American Literature
AMILT100 — American Literature, 3.0 hours
This course enables students to improve their writing and critical reading skills, develop an understanding of how cultural events impact literature and media, and help them use critical thinking skills to improve their analysis and argument skills. Additionally, the class puts emphasis on research, showing students how to locate, identify, and cite outside sources to improve their own arguments.
Professor
Haley Pavic has worked in all levels of education, providing support, assistance, and tutoring, since she was 13 years old. She is passionate about bridging the gap in literacy and writing skills that affects many adults, both young and old. Haley earned her Master's degree in Writing from Johns Hopkins University.
Haley enjoys both reading and writing science fiction and fantasy and is currently working on a novel. She lives in Painesville, OH with her dog, Xena, and a clowder of cats.
Online Support (IT) and Moodle Navigation
All members of the Lakewood University community who use the University’s computing, information or communication resources must act responsibly. Support is accessible by calling 1-800-517-0857 option 2 or by emailing info@lakewood.edu
Books and Resources
Kirszner, L. G., & Mandell, S. R. ([Insert Year of Publication]). PORTABLE Literature: Reading, Reacting, Writing (10th ed.). Cengage Learning US.
Evaluation Method
Graded work will receive a numeric score reflecting the quality of performance.
Course Requirement Summary
- Assignments - Total of 80 Points
- Weekly discussion forums-Total of 80 Points
- Final Essay-Total of 25 Points
Grading Scale
Graded work will receive a numeric score reflecting the quality of performance as given above in evaluation methods. The maximum number of points a student may earn is 250. To determine the final grade, the student's earned points are divided by 250.
Your overall course grade will be determined according to the following scale:
A = (90% -100%)
B = (80% - 89%)
C = (70% - 79%)
D = (60% - 69%)
F < (Below 60%)
Assignment and Discussion Forum Post Rubrics
Writing Assignment Grading Rubric
|
Points |
Excellent |
Good |
Poor |
Very Poor |
No Response |
|
Original Posting ____/10 |
Writing assignment was well thought out, coherent, and thoughtfully organized with all parts of the questions addressed along with appropriate grammar and spelling |
Writing was clear and relatively well organized and responded to many/most of the key points with a few mistakes in regard to grammar and spelling |
Writing was somewhat confusing and not well organized and had little or no focus on the subject matter with significant grammar and spelling errors |
Writing is confusing and hard to follow with no organization while missing the point of the assignment entirely |
No Assignment |
|
Total Points ____/10 |
Additional Comments: |
Discussion Question Grading Rubric
|
Points |
Excellent Pass |
Good Pass |
Poor Fail |
No Response Fail |
|
Original Posting PASS/FAIL |
Original post reflected good focus to the discussion with well thought out ideas and appropriate grammar and spelling |
Original post responded to the topic in a general fashion but failed to organize them well and had a few mistakes in regard to grammar and spelling |
Responded with little or no focus to the discussion and contained short, irrelevant and/or confusing commentary with significant grammar and spelling errors |
No posting |
|
Reply to fellow student PASS/FAIL |
Response to fellow student reflected good focus to the post with well thought out ideas and appropriate grammar and spelling |
Response to fellow student in a general fashion but failed to organize them well and had a few mistakes in regard to grammar and spelling |
Little or no focus to the post and contained short, irrelevant and/or confusing commentary with significant grammar and spelling errors |
No posting |
|
Total Points PASS/FAIL |
Additional Comments: |
Academic Integrity/ Plagiarism
Cheating (dishonestly taking the knowledge of another person whether on a test or an assignment and presenting it as your work) and plagiarism (to take and pass off as one's own the ideas or writing of another) are a serious issue. While it is legitimate to talk to others about your assignments and incorporate suggestions, do not let others "write" your assignments in the name of peer review or "borrow" sections or whole assignments written by others. We do get ideas from life experiences and what we read but be careful that you interpret these ideas and make them your own.
I am aware that many types of assignments are available on the internet and will check these sources when there is legitimate suspicion.
Penalty is a zero on the assignment. In cases where there is a major or continuous breach of trust, further discipline, such as an "F" in the course, may be necessary.
The major consequence of any form of cheating is damage to your character and the result of trust and respect.
Disability Accommodations
Students who have a disability and wish to request an academic accommodation should contact Jim Gepperth, the Disabilities Services Coordinator and Academic Dean. The student can request an accommodation at any time although it is encouraged to do so early in the enrollment process. The student should complete an accommodation request form which begins a conversation between the school and the student regarding the nature of their disability and an accommodation that would help the student succeed in their program. The school may request documentation regarding the disability to address the accommodation request effectively. The school will communicate to the student the type of accommodation arranged. This process typically follows a team approach, bringing together persons from the academic department (including the instructor) and personnel from other departments as necessary. Additional information on disability accommodations may be found in the Lakewood University Catalog.
Disability Services Email: disabilityservices@lakewood.edu
Supplemental Texts
You can use the following resources to assist you with proper source citation.
American Psychological Association Style Guide- https://www.mylakewoodu.com/pluginfile.php/118179/mod_resource/content/1/APA%20Style%20Guide%207th%20edition.pdf
The Purdue OWL website is also a helpful resource for students. Here is a link to the OWL website: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html
Library
Mary O'Dell is the Librarian on staff at Lakewood University
She is available by appointment. You can make an appointment with her by emailing her at modell@lakewood.edu or call at 1-800-517-0857 X 730
You may also schedule a meeting at this link: https://my.setmore.com/calendar#monthly/r3a761583354923270/01032020
She can assist you with navigating LIRN, research, citations etc.
Support
Each student at Lakewood University is assigned a Success Coach. Your Success Coach exists to assist you with academic and supportive services as you navigate your program. They will reach out to you, often, to check-in. Please use the resources they offer.
Student Services is available to assist with technical questions regarding Lakewood University and all services available to you.
1-800-517-0857 option 2
info@lakewood.edu
studentservices@lakewood.edu
Career Services
Students are offered Career Services at any point as they journey their academics at Lakewood University.
1-800-517-0857 option 2
careerservices@lakewood.edu
Objectives
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Demonstrate the ability to critically analyze and evaluate American literature texts.
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Analyze the elements and techniques used by authors to convey ideas and messages.
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Explain the historical and cultural contexts that influenced the development of American literature.
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Interpret and analyze various American literature forms, including but not limited to short stories, poetry, and novels.
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Identify and describe the major themes and motifs present in American literature texts.
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Develop original interpretations and perspectives on American Literature texts supported by evidence and analysis.
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Organize and develop essay drafts with correct formatting and ideas expressed in clear, concise, and correct English.
Lessons
- Reading and Writing about Literature
- Study Course Syllabus
- Read Chapter 1 & 2
- Complete Form
- Complete Assignment
At Completion of the Lesson
- Writing Literary Arguments
- Read Chapter 3 & 4
- Complete Forum
- Complete Assignment
At Completion of the Lesson
- Understanding Fiction
- Read Chapter 9
- Complete Forum
- Complete Assignment
At Completion of the Lesson
- Understanding Plot
- Read Chapter 9
- Complete Forum
- Complete Assignment
At Completion of the Lesson
- Understanding Character
- Read Chapter 10
- Complete Forum
At Completion of the Lesson
- Understanding Setting
- Read Chapter 11
- Complete Forum
At Completion of the Lesson
- Understanding Poetry
- Read Outside Sources or Links Provided
- Complete Forum
At Completion of the Lesson
- Review and Write About American Literature
- Read Optional Outside Sources
- Complete Forum
- Complete Final Essay
At Completion of the Lesson