English III: American Literature

Course Syllabus
Information:
Jason Simon (jason.simon@ais.edu.vn)
American International School (AIS) HCMC, Vietnam
Academic Year 2013-2014
Room 306, Blocks B, E & F
Objectives:
In this class, youll read a variety of short stories, essays and poems spanning from
the American colonial period to the 20th century. Through these readings, youll
observe how American literature emerged as something unique and distinct from its
European influences. Specifically, youll see how the values of America and the
events in its historythings youll also learn about this year in US Historyare
reflected by its literature. Youll also write a bunch of stuff, take a few quizzes, do
some homework and create some projects and presentations. Itll be a good time. I
promise. Im not trying to turn you all into antisocial bookworms or future English
majors, but courses like this are important in increasing your literacy as well as your
analytical and critical thinking skills.
Materials:
McDougal Littell Literature: American Literature (2008)aka the giant
textbook
an electronic course pack of additional readings and files which Ill give to
you
other books to be checked out of the library from time to time
an email address to register for Edmodo where Ill be posting and
collecting assignments
Youll also need something to write with and something to write on every day. Oh,
and if you dont already know that then I should probably remind you to put pants
on every day, to swallow when eating and to continue breathing and blinking.
Grading:
Homework (10 %)I dont give too much homework (this isnt math
after all), but sometimes well run out of time and have to finish things at
home or youll have to respond to something Ive put on Edmodo. Most of
your work outside of this class will involve reading short stories, poems,
etc. so we can talk about them in class.
In-Class Writing Responses (15 %)Approximately once a week, Ill
post an essay prompt on the board and give you twenty minutes to
respond either on your laptop or on paper. These arent formal essays, but

they should demonstrate some kind of planning and organization. At the

end of each quarter, Ill have you choose the five you like best for me to
grade. Youre responsible for not losing them. Ill try not to choose boring
prompts.
Reading Quizzes (15%)We wont have these all the time, but
sometimes Ill need to check your understand of what were reading and
to make sure youre actually reading. There will be no trick questions, so,
if youre reading what youre supposed to, these will be easy As. If youre
not reading, Im hoping these will convince that you should be.
Essays (30%)Every quarter, youll have one formal writing assignment.
It may be an academic essay or something more creative, but youll be
required to compose a rough draft, bring it to class for peer review and
respond to feedback to create a polished final draft. Ill collect all essays
on Edmodo.
Projects & Presentations (30%)Every quarter, youll have one
project or presentation. These will either involve creating something
artistic, using media and/or technology or delivering a presentation in
front of the class. Youll also complete self and peer evaluations to help
me grade these projects.

Letter grades are assigned according to the procedures of AIS. Yes, I know how
important getting a 93% A instead of a 92% A- is to you.
Policies:
ParticipationStay awake, limit conversations with the people around
you and dont talk while Im talking. I dont require a completely silent
classroom, which is sort of creepy actually, but you should be paying
attention while Im teaching you. Taking notes is a good idea. Youd be
surprised how much it can help you later on. Oh, and please dont do your
pre-calculus homework in my class. Doing math in an English class is a
form of blasphemy. Maybe just dont do your work for other classes during
my class period.
PreparationCome to class on time with the appropriate materials
(something to write with, something to write on) and have your
assignments with you when theyre due. Although I do accept late
assignments, I will deduct points from the preparation category of my
rubric. And please dont ask me to print things for you. Those office ladies
look at me suspiciously when I go in there.
Laptops & GadgetsUnless youre working on an in-class writing
response or group activity or taking notes, you dont need them. You
should never be playing games, chatting or using social networking while
Im teaching. I know that you think youre master multitaskers, but youd
be surprised how little you remember if youre playing Temple Run 2 or
Candy Crush Saga while Im trying to teach you about Mark Twain.

Sometimes though if were reading or writing silently, itll be OK to use

iPods.
Leaving the ClassroomIf you need a drink or to use the restroom and
Im not in the middle of teaching, grab a pass and go. Otherwise, wait until
Im done speaking and Ive given you time to read or work on a project.
And please dont leave my room to buy food from the cafeteria or to
challenge your friends to a climactic ping pong battle upstairs. My goal is
to never be asked by the principal why my students are upstairs in the
cafeteria during class. I wont have your back if youre caught up there.
Academic DishonestyOK, this ones pretty serious. Its an automatic
grade of 0% for any copying, plagiarizing or cheating. No exceptions. If
youre attempting to get into a Western university, you need to
understand how serious this is. In many American universities, if youre
caught cheating, youll be expelled from the university and possibly kicked
out of the country depending on your visa status. Please do your own
work.

Its not my goal to run a strict classroom, so Im hoping enforcing these policies
wont be much of an issue. If verbal reminders dont work, I will have to contact the
principal and/or your parents. Please be responsible and dont make me do that.
Punishing 11th graders is lame.
Tentative Schedule:
Unit 1 The American Dream (1 week)
Unit 2 All Men Are Created Equal (5 weeks)