The novel, poetry and short stories of the latter half of the
20th century reveal a changing nation--and a changing culture that is
more and more determined to capture reality in words.
REQUIRED PAPERS: Click on the links below for the details on these projects. |
Semester Work: VOCABULARY:
There are 3-4 vocabulary quizzes per marking period, and each
quiz covers 20 words. Quiz
dates are always announced. EXAMS:
There will be an exam at the end of each marking period covering
the literature studied over the nine
weeks.
These exams will be announced well in advance, and a review of
the material will be conducted before each exam. SPEECH:
Each student will be required to memorize and present a poem
(list of choices will be provided). |