Course Syllabus

EN300A/EN300B: American Literature Syllabus

2024-2025

Ms. Ohsman: ohsmana@issaquah.wednet.edu

Room: 2309  Prep: 2308

Welcome to American Literature! I am looking forward to working with all of you this year. This syllabus gives a general overview of the course content and expectations. 

Course Description/Goals: In this course, juniors focus on refining analytical skills in reading, writing and thinking. Through a study of American literature, students examine a wide variety of themes. Students further develop skills in vocabulary, grammar, mechanics and usage, oral communication, presentation and research skills through analytical essays, poetry, narratives and debate. Link to the Issaquah HS course guide can be found here for more details.

Classroom Expectations: In this class we will respect each other and the classroom environment by being courteous and using appropriate classroom language in discussions and writing assignments. It is essential to come to class prepared by having completed the reading or any other homework assignments. We read really interesting stuff this year and you will only get to experience this if you come to class having read and are prepared to discuss. We will have a number of smaller writing assignments and two formal process essays each semester. We will almost always have in class time dedicated to working on our writing and it is essential that students use this time productively. Ask questions! I am here to support you. I encourage you to communicate with me about any needs, struggles, extenuating circumstances, or successes that you have. I want to make this the best experience possible for you. Talk to me in class, after class, or over email as much as you need.

Homework: Homework, when assigned, should typically not exceed 30 minutes per night.  The actual amount of homework will depend on the unit. During novel units there are nightly reading assignments, usually a chapter depending on the number of pages. Additionally, while writing papers there tends to be some writing which is expected to be done at home. However, there is a lot of class time provided for essay drafting. Vocabulary and a variety of projects will occur throughout the year.

Social Emotional Learning: In English class we read novels, short stories, poetry and other texts that explore the human condition. Built into our daily activities we will regularly discuss topics that ask students to dig deep and reflect on the lived experiences of people from diverse backgrounds to increase their social and self awareness. These topics include but are not limited to: race, gender, religion, socio-economic status, family dynamics, and mental health. 

Grade Categories: 

• PREP (reading checks, daily responses, exit tickets, warm ups, discussion preparation, etc.) are worth 10% of the grade.
• PROCESS (quote analysis, writing process elements, small projects, formal discussions, etc.) are worth 30% of the grade. 
• PRODUCT (final draft essays, major projects, presentations) are worth 60% of the grade. Estimated frequency 3-5 per semester; at least 2 per semester will be full process essays. 

Grading: 

• I will be keeping all grades on Canvas. ONLY quarter grades and semester grades will be found in Skyward. For up to date grades and information on specific assignments please check Canvas!
• The ELA department does not round final grades, or offer extra credit. 

Late Work:

• PREP: Assignments in the PREP Category may not be submitted late. If a student has an excused absence, they should discuss makeup options with their teacher. 
• PROCESS:  Assignments in the PROCESS Category may be submitted for late credit up to three school days after the posted due date for a maximum of 80% of the assessed score. 
• PRODUCT: Assignments in the PRODUCT category may be submitted until 10 school days before the end of the semester (i.e., January 11) for a maximum of 80% of the assessed score.     

**Assignments in any category that are due within the last 10 school days of the semester will not be accepted late.  

Recovery of Significant Grades: 

• If a student submits a PRODUCT assignment by the posted due date and earns below an 80%, they will be given an opportunity to conference with the teacher to rework the submission for up to 80% on that assignment according to the specific recovery timeline. 
• Violations of the IHS academic integrity policy will result in a zero on the assignment and no opportunity for recovery.

Grading Scale

Missing Work: When you haven’t turned something in at the due date, I will enter a 0 and missing in the gradebook. The 0 is not necessarily permanent! You are still able to turn in your work and the late work/grace period policy applies. I enter a 0 because it is the clearest way for us to communicate with you and your adults that you haven’t turned something in. 

Technology Policy: Students are not permitted to use their cell phone, headphones, or other technology during class unless given explicit teacher permission. Inappropriate use of technology will result in consequences per school policy. Students will be given one warning, if behavior continues their device will be confiscated for the duration of the period. Repeat behavior will result in a referral, lunch detention and/or parent contact. Students are expected to come with their school issued laptop, charged and ready to go each day.

Academic Integrity: 

You are expected to submit your own original work. Contributions from other sources including generative AI must be properly quoted and cited every time.

• Referring to AI & other online sources often leads to inadvertent borrowing of ideas.
• Copying another student’s work (even partially) is considered plagiarism.
• Unless an assignment is specifically designated as a group or partner activity, it should be completed independently.
• Prompts for timed writes and other assessments shouldn’t be shared or discussed.

Materials: You will need the following materials for this class:

• Composition book or spiral dedicated to English 
• Highlighters (3-4 different colors is ideal)
• Post-it notes or page flags
• Blue/black pen and/or pencil 
• Lined notebook Paper

Tentative Overview of Units 

**We may cut or change a few of these based on how the year goes.**

American Lit Syllabus 2024-2025.pdf