English 11 and Honors English 11

English 11 and Honors English 11 are surveys of American literature that include short stories, essays, memoirs, poems, novels, and plays representing various time periods and cultures in American society. We will begin by exploring Native American myths, the works of the Puritans, the contributions of Franklin, Jefferson, Twain, Bierce, Wiesel, Hershey, Cisneros, and many others. Students in these classes will develop analytical reading skills, mature writing styles, and understand literature in its historical context. The short stories, poems, essays, and novels we read and discuss are all important to our culture. If at any time parents feel a book is not appropriate for their child, I offer the option of substituting another work from the same genre which expresses a worldview compatible with the historical context of the assigned work.

Class objectives

  • College Prep. English 11 – To teach students to write for college; to develop a love of literature that transcends reading the plot; to explore literature in its historical context; to evaluate changing worldviews; to encourage use of technology in support of learning; to inspire personal integrity, intellectual curiosity, self-knowledge, and respect for the beliefs of others.
  • Honors English 11 – To teach students to write for college; to develop a love of literature that transcends reading the plot; to trace the changing worldviews of our nation as it grows by exploring literature in its historical context and each period’s influence on the next; to prepare for the English 12 AP exam; to encourage use of technology in support of learning; to inspire personal integrity, intellectual curiosity, self-knowledge, and respect for the beliefs of others.

Students live very busy lives. Athletics, community and school service, music, dance, church activities, family time, and friends fill their days from “can to can’t.” Knowing this, I have set aside some time twice a week just for reading, studying, and writing. Students are invited to attend The Reading Room every Monday and Thursday from 2:40 – 3:20 P.M. in my room. This quiet study time is a chance to read, ask questions, and discuss literature.
That old adage that all work and no play makes us dull is also true about school. Students are invited to attend Checkmate on Tuesday from 2:40 – 3:20. Students are invited to bring a friend and play a game of chess. All levels of players are welcome. Instruction on play will be available.