American Literature and Composition (NW)

Class Year:  2022-2023
Time:  Mon 12:00 pm - 02:00 pm;
Teacher:  Joyce Maglothin
Tuition:  $700 / Year or $70 / Month for 10 Months
Supply Fee:  $65 / Year - Due Upon Registration (Non-Refundable after August 1)
Location:  Northwest (Cypress)

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Minimum Student Requirement for course to make: 6.  This is a discussion-based course, and I find that students get the most out of the course with this minimum number.

Maximum Class Size:  18

American Literature is a college-preparatory literature course. The works we read in this course, including novels, short stories, and poems, have been selected for literary quality and for their place in the historical development of literature. Students will gain an understanding of the development of American literature and will practice the skills of close literary analysis through essays and discussion. We will examine the worldviews of both the authors and their times and how this shaped their writing.

This course will cover a large section of American literature beginning with the colonial times to the present.  We will read authors such as Fitzgerald, Hawthorne, Poe, and Bradbury.  Time permitting, Steinbeck, Dickinson, and Edwards may join the party. ???? Students will read closely, think carefully, critically & analytically, and discuss thoroughly. This prepares them to write persuasively.

And part of any writing program of necessity includes nods to grammar, spelling, and vocabulary, especially SAT vocabulary.

Our writing focus will be on literary analysis which will be done through short essays and a full research paper. Comprehension will be tested through short quizzes each week as well as unit and semester finals.  

My goal is for students to be excited about seeing literature come to life, sharing their words through writing, and broadening their world view. I do set high standards but work to provide students the tools necessary to succeed.

**Students wishing to take this course without prior completion of Classic and World Literature MUST have teacher approval.

**Upon successful completion of this course, parents may choose to award 1 High School Honors English credit.

A complete list of novels and texts TBD

How this class fits into the sequence of PREP High School Literature:

9^th grade (& up)– Classic Literature. This course covers the basics of writing, including how to gather information, outline thoughts, and write with style. Students will begin learning analysis in their reading through various works of short stories, full length novel, plays and poetry.

10th grade (& up)– World Literature. This course continues to build on the writing skills and expand the depth at which we look at literature. Students will dig deeper into literary analysis through short stories, novels, plays, and poetry from around the world. Students will write a research paper in this class.

11^th grade (& up) – American Literature.   This course will cover a large scope of American literature from colonial times to now. This course is faster paced. Students will become proficient in analyzing the works that are read which will include a mixture of novels, short stories, plays, and poetry. The writing focus is on literary analysis.

Tuition: $700/year OR $100/month for 7 months (September – March).  Tuition received after the 15^th of the month will incur a late fee of $20.  If you wish to make one payment for the entire year the reduced price is $665, which must be received by September 1.  Although I do accept cash and paper checks, I prefer automated checks via your bank each month. 

One Time Registration/Supply Fee: $65. This holds your spot in the class. No refunds after August 1. Parents supply all novels and supplemental texts.

Withdrawal Fee: Three months’ tuition after 9/15/2022.