African American Literature Syllabus - Mrs. Goff



African-American Literature Syllabus

Mrs. Michelle L. Goff

michelle_goff@jcsd.k12.ms.us

mrsgoff105.

Course Description:

African American Literature is an English elective class. Throughout the nine weeks we will discuss various forms of essays, poetry, prose, and plays in order to study the transformation of literature, culture, and philosophical ideologies in the African-American community. We will further discuss the impact African American literature has had on American literature and well as American culture.

Course Outline and Assessment:

I) Introduction to African American literature

a) Vocabulary

II) Oral Traditions

a) Slave narratives & spirituals – students will learn about the role spirituals played in African American history and religion.

III) Sharecropping/Post-Civil War America & Jim Crow Laws

a) Various authors and selections

b) Group research and present Jim Crow Laws from various states

IV) Harlem Renaissance

V) Civil Rights movement

a) Martin Luther King, Jr. – I Have a Dream

VI) Current Hurdles

V. Novel Unit

Grading Procedures:

A= 100 – 90

B= 89 – 80

C= 79 – 70

D= 69 – 65

F= 64 – below

20% - Exam

10% - Homework

25% - Daily grades

45% - Tests

Materials:

One inch binder box of tissue

Pen/pencils antibacterial wipes

Paper

Dictionary

One pack of copy paper

Students will need to purchase a book by week two of this nine weeks. If you are facing a financial hardship, please notify me via email or call 2285887000. I do not want a child to be without. This book is needed for in class reading. Further, your child may donate the book at the end of the nine weeks for a bonus grade. This is completely optional.

A Gathering of Old Men by Ernest J. Gaines

A Gathering of Old Men by Ernest J. Gaines this nine weeks is a nationally accredited novel and has received numerous awards for its impact on literature, society, and schools.

Information can be found at the following websites regarding these novels:



and



and



This novel contains mild language, racism, and violence.

If you would prefer your child not read this book, please indicate below. Your child will receive an alternate novel with similar themes.

Should have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Miscellaneous information:

❖ Plagiarism: Taking someone else’s ideas or words (intentionally or not) and claiming they are your own is illegal. Therefore, it will not be tolerated in this class. If you plagiarize you will earn a zero for the assignment with no option of “re-doing” the assignment. Be diligent writers to avoid plagiarism; if you use a source to help you write, simply cite your sources. Giving credit to the original author saves you the embarrassment of plagiarizing another’s work.

Parents/Guardians:

If you would like to receive periodic email progress reports regarding your son/daughter, please email me at michelle_goff@jcsd.k12.ms.us. This helps me ensure address accuracy. I usually send messages on Monday for the previous week.

Also, this is a tentative syllabus and is subject to change. If you or your child has any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Thank you in advance for your time and support in your child’s education. I hope to have a successful semester with your student.

I, _______________________, have read Mrs. Goff’s African-American Literature syllabus,

Student name

and have shared its information with my parent/guardian.

□ I have reviewed A Gathering of Old Men and will allow my child to read, analyze, and write about the themes/character therein.

□ I would rather my child NOT read A Gathering of Old Men.

_________________________ _________________________

Student Signature Parent Signature

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download