Course Title: Honors American Literature

2 Semesters – 10 Credits – 5 Class Periods per Week
 
Course Description:
 
Honors American Literature is similar to American Literature in curriculum design but varies in that it is taught at an advanced academic level. This survey of America’s literature is designed to give the student a greater understanding and appreciation of various reading selections, both fiction and non-fiction, through analysis of elements – plot, theme, and characterization. In preparation for Advanced Placement studies, students will practice “close reading” of nonfiction using SOAPSTone analysis. This will also aid the student in achieving an increased awareness and appreciation of the ways in which America’s literature reflects the uniqueness of the American experience and heritage, both in our weaknesses and in our great achievements. On an even more fundamental level, the course is designed to give to the students considerable insight into how America’s national literature reflects the nation’s views of the great questions that men have attempted to answer through the ages – the question of God, the nature of good and evil, the basis for human dignity, the meaning to the world and human existence. Through open discussion, assignments, and writings, students will reflect on the Truth of God’s Word as it applies to the selected readings and as a mirror for self examination.  As a result, students will come to see the futility in living a life that is contrary to Biblical Truths and guidelines.
 
As a culminating project, students will prepare a writing portfolio which will display selected writings, timed writes, semester writing goals, and a reflective essay.  The purpose of this portfolio is to help students grow in their writing development, to be able to examine evidence of that growth, and to help students begin to take ownership over their writing development and learning in general. The final and most significant element of the portfolio is the Biblical Worldview essay. This essay will demonstrate the student’s ability to recognize and defend their understanding of a biblical worldview as it is has been examined and applied in the course
 
Objectives:
 

• To uncover and explore the Biblical worldview of early American writers
• Examine how the deviation from the Word of God impacted American culture
• The student will master a multi-paragraph essay in response to literature using a thesis statement as the controlling idea, varied and appropriate transition, imbedded quotes and supporting analysis.
• The student will complete a survey of American literature from the Puritan era through the twentieth century, in a variety of genres including historical/religious writing, short stories, poetry, drama and novels and reflect on that survey in discussion and in writing. 
• Students will write critical analyses of their reading or related topics with an emphasis on clarity, style, presentation and logic. 
• Students will also choose an approved American author, do research, read works by him and present a report on his world view.

 
 
Textbooks and Materials:
 
The Bible
 
Prentice-Hall: American Literature 
 
Kate Chopin, The Awakening
               
Henry David Thoreau, Walden
 
Nathaniel Hawthorne, Scarlet Letter, (New York, NY:  New American Library, 1959)
.
Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms, or The Sun Also Rises (New York, NY:  Charles Scribners Sons, 1952).
 
F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
 
Mark Twain, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, (New York, NY:  New American Library, 1959).
 
Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451.
 
R. A. McRae, S. Weiler, Vocabulary for Achievement, Fifth course,(Houghton Mifflin, 1988).
 
Wharton, Edith.  Short Stories
 
Prerequisites:
 
Honors American Literature is limited to students with junior standing; have a B in their previous English course; must have a recommendation from the previous English teacher; and provide a writing sample on an assigned topic.  Students must also complete assigned summer reading.