English 11 syllabus

1. English 11: First Quarter Syllabus
With Mr. Lowe

Long Term Sub: Mr. Lowe
Room: 205
Hours: I am available during 3
rd
and 7
th
period. If you would like to meet before or after school
please send me an email.
Contact: [email protected]

Course Description:
English 11 will focus, primarily, on American literature. This class will explore themes of
individualism, the American Dream, racism, class and culture, gender and inequality. We will
begin with a review of the writing process which we will apply to an extended paper/essay that
will be due at the end of the first marking period. This class will combine the use of text, drama,
film, songs, and poetry to provide a deep and extensive insight into the major themes and works
of literature we will be studying. We will examine all of these mediums as a way to explore the
broader possibilities of literature and its impact in our lives.

Required Reading:
For the first quarter we will be studying the diverse generation of writers and artists from the
Harlem Renaissance before reading Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raison in the Sun. Most of our
reading will be done in class. Be prepared to read and share excerpts of other texts, poems,
songs, etc. relating to the themes introduced and explored in these major works of literature.
These texts will be made available to you via the class textbook and various handouts.

Expectations:
You are expected to be in class, on time, everyday. We will be doing a large amount of reading
in class, missing a single day will set you behind quickly. Please be respectful of school
expectations, your classmates’ desire to learn and of each other in general. Closed mindedness,
rude and disruptive attitudes and actions will not be tolerated.

Grades:
Homework 25%, Class Work 25%, Tests/Quizzes 50%

Absences/Late Work:
It is your responsibility to find out what work you missed and need to make up if you have been
absent. If you miss a class due to an excused absence, you have three classes to make up the
work and turn it in for full credit. Any work turned in more than three days after the initial
absence will automatically receive half credit. Power Point notes, papers and presentations will
be made available online via Slide Share: http://www.slideshare.net/askmrlowe.

Materials
Loose notebook paper for in class assignments and warms ups. You are not required to keep a
journal (during Mr. Lowe’s quarter), but always have the necessary materials for spontaneous
writing assignments, taking notes, reading quizzes, etc.

Accommodations:
If you have accommodations for testing, note taking, reading etc. please let me know.
Additionally, if I am ever speaking too fast, if you missed something you feel is important, if you
wish to raise a question about anything, you are always welcome and encouraged to do so. If I
can present information in a different way that might benefit your learning style, let me know.