CENTRAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL – HUTCHINSON, KS
Course Title: English 11 (American Literature)
Instructor: Mrs. Kathryn Rich
School Year: 2008-2009
Grade: 11
Credit Value:    .5 per semester

Textbook:

  • American Literature, Bob Jones Press
  • The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne
  • The Red Badge of Courage, Crane
  • The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Twain

Overview:

The study of American Literature reflects the evolution of our national identity. The earliest pieces of literature in the text evidence the firm Christian heritage our pilgrim forefathers gave us. The year-long review strongly emphasizes (through various classic American authors) our departure from those early convictions. Substantial written responses to the novels are required as well as other shorter writing assignments. The instructor’s hope is to encourage each student to be a thinking reader rather than a passive one. It is presumed that the student has mastered the rules of grammar and will apply them in writing.

Class supplies:

Besides the text, are paper, a notebook used exclusively for in-class note taking, pencil, and pen. Also required is a journal for weekly entries and for literature-based vocabulary. The student planner is an excellent tool to help teenagers improve their organizational skills and increase their accountability. Lesson plans, including any homework and upcoming tests are written on the board daily for the student to copy into the planner and keep parents informed

Christian Worldview:

Seven Christian worldview questions are posed to the class and answered. These questions are then applied to the literature read through the year. Students are to draw conclusions from their reading to determine whether the author presents a biblical view on topics such as sin, eternity, truth, and morality. The complete list of questions should be in the student’s literature notebook.

Grading:

English students are required to be active learners and not expect the instructor to delineate the minutiae for exams. An online grade book is kept, located at www.teacherease.com. Students and parents are invited to access this site at any time. This information is kept as current as possible and all report card grades are based on the assignments noted there. Students are given a password for individual access.

Conduct:

The school handbook describes acceptable classroom behavior. The nature of the course includes participation through discussion, so that is encouraged at the appropriate time.

Contact the instructor through the school office or school email krich@centralchristianschool.net. It is a personal calling to be involved in Christian education, and it is a privilege to work with students to develop thinking and mature followers of Christ.