American Literature

Avon Lake City Schools 

Curriculum Framework

American Literature

Course Overview:

American literature is the product of a diversity of peoples, regions, philosophies, and ways of life. This class presents a one-semester examination into some of America’s best writers - from classic to modern times. We will also read some important American documents such as the Declaration of Independence and MLK’s Nobel Acceptance Speech. Texts are chosen for what they reflect and reveal about the evolving American Experience. For example:

• Was there an event in our history that prompted this person to write their story?

• What message is the author trying to convey?

• How does the message apply to today?

• How did the author use specific literary elements to enhance their literary work?

The texts we study will give you an idea of how each period in American life was portrayed through the eyes of those experiencing it.  In turn, students will use their analytical knowledge of the texts studied in order to interpret their American Experience. Fee $17.00

Curriculum Consideration: 

• 11th and 12th grade students are ready to take on complex texts that allow them to ponder life’s bigger issues. At this stage in their lives, students should be willing to confront issues having to do with right and wrong, forgiveness, justice, selflessness, broken dreams, hatred, humanity’s obligation to those less fortunate, and so forth. 

• These materials engage students as independent, proactive learners who realize the connection between their approach to learning and their readiness for higher education or careers. 

• Students achieve appreciation for challenging texts through close reading and rhetorical analysis. But the ultimate objective is that high school students learn to express their ideas as writers and speakers themselves. 

Textbook (Title and Publishing Company): 

Holt McDougal ~ American Literature  

A variety of selections (essays, short stories, poetry) that reflect American themes and issues and that answer the question: What is America’s Story?

Online/Supplemental Materials:

CommonLit

Assessments: 

Students should expect some kind of assessment of the previous day’s lesson (For example: a reader response, quiz, daily work, presentation, essay development, test, etc. )

• Formative Assessments: Journal prompts, study guides, novel annotations, webquests, quizzes, graphic organizers

• Participation: Informal presentations, teacher-led discussions, small group discussions

• Summative Assessments:  Tests, essays, Socratic Seminars, and presentations

• Projects & Presentations:  Students will be given choices in which to communicate what they have learned.  This is based on Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences.  Will we take traditional tests?  Yes!  But will you be asked to show what you have learned in other capacities too?  Yes!  So those of you who are writers, artists, musicians, poets, actors, …enjoy!

Last Updated:

September, 2023