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College Bound Research Helper Advanced Comp Advanced Lit  Amer. Studies (H)

Speech Team

Student Council

College Credit Speech

Composition II

Literature II

 

Honors American Studies for the College Bound Highly Motivated Student

Grade Level: 11

Prerequisite/Requirements: Grade of B or better in Composition II or Advanced Composition, a grade of B or better in Literature II or in Advanced Literature, and a grade of B or better in World History. Is you don’t meet these requirements, you must see the instructors for a possible waiver.

Costs to Students: Approximately $35.00 for novels so that students may highlight and take notes in their books.

Course Description:

Honors is designed for juniors who want to challenge themselves as readers, writers, thinkers, group members, and discussion participants.  Because this course is not required for graduation (a junior may take American Studies instead), the instructors encourage students who are college bound and who are eager to work and to learn to take this course.  Honors American Studies combines the study of American literature with the study of American history. Students earn two credits, one for English and one for social studies. The class is team taught by an English teacher and a social studies teacher. Students will gain a better appreciation of man’s role in engaging, influencing and creating the society in which he lives. Students will study major periods of American history while focusing on the 20th Century and beyond. Students will be required to apply 18th and 19th Century events, institutions, and ideas to the 21st Century for contemporary analysis and understanding.  Since literature mirrors history, the reading selections will enhance the students’ understanding of historical periods. Students will also engage in units of study that will enhance their ability to excel on the ACT test, to speak logically in front of an audience, to use technology to create projects and presentations, to effectively work in groups, to enhance study skills, to research and problem solve, and to employ critical analysis.  Students will be required to create analytical essays, papers, and research papers.  Therefore, it is strongly recommended that students take Advanced Composition prior to Honors American Studies.  Students who do not have strong writing backgrounds should expect to complete independent units of study.  Students will also discuss and debate historical and contemporary issues and literature.  The student enrolled in this class will be assigned to read two books as required summer reading.  Any student who does not complete the summer reading component will forfeit honors credit for the first quarter. The student will not be allowed the option of dropping Honors American Studies to take American Studies.  Students who chose the Honors course must remain in that course!  Students will incur additional expenses for books  (approximately $35.00) and for field trips.

 

This is an exciting learning challenge!

Books we read:

Catch 22                                       Their Eyes Were Watching God

Farewell to Arms                          Black Like Me

Catcher in the Rye                       Lord Jim

Fast Food Nation                          Piano Lesson

Major Projects We Create:

The Decades multi-media show                 Muckraker Magazine

Policy Paper                                                Major term paper