AMERICAN STUDIES’ PARENT GUIDE

PRE-REQUISITES

Students enrolled in American Studies must have successfully taken and passed both Composition II and Literature II.  If your student has not passed or taken either of these courses, please contact his or her counselor immediately.  If you or your student is unsure about your student’s  pre-requisites, please contact the counseling department.

COURSE MATERIALS

American Studies recognizes the imposition of last minute costs for projects and assignments.  Students will always have at least one month notice for any materials needed for class.  Students are encouraged to let Mr. Coppa and Miss Perrin know if they need assistance with purchasing materials.  Students are expected to have the following supplies for the entire year.

SUPPLY LIST

NOTEBOOK/ORGANIZATION

We find that students who are organized are more successful.  Since we generate a remarkable amount of handouts, students need a 3” 3 ring notebook.  We suggest that students organize their notebooks using the following guidelines:

American Studies Notebook

TIME MANAGEMENT

As in any class, time management is critical.  Students in American Studies will be working with multiple deadlines.  They will find that the quarter syllabus has each  assignment’s objectives (standards), explanation, evaluation, specifications, and usually an example.  Students receive the quarter syllabus the first day of each quarter to help them plan around work schedules, activities, and responsibilities at home.  Students will bring home a copy of the syllabus calendar to help with their time management.  A copy of the quarter’s syllabus is on this web site on the Syllabus page.

DRAFTS

Students in American Studies work each quarter refining the writing and research process.  Since the emphasis is on the process itself, Mr. Coppa and Miss Perrin encourage students to turn in typed drafts of their work.  Drafts will be corrected up to two class days before the final deadline.  Students who are willing to plan ahead and revise their work, have the option of guaranteeing their earning 100%  on assignments. 

 Click here for the third quarter deadline calendar

MAKE UP WORK

Students contract for deadlines in the syllabus.  This means that the deadline day is the last day that assignments are accepted.  Students are encouraged to complete assignments before the final deadline.  Daily assignments and quizzes may be made up by the following Tuesday.  Students missing class for school activities and family trips are required to complete the Advanced Make-up process and have work completed before they leave.