American Literature, Writing II

Taught by Chris Westrate

two main objectives: develop critical literacy and thoughtful written expression
read the literature of the United States thematically from Puritans to Postmoderns
begin to master the various writing genres, practice throughout the year
hone paragraphing, syntax and diction

American Literature, Writing II is a reading and writing course for 11th and 12th graders which develops critical literacy and thoughtful written expression.

The reading component is a thematic study of some of the greatest works of American literature. We read poetry, short stories, and novels, along with some of our country’s founding documents and greatest speeches. Poe, Hawthorne, Emerson, Whitman, Melville, Wharton, Hemingway, O'Connor, Potok, and Salinger are among the great authors we study together. American heritage and identity are emphasized as the tutor asks students to wrestle with our national past and how that past affects and speaks to our present American culture.

Students write a typed essay or creative piece approximately every three weeks. These pieces cover a range of written expression: reflection, exposition, persuasion, literary analysis, narrative, poetry, etc. While encouraging academic thinking, these assignments sharpen writing skills and enable students to mature as communicators. Students participate in writing exercises which hone diction, syntax, paragraphing, outlining, grammar mechanics, etc. One significant emphasis of this course is learning how to produce a process term paper which includes research, source selection, thesis development, strategies for structure, citations, and a works cited page.