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American Experience
- AE: Weekly Syllabus
- AE: Reading Schedule
- AE: Term 3 Archive of Weekly Syllabi
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College Preparatory English 11
- CP: Weekly Syllabus
- CP: Reading Schedule
- CP: Term 3 Archive of Weekly Syllabi
- CP: Term 4 Archive of Weekly Syllabi
- CP: Semester Final Exam
Honors English 11
- Honors Weekly Syllabus
- Honors Reading Schedule
- Honors: Term 3 Archive of Weekly Syllabi
- Honors: Term 4 Archive of Weekly Syllabi
- Honors: Semester Final Exam
Junior English Course Competencies
How to: Reading
- Reader's Responses: Journals & More
- Literature Circle- Reader's Response
- Scoring Rubric -Reader's Responses & Lit Circles
- Text Connections Explained
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Literary Periods in American Literature
- Colonialism: 1600s- 1700s
- Neoclassicism: Late 1700s
- Romanticism: Mid 1800s
- Realism: 1850s-1900s
- Naturalism: Late 1800s
- Modernism: 1915- 1946
- The Harlem Resaissance: 1920s-1940s
- The Contemporary Period: 1946 - Present
- American Tall Tales & Legends
How to: Writing
- Stage One Research Paper
- Stage Two Research Paper
- Stage Three Research Paper
- Reflection Paper
- Multi-Genre Research Paper
- Revisions of All Formal Papers
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How to: Writing Traits, Scores & More
- Citations & Creating a Works Cited Section
- Formatting Formal Papers
- Conventions- Grammar, Spelling & More
- Idea Development- Thesis & Focus
- Organization- From Beginning to Middle to End
- Word Choice- Clarity & Precision
- Voice & Tone- Attitude & Audience
- Sentence Fluency- Rhythm & Flow
How to: Research Expedition
- Research Tools
- American Experience: Research Expedition
- CP English 11: Research Expedition
- Honors English 11: Research Expedition
- Research Expedition Scoring Rubric
How to:Turn-It-In
How to: Vocabulary Builder
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How to:GoogleApps
How to: Listening/Speaking/Viewing
- Digital Story Telling
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How to: Tracking Thoreau- Nature Journaling
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- Sample Nature Journal
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How to: Portfolio Project
How to: Get Published!
Independent Reading
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Getting Ready for the SAT
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Please note that I do not control and am not responsible for the accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of any documents on this web page containing hypertext points to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations. The inclusion of pointers to particular items in hypertext is not intended to reflect their importance nor to endorse any views expressed or products or services offered by the author, the referenced material, or the organization operating the server. (Adapted, Library of Congress Disclaimer.)

The Contemporary Period: 1946 - Present

Literature of this period reflects the social activism and social change characteristic of the times. In the latter half of this period, the influence of the digital age is reflected in new and emerging forms of writing and literacy.

Click here to download a short research activity which will also offer you an opportunity to pass course competency # 2.

In this period, all junior English classes will explore one or more literary works by Arthur Miller.

Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller

The Crucible by Arthur Miller

Links

The Kennedy Center Honors: Arthur Miller - interesting biographical information on Miller

Text Connections for Death of a Salesman

"Arthur Miller: Present at the Birth of a Salesman" - informative NY Times article (January,1999) on Arthur Miller and Death of a Salesman.

ISU Play Concordance: Death of a Salesman - a great resource and a handy tool when analyzing the play.

Text Connections for The Crucible

The literature:

The Crucible - a CNN interview with Daniel Day Lewis and about the 1996 film version of Miller's play.

Movie-Web: The Crucible - check out the film credits and stills from the 1996 film version

The story behind the story - what inspired Miller to write his play and screenplay?

"None Without Sin"- An article about Arthur Miller and his play The Crucible from the PBS series American Masters.

"McCarthyism"- An article about Arthur Miller and his play The Crucible from the PBS series American Masters.

The literature/history connection:

The Salem Witchcraft Trials of 1692- a great site with lots of information and Salem Witchcraft Jeopardy

Salem Witch Trials Memorial - take a virtual tour of the memorial to the victims of the witch trials.

"A Brief History of the Salem Witch Trials"- a great resources from the Smithsonian Museum.

"The Salem Witchcraft Hysteria"- cool and interactive site from National Geographic.

The literature/science connection:

Secrets of the Dead: Witches Curse- Were the afflicted girls of the Salem Witch Trials suffering from ergot poisoning? A scientist takes a look at the Salem Witch Trials at this great resource from PBS about the ergot connection.

Dramatic Performances:

Click here to access resources related to the film version of The Crucible and Death of a Salesman.

Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources

Drama: The Crucible -p. 1257

We may also explore one or more of the following literary works available as a hardcopy text:

Tears of a Tiger by Sharon Draper	*Links* Sharon Draper.com - an interesting from this author which provides many resources to help you learn all about her and her works. Tears of a Tiger - a study guide and review of this great novel from the Sharon Draper site. Students Against Destructive Decisions: Welcome to SADD History of SADD SADD Contract for Life
	Audio Book/MP3 Sadly, Tears of a Tiger* isn't available for free. Click here to download the MP3 for a fee.*

Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons	*Links* Reading Group Center: Kaye Gibbons- check out a brief biography on the author from Random House publishing.
	*Audio Book/MP3* Sadly, Ellen Foster isn't available for free. Click here to download the MP3 for a fee.

Out of the Dust

Karen Hesse

Links

The MacArthur Fellows Program: Karen Hesse - interesting biographical

information about Karen Hesse.

A Raisin in the Sun

Lorraine Hansberry

Links

American Scenes - A Collection of Essays about A Raisin in the Sun - insightful perspectives about Hansberry's play.

PAL: Perspectives in American Literature- Playwright Lorraine Hansberry - an interesting site about Hansberry.

ISU Play Concordance: A Raisin in the Sun - a nice resource from Iowa State University.

Click here to access resources related to the film version of A Raisin in the Sun.

October Sky

Homer Hickam

Links

NASA Space Link - check out what Homer was aiming for and learn about the early days of Sputnik and space exploration.

Sputnik Declassified- a multi-media resource from PBS.

West Virginia Coal Mining - discover just what coal mining in West Virginia was like in the 1950's. Learn about the impact it had on the culture and families of the region.

Homer Hickam - this site, which is maintained by Homer's wife is a great companion to October Sky and Hickam's other works.

The Natural by Bernard Malamud	*Links* Major League Baseball - check out your favorite team and read-up on what's happening in baseball today! Baseball as America - learn about how our national past time is a metaphor for who we are as a nation. "Casey at the Bat" by Ernest Lawrence Thayer- read this classic poem both in its original and Text-Flows form, with this link to the Academy of American Poets. The 1919 Black Sox Scandal- from Montgomery College in Maryland, this is an informative site with all you'd ever want to know about those "Black" Sox. Who is Eddie Waitkus and how is his life and career connected to The Natural? Read this interesting article from Time Magazine and find out! All-American Girls Professional Baseball League - yes, women once played professional baseball. Check out this site and learn about the women who inspired the film A League of Their Own. Women in the Baseball Hall of Fame? - Yes they are! Click here and learn about the Cooperstown induction of these female athletes. Baseball and Jackie Robinson - from the Library of Congress, take a look at one of baseball's naturals. The Natural: Hit or Myth?- a great article by Frank Deford on the 1984 film version of The Natural "Who's on First?" by Abbott & Costello offers an interesting connection to The Natural by Malamud. Read and listen to one of the radio broadcasts of this classic comedy routine posted at BaseballAlmanac.com. Take a look at Abbott & Costello in action here: "Homer at the Bat"- here's a clip from this episode of The Simpsons which offers many text connections to The Natural:
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Short Story: "The First Seven Years" -p. 998
	Audio Book/MP3 Sadly, The Natural* isn't available for free. Click here to download the MP3 for a fee.*

Monster by Walter Dean Myers Monster	*Links* Author Profile: Walter Dean Myers -lots of interesting information and an insightful interview with the author of Monster from Teenreads.com.
	Audio Book/MP3 Sadly, Monster* isn't available for free. Click here to download the MP3 for a fee.*

The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien	*Links* Featured Author: Tim O'Brien - News and Reviews from the Archives of The New York Times online Reader's Companion to The Things They Carried - great resource from Random House. Multi-Media Resources from PBS: Battlefield: Vietnam- PBS American Experience: Vietnam Online Department of Defense: Dictionary of Military Terms "Cartoonist for the Vietnam War Generation: Doonesbury's Garry Trudeau"- an interesting resource from the Vietnam Veterans of America. Modern American Poetry: About the Vietnam War - an interesting collection from the University of Illinois.
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Excerpt from Novel: "Ambush" (from The Things They Carried) -p. 834
	Audio Book/MP3 Sadly, The Things They Carried isn't available for free. Click here to download the MP3 for a fee.

We will also explore some of these authors and their works:

Julia Alvarez	*Links* Julia Alvarez- the author's own home page with biographical information and more Julila Alvarez - biographical information and more from the Department of English at Emory University.
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Short Story: "Antojos" -p. 1116

James Baldwin	*Links* American Masters: James Baldwin- a great resource from PBS Perspectives in American Literature: James Baldwin- a great research source from California State University
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Short Story: "The Rockpile" -p. 1184

Gwendolyn Brooks	*Links* Modern American Poetry: Gwendolyn Brooks - from the Department of English at the University of Illinois, this site offers biographical information as well as links to selected works and analysis/criticism Gwendolyn Brooks- from the Academy of American poets, biographical information and links to some of her works
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Poem: "The Explorer" -p. 1218

Diana Chang

Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources

Poem: "Most Satisfied By Snow" -p. 1133

Sandra Cisneros	*Links* Sandra Cisneros - the author's own home page with biographical information and more Modern American Poetry: Sandra Cisneros - from the Department of English at the University of Illinois, this site offers biographical information as well as links to selected works and analysis/criticism Sandra Cisneros- biographical information and more from the Academy of American poets
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Essay: "Straw Into Gold: The Metamorphosis of the Everyday" -p. 1164

Eugenia Collier

Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources

Short Story: "Marigolds" -p. 1012

Rita Dove	*Links* Rita Dove's Homepage Modern American Poetry: Rita Dove - from the Department of English at the University of Illinois, this site offers biographical information as well as links to selected works and analysis/criticism Rita Dove- biographical information and much more from the Academy of American poets.
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Essay: "For the Love of Books" -p. 1169

Tony Earley	*Links* An Interview with Tony Early- from the New York Times Online Tony Early- click here to see Early's Teacher/Professor web page at Vanderbilt University.
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Short Story: "Aliceville" -p. 1030

Louise Erdrich	*Links* Modern American Poetry: Louise Erdrich - from the Department of English at the University of Illinois, this site offers biographical information as well as links to selected works and analysis/criticism Native American Authors: Louise Erdrich- from the Native American Authors Project of the Internet Public Library
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Poem: "Bidwell Ghost" -p. 1243

Martin Espada	*Links* Modern American Poetry: Martin Espada - from the Department of English at the University of Illinois, this site offers biographical information as well as links to selected works and analysis/criticism. Martin Espada- biographical information and much more from the Academy of American poets.
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Poem: "Who Burns for the Perfection of Paper" -p. 1132

Ian Frazier	*Links* Minnesota Public Radio- Humorist Series: Ian Frazier- this page from Minnesota Public Radio has links to biographical information and much more. "Typewriter Man" by Ian Frazier - from The Atlantic Online.
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Essay: "Coyote v. Acme" -p. 1148

Joy Harjo	*Links* Joy Harjo- biographical information and much more from the Academy of American poets Native American Authors: Joy Harjo- from the Native American Authors Project of the Internet Public Library Perspectives in American Literature: Joy Harjo- a great research source from California State University
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Essay: "Suspended" -p. 1083

Robert Hayden	*Links* Modern American Poetry: Robert Hayden - from the Department of English at the University of Illinois, this site offers biographical information as well as links to selected works and analysis/criticism Robert Hayden- biographical information and much more from the Academy of American poets.
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Poem: "Frederick Douglass" -p. 1219 Poem: “Runagate Runagate” –p. 1220

John Hersey	*Links* A Life in Writing: John Hersey, 1914- 1993- from Yale University's Alumni Magazine.
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Excerpt from Nonfiction: Hiroshima -p. 1198

Garrett Hongo	*Links* Modern American Poetry: Garrett Hongo - from the Department of English at the University of Illinois, this site offers biographical information as well as links to selected works and analysis/criticism Garrett Hongo- biographical information and much more from the Academy of American poets
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Poem: "What For" -p. 1135

Randall Jarrell	*Links* Modern American Poetry: Randall Jarrell - from the Department of English at the University of Illinois, this site offers biographical information as well as links to selected works and analysis/criticism Randall Jarrell- biographical information and much more from the Academy of American poets Featured Author: Randall Jarrell- from the New York Times on the web.
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Poem: "Losses" -p. 1209 Poem: “The Death of the Ball Turret Gunner” –p. 1210

John F. Kennedy	*Links* John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum Biography of John F. Kennedy- from The White House online
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Speech: "Inaugural Address" -p. 1228

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.	*Links* Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - biographical information and more from the Nobel Foundation Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech - offers an answer to the question: "What is the American dream?" The King Center- the official website of the King Center in Atlanta, Georgia American Memory- The Library of Congress: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Excerpt from Letter: “Letter from Birmingham City Jail” -p. 1232

Maxine Hong Kingston	*Links* Bill Moyers Journal: Maxine Hong Kingston- interesting information and more from PBS 60 Years of Asian Heroes- Artists & Thinkers: Maxine Hong Kingston- great article from Time Magazine.
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Excerpt from Memoir: "The Woman Warrior" -p. 1104

Yusef Komunyakaa	*Links* Modern American Poetry: Yusef Komunyakaa - from the Department of English at the University of Illinois, this site offers biographical information as well as links to selected works and analysis/criticism. Yusef Komunyakaa- biographical information and much more from the Academy of American poets.
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Poem: "Camouflaging the Chimera" -p. 1245

Carson McCullers	*Links* Perspectives in American Literature: Carson McCullers- a great research source from California State University.
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Essay: "Loneliness… An American Malady" -p. 1153

Colleen McElroy	*Links* Colleen McElroy- brief biography and more from the University of Portland.
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Poem: "For My Children" -p. 1240

N. Scott Momaday

Links

Academy of Achievement: N. Scott Momaday- biographical information and more

Modern American Poetry: N. Scott Momaday- from the Department of English at the University of Illinois, this site offers biographical information as well as links to selected works and analysis/criticism

Native American Authors: N. Scott Momaday- from the Native American Authors Project of the Internet Public Library

New Perspectives on the West: N. Scott Momaday- great resource from PBS

N. Scott Momaday- biographical information and more from the Academy of American poets

Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources

Excerpt from Nonfiction: The Names -p. 1076

Naomi Shihab Nye	*Links* Naomi Shihab Nye- biographical information and much more from the Academy of American poets Naomi Shihab Nye: A Bill Moyers Interview- nice resource from PBS
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Essay: "Mint Snowball" -p. 1081

Flannery O’Connor	*Links* Perspectives in American Literature: Flannery O'Connor- a great research source from California State University Georgia Women of Achievement: Flannery O'Connor.
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Short Story: "The Life You Save May Be Your Own" -p. 983

Simon J. Ortiz	*Links* Native American Authors: Simon J. Ortiz- from the Native American Authors Project of the Internet Public Library Simon J. Ortiz- biographical information from the Academy of American poets Simon J. Ortiz: Native American Poet- from the University of Texas/Arlington, an informative site with link some of Ortiz's works.
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Poem: "Hunger in New York City" -p. 1134

Sylvia Plath	*Links* Sylvia Plath- biographical information and much more from the Academy of American poets Modern American Poetry: Sylvia Plath- from the Department of English at the University of Illinois, this site offers biographical information as well as links to selected works and analysis/criticism.
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Poem: "Mirror" -p. 1216

Anna Quindlen	*Links* Newsweek, Contributing Editor: Anna Quindlen- biography and more from Newsweek. Interviews: Anna Quindlen- interesting insights from a PBS interview.
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Essay: "One Day, Now Broken in Two" -p. 1156

Adrienne Rich	*Links* Adrienne Rich- biographical information and much more from the Academy of American poets Modern American Poetry: Adrienne Rich- from the Department of English at the University of Illinois, this site offers biographical information as well as links to selected works and analysis/criticism.
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Poem: "In a Classroom" -p. 1217

Theodore Roethke	*Links* Theodore Roethke- biographical information and much more from the Academy of American poets Modern American Poetry: Theodore Roethke- from the Department of English at the University of Illinois, this site offers biographical information as well as links to selected works and analysis/criticism.
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Poem: "The Light Comes Brighter" -p. 1052

William Safire	*Links* Columnist Biography: William Safire- from the New York Times The Daily Show: William Safire- Safire talks with Jon Stewart about his latest book: Safire's Political Dictionary.
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Essay: "Onomatopoeia" -p. 1146

William Stafford	*Links* William Stafford- biographical information and much more from the Academy of American poets Modern American Poetry: William Stafford- from the Department of English at the University of Illinois, this site offers biographical information as well as links to selected works and analysis/criticism.
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Poem: "Traveling Through the Dark" -p. 1053

Amy Tan	*Links* Amy Tan's Home Page- the author's own webpage filled with lots of great information. Academy of Achievement: Amy Tan- biographical information and more.
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Excerpt from Memoir –The Opposite of Fate/Essay: "Mother Tongue" -p. 1172

Anne Tyler	*Links* "Anne Tyler digs writing, puttering" - interesting USA Today interview by Carol Memmott Featured Author: Anne Tyler- great resource (many links) from the New York Times.
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Short Story: "Average Waves in Unprotected Waters" -p. 1062

Alice Walker	*Links* Alice Walker - biographical information and more from the College of Staten Island Alice Walker- biographical information and more from the Academy of American poets Featured Author: Alice Walker- great resource (many links) from the New York Times.
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Short Story: "Everyday Use" -p. 1090

Robert Penn Warren	*Links* Robert Penn Warren- biographical information and much more from the Academy of American poets Modern American Poetry: Robert Penn Warren- from the Department of English at the University of Illinois, this site offers biographical information as well as links to selected works and analysis/criticism.
	Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience - Selected Textbook Resources Poem: "Gold Glade" -p. 1050.

Overall "Text to World" & "Text to Text" Connections for this Literary Period

American Masters: The American Novel Literary Timeline- a great site from PBS, this link offers lots of information on the various movements, periods, novels and authors of American literature.

American Memory Timeline - from the Learning Page at The Library of Congress, this link will help you connect American history to American literature.

The Contemporary American Poetry Archive- find some new and amazing poets at this site from the Connecticut College Department of English.

Favorite Poem Project -one of my favorite sites, this site features "American saying poems they love" and is sponsored by Boston University.

Poetry Foundation- great resources and a wide collection of poetry!

Poems that GO - click here to visit a site that can best be described as cutting edge. Perhaps this is the start of an entirely new genre in poetry.

Poetry 180- A Poem a Day for American High Schools - we'll be reading one poem a day from this fantastic site thanks to poet laureate Billy Collins!

Create your own "refrigerator" poem with Word Mover from the NCTE.