American Literature I

Heritage Academy - Laveen

Course Information: 2017-2018
Have courage and be kind
Mrs. Trisha Urry Office hours Mon/Wed
3-4
Room 341 turry@heritageacademyaz Website
.com urryenglishheritageacademy.wee
bly.com

Course Description*
Scholars will focus on early American literature from the Indians & Puritans to the
middle of the 19thcentury with an emphasis on defining parts of literature as well as
identifying the movements that influenced these authors/poets in their time periods.
Students will be challenged to analyze/interpret various novels, short stories, and
poems through discussion and projects. The following classics will be studied: The
Crucible by Arthur Miller, Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, and Uncle Toms
Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe.

Expected Student Learning Outcomes*

Upon completing the American Literature I, students should be able to:
o Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts,
using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence. CCSS.ELA-
LITERACY.W.9-10.1 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1
o Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas,
concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective
selection, organization, and analysis of content. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.2
o Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using
effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.3
o Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization,
and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. CCSS.ELA-
LITERACY.W.9-10.4
o Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing,
rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most
significant for a specific purpose and audience. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.5
o Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.10
o analyze and interpret samples of good writing, identifying and explaining an
authors use of rhetorical strategies and techniques; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-
10.6
o Analyze seminal U.S. documents of historical and literary significance including
how they address related themes and concepts. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.9

Required Supplies
o 1 inch 3 ring binder with 5 dividers
o Black and/or dark blue, AND red ink pens and pencils
o Composition notebook

Types of Assignments
Note: The content of this syllabus is subject to change in accordance with the needs of the class and/or instructor.
 o Reading- outside novels, short stories, essays
o Essays- Narrative/Descriptive, Argument, Expository
o Journals/Response logs- Reflections, study questions
o Book Reports- Scholar Choice reading
o Group Projects- team building, cooperative learning, group presentations

Grades

Category Percenta Types of Assignments

ge
Citizenshi 10% Prepared for class, on time,
p attentive, positive.
Assessmen 50% Writing, Vocabulary Quizzes,
ts Journals, Book Reports,
Presentations, Literary Quizzes,
*Writing Book Reports, Exams will be graded
with the 6 Homewor 20% Reading guides, vocabulary, traits rubric
k writing.
Classwork 20% Reading, pre-writing, Attendance
Policy notebooks
It is important to
attend class and participate in class discussions and activities. Please make sure you
follow the Heritage Academy attendance policy in order to earn credit for the course.

Tardy Policy
You must be in class before the bell rings. You will lose points on bell work, and you
will get -3 points for Citizenship.

Assignment/Make Up Policy
o I AM NOT INCLINED TO ACCEPT LATE WORK. The calendar for class is online
and updated everyday. Except for in emergencies, I will no accept late work for
daily assignments.
o For major assignments, students have ample time to complete should have no
problem turning in work on time. However, I will allow for a scholar to turn in
the assignment up to one week late. Everyday late, whether an A or B day, will
result in a 10% deduction from the overall assignment grade. If there are
extinuating circumstances, the student must speak to me privately and I will
discuss with him/her on a one to one basis.
o MISSED ASSIGNMENTS ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY! If you have an excused
absence that keeps you from either turning in an assignment or receiving
instructions for an assignment, it is your duty to talk to me about the
assignment as soon as you return.
o MAKE UP WORK is designated for students who have excused absences. If you
are absent and it is excused, you must speak to me about any make up work the
day you return. You will have only as many days as you were out to
submit the assigned work. I am available during tutoring hours to discuss
assignments missed. Please see me privately to discuss your assignments.
Otherwise, there will be no opportunity to make up assignments not turned in
on time.
Note: The content of this syllabus is subject to change in accordance with the needs of the class and/or instructor.
 Citizenship
o Deduction will occur for the following
o -3 Tardy
o -2 Forgotten Materials
o -2 Gum/food
o -2 Talking out of turn
o -5 Foul Language
o -10 Cell phone
o -10 plagiarism/cheating
Disrespect to a teacher or classmate (including bullying, name calling, etc.) is an
incredibly serious offence that absolutely will NOT be tolerated. IN the rare case that
this happens, the student will lose all 10 citizenship points and parents and
administration will be notified.
Violation of any of these will result in a log entry.

Cell Phone Parking

o Cell Phone use is absolutely NOT tolerated. At the beginning of each class, you
must place your cell phone in the designated parking space on the wall. If a
scholar is seen with a cell phone in class the cell phone will be brought to the
office to be picked up after school from Mrs. Ellsworth. IF the same scholar is
seen again with the cell phone, the phone will be brought to the office and must
be picked up by a parent. If there is a further violation, the scholar may not be
permitted to have the cell phone on campus.
Plagiarism/Cheating
Plagiarism at Heritage is a severe offense. If a scholar is caught plagiarizing they will
immediately receive a 0 for the assignment that CANNOT be made up and will face
Administrative discipline and possible suspension/expulsion.

Scholar Choice Books

o As part of the curriculum, you are required to read 2 texts each quarter outside
of class. Thats 8 books outside of class the whole year. We will use these novels,
both fiction and non-fiction pieces, to expand our discussion of literary elements
and rhetorical devices in the classroom. You will discuss in groups about the
books you are reading. Every scholar will be held accountable for reading these
novels. It is your responsibility to keep up with your choice reading. If you
manage your time well, you will have ample opportunity to complete the
reading. You may also be required to write an essay over the assigned reading.
It is important that you read the novel and not rely on video adaptations or any
type of cliffs/spark notes. Although you may use these notes as a supplement,
they should not be a substitute for reading the actual text!

AP English Notebook

Each student is responsible for keeping up with his/her English notebook and bringing it to
class every day. The notebook is an organizational tool that can help you stay on task and
Note: The content of this syllabus is subject to change in accordance with the needs of the class and/or instructor.
up to date with assignments. In order to effectively use your notebook, you will have to
maintain it and keep all notes and practices we complete in class.

You will be earning a grade for how organized and up to date you keep your notebook. It is
important that your notebook make it to class with you, as the grading may be done
periodically and randomly. Make sure to always include the date with each assignment in
your notebook.

I will check your notebook to make sure you have all the journals, daily exercises, notes,
and information in the proper section. Make sure to ask if you do not know where
something goes.

Requirements: what each scholar needs to bring to class everyday

1 inch binder (must be at least 1 inch to receive credit!)

5 dividers
Loose leaf paper college ruled
Composition notebook
Blue or black pen
Pencil
SCR book

Order of Binder:
1. Create a Personalized Cover page: Name
Mrs. Urry
American Literature I
Class Period

2. Course Information Packet (this packet)

3. Dividers in these sections

Literature: all notes, activities, and work on literature
Writing: all notes, activities, essays on narrative, persuasive, and expository
writing.
Language: all activities and notes pertaining to grammar and language use
Vocabulary: all vocabulary activities
Miscellaneous: any information that does not pertain to another section
To Do:
Read syllabus
Get composition notebook
Get pens and pencils
Find SCR book
Get binder
Create cover page for binder
Get dividers for binder
Add syllabus to the front of the binder
Place loose leaf paper in binder.
Visit my website
urryenglishheritageacademy.weebly.com
Save my calendar page on phone or computer
Note: The content of this syllabus is subject to change in accordance with the needs of the class and/or instructor.
 Assignment Policies
DIRECTIONS: (1) Read through this statement carefully. (2) Ask questions if
there is anything you do not understand. (3) Return it to your teacher.

I have heard the teacher's discussion of the policies that will be enforced in American
Literature, and I understand that I must be aware of due dates and submit my assignments
at the time they are due. I understand that if I have an excused absence, it is my
responsibility to ask for my make up work the day I return to class. If I forget to ask for my
make up work, I understand I will miss my opportunity to complete the assignments I
missed while absent. I further understand that if I need additional explanation or help with
any assignments, I can seek tutorials from my teacher. I have read and agree to abide by
the policies set forth by my American Literature instructor:

All assignments must be submitted at the time they are due, if not earlier. Each day a
major assignment is late will result in a 10% deduction from the overall assignment
grade. After 1 week, the assignment may not be submitted.

If there are extenuating circumstances preventing a student from submitting an

assignment on time, the student must speak privately with the teacher to explain the
circumstances surrounding a late assignment beforehand. The teacher will discuss
private issues with students on a one-to-one basis only.

When a student shows proof of an excused absence from the attendance office, it is
his/her responsibility to ask for make up work or missed assignment on the day
he/she returns to class. As per district guidelines, the student will have as many days
as he/she was absent to submit make up work. (For example, if a student was absent
two days, he/she would have two days to turn in assignments).

If a student does not show proof of an excused absence from the attendance office,
the student will not be able to complete make up work or turn in any work that was
due on the day the student was absent. Make up work is available for students who
have excused absences only. Student must take care of his/her make up work within
2 days of absence.

If a student is going to be absent for a school related function, it is the responsibility

of that student to turn in any assignments before leaving for the function. Otherwise,
the assignment may be considered late and receive penalties.

As the American Literature teacher, I make myself readily available to any student
who needs additional explanation or help getting started on assignments. If a student
contacts me, I will make myself available for tutorials as soon as possible.

English Language & Composition

I have read course information, notebook requirements, and assignment policies for
American Literature. My signature below indicates that I understand the requirements and
policies for this course and agree to adhere to them throughout the school year. Because
this is a charter school, I am aware of the high expectations and my enrollment in the class

Note: The content of this syllabus is subject to change in accordance with the needs of the class and/or instructor.
indicates that I am prepared to meet those expectations. Furthermore, I understand the
assignment policies and agree to abide by them.

Scholar Name:___________________________________Signature:_______________________

Scholar email:__________________________________________________________________

To Parents:

Hello! My name is Mrs. Trisha Urry and I will be your childs English teacher this 2017-2018
school year. I taught for a year in Mesa Public Schools and spent a year in business writing articles
and leading marketing for an international company. This is my third year teaching at Heritage
Academy. My education consists of a Bachelors degree in English Education and Minor in French
Education. I love reading, writing, traveling, running, and teaching!
Personally, I am a California native, but with a father in the Navy I have seen many places in
this world and country. I have come to love Arizona as I have lived here for the last 3 years. I spent a
lot of time serving on the Indian Reservations in New Mexico and Northern Arizona and am happy
to be close to those I grew to love.
Because I grew up with a father in the Navy, I developed a passion for this country and
everything it was founded on. In college I took a special course on the American Authors and feel a
deep connection to the authors your scholar will be studying in American Literature. I am thrilled
you have placed your scholar in Heritage Academy. I strongly believe every child will succeed. With
the support you offer, I am confident your child will not only succeed academically, but will prosper
in happiness and become a great leader for tomorrow.
In order to do this, I have set high expectations and requirements for this class. For example,
students are required to read novels outside of class on a regular basis. It is important that I have
your support. I am aware that I cannot do my job well without your help. Please read this course
information packet and sign below indicating that you agree to become my partner in your childs
education.
I am always available if you feel the need to check on your childs progress. The fastest way
to contact me is via email: turry@heritageacademyaz.com. (Keep in mind my conference time is
Monday and Wednesday 3pm-4pm. Thank you in advance for your support and I look forward to
working with you!

Parent Name:________________________________Signature:________________________________

What is the best phone number to reach you? ________________________________________

If you have an email address: _____________________________________________________

Do you prefer to be contacted by phone or by email?____________________________________

Note: The content of this syllabus is subject to change in accordance with the needs of the class and/or instructor.