American Literature & Composition is a survey literature and writing course that explores canonical works of American literature through the lens of both being image-bearers of Christ and recognizing others as image-bearers. The course will examine a variety of primary and secondary source materials, novels, essays, and poetry. Students will focus on developing composition skills to develop their writing at the high school level and prepare them for future courses and the college preparatory course Writing for College. Students will learn to think critically about the texts they read, form cogent arguments and observations with textual evidence, and articulate interpretive conclusions. This course will equip students to analyze, synthesize, evaluate, and compare texts through lectures, discussions, reading, writing, and presentations. Scripture and a biblical worldview will be at the foundation of the course and will inform how we approach each and every work. Students will be expected to perform at the 10th-12th-grade high school level; therefore, they should demonstrate diligence in all course work, reading, and discussion. Participation and attendance will be imperative to understanding the literature and assignments covered in this course. Students should expect to spend approximately three hours a week on homework assignments (more time may be necessary when reading longer novels or preparing formal essays; less time will be required during poetry units). Students will write five major essays: 1) Analysis 2) Compare & Contrast 3) Research 4) Persuasive 5) Reflection.
The following textbooks and supplies are to be purchased by parents.
Under Class Details, see Class Attachment for a picture of the textbook.
It is IMPERATIVE that you search for these books using the ISBN numbers and not just the title. Only buy the book if the ISBN matches the selection below. For the novels, having the same editions allows us to perform close readings in class as well as read the same critical introductions and detailed footnotes for historical context.
Textbooks:
Holy Bible
Norton Anthology of American Literature
Shorter 8th Edition
ISBN 9780393918854
You can order this used online for less than $15. The anthology includes all poetry, essays, primary source documents, short stories, and several of the shorter novels read in this course.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Norton Critical Edition
ISBN 978-0393656596
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Norton Critical Edition
ISBN 9780393979534
Supplies:
Pen/Pencil
Highlighter
Notebook
Folder (for handouts)
3x5 index cards (100 pack)
Successful completion of KEYS HS English I and/or II or by permission of the instructor. If students are NOT CURRENTLY ENROLLED in a KEYS Math or English class, we require Placement Evaluations to be sure they are placed at the best level to help them be successful in the coming year. Please contact the office to schedule an evaluation prior to class selection.
Parents are responsible for purchasing all textbooks and supplies before the first day of class.
KEYS will invoice supply fees at the time of registration and class selection. This fee covers materials, lab supplies, and other expenses incurred by the teacher. It is a one-time fee, transferable until August, but non-refundable.
Please note the grade level for this class. Students younger than the recommended grade levels need special permission before signing up for the class. Please contact the office for more information.
What happens if a class is full? You may email administration@keysofva.org to be waitlisted.
