American Literature - EN300A/B

American Literature - EN300A/B

Learning Recommendations: None

General Description: In this year-long course, juniors focus on refining analytical skills in reading, writing, and thinking through the study of American literature. Students examine a wide variety of themes and further develop skills in vocabulary, grammar, mechanics, usage, oral communication, presentation, and research through analytical essays, poetry, narratives, and debates.

Content: Aligned with the Washington State Learning Standards for English Language Arts, the course builds on skills developed in sophomore year, including:

• Reading comprehension
• Informational and complex narrative reading
• Analysis of story elements and literary devices
• Analysis of informational and expository texts
• Making predictions and inferences
• Understanding text organizational structures
• Understanding organizational structures for planning written work 
• Use of multiple drafts and editing
• Collaboration and group evaluation
• Writing for varied audiences, voices, forms, and genres

Homework: Homework, when assigned, should typically not exceed 30 minutes per night or 150 minutes per week. The actual amount of homework will depend on the unit. During novel units, there are nightly reading assignments, usually a chapter depending on the number of pages. Additionally, while writing papers, some writing is expected to be done at home. Vocabulary and various projects will occur throughout the year.