Instructor Mr. Vavala nvavala@salesianum.org

Course Description
United States Literature is an intense year-long course. This class provides a solid foundation in the literature of the United States. The course surveys the development of American literature from its beginnings through Classicism, Romanticism, Transcendentalism, Realism, and Naturalism. It includes such writers as Irving, Poe, Hawthorne, Twain, Fitzgerald, Hemingway, and others. The student is expected to read the assigned material, make inferences, draw conclusions, participate in class discussions, take notes, and incorporate all the material into informative and factual essays. Development of language skills, vocabulary and composition skills will be continued in this course.
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Course Expectations
Students will attend all classes on time, read and study all assigned materials, take all assessments, complete all homework, submit all writing on time, and participate in class discussions/activities. In a phase 3 Sophomore Lit. course active reading is not simply encouraged, it is expected, and essential for your success.

Classroom Equality
As a member of the Salesianum community you are expected to conduct yourself in exemplary fashion as a Salesian gentleman scholar. This is an expectation which you must fulfill both in, and out of the classroom without exception. Everyone in this class will be respected and protected for his individuality and differences. No one is superior or inferior.

Academic Honesty
Your work must be your own. Outside work must be cited. Condensed versions of literature are not acceptable in an academic environment.

Attendance Policy
Excessive class absences will be recorded and reported to the Academic Dean.

Essay/Project Submission
Essays and writing projects will be collected during class time on the due date. Absence from class is not a legitimate excuse for not submitting an essay or project. You must see that your essay gets to me by class time on the due date for full credit. Late papers submitted after the class meeting on the due date will drop 7 points (one letter grade) per day. Essays may be submitted by class time via email attachment when you are absent, provided that you hand me a hard copy of that assignment the morning that you return to school.

Homework
All homework must be completed in the correct fashion, or you do not get credit if credit is offered. Homework in a literature course is a minimum expectation. It is essential to your success in this course. There is no credit for late homework.

Grades
The grade you receive is meant to reflect the kind of student you are in class. Grades do not simply reflect one’s ability to perform well on tests or quizzes. Learning is never a completed process, and your grade will reflect the effort you put forth on a daily basis. This is the over-riding design and rationale behind what follows.

The computation of the student’s grade will be made according to the following:
1.) 40% of your grade will be the average of your quiz grades.
2.) 40% of your grade will be the average of your test grades.
3.) 20% of your grade will be your class performance grade.

Quiz grades: Quizzes will be based upon homework: reading and writing assignments, as well as material covered in class. Quizzes are likely to be given in a variety of formats during the course of the year. Some quizzes will be announced in advanced: some will be unannounced-so it is absolutely essential that you come to class prepared.

Test grades: Your Test grade will consist of writing assignments, vocabulary tests, critical reading exams, short essay/answer tests, and essay literature tests.

Class Performance: Students begin each quarter with a class performance grade of “100.” Students will lose five points from their performance grade if any of the following occur.
a.) Incomplete homework
b.) Being unprepared to begin class on time
c.) Not having the proper materials with you for the class.
d.) Disrupting class in any manner.
e.) Cheating or dishonesty of any kind.
f.) Failure to listen critically and respectfully during class.

Note : A student will also have points deducted from his Class Performance grade for receiving a score 50 points or below on an assigned Reading Quiz.

Test Procedure: While tests/quizzes are being given students are to remain in absolute silence until all of the test material is handed in, and further instructions are given. Only designated test materials may be out on desks. Students who violate testing procedure will receive a score of 0 on the examination, and a demerit for Academic Dishonesty.

Final Examinations
Note: The final assessment for this course is being amended at the time of this printing. A separate hand-out with specific instructions will be issued in the weeks to come.

Miscellaneous: If you find yourself struggling with any aspect of the course do not hesitate to contact me. I am more than willing to meet with you before or after school. You and/or your parents are welcome to contact me by e-mail or telephone. My voice mail at Salesianum is (302) 654-2495 (x-261)

Last but certainly not least-I’m really looking forward to having a great year together! Welcome!

I have read and understand Mr. Vavala’s grading policies and student responsibilities.

Student Signature __________________________