Northfield High School

Mrs. Ellen Mucha - ellen.mucha@nfld.k12.mn.us

Welcome to Contemporary Literature! This one semester English elective will give you the opportunity to read some fantastic novels, poetry, and short stories. We will work on our critical analysis skills as we both discuss and write about literature.

Our Goal

Through critical analysis of literature, we will uncover what contemporary authors have to say about their worlds and themselves. In doing so we will perfect our reading and writing skills in order to be more capable of expressing ourselves with confidence and clarity.

Activities

Here's a little bit of what we'll do this year…

 Read and analyze some great pieces of literature

 Distinguish the features and conventions of literature

 Listen and comprehend, evaluate and respond to literature

 Produce writing that demonstrates a clear, purposeful response to literature  

 Perfect our use of grammar, usage, spelling, vocabulary, and voice

 Participate in Socratic Seminar to give our personal understanding of literature

 Participate in book clubs

 Have a lovely time together

Supply List

 Loose-leaf paper

 Notebooks

 Two pocket folder or three ring binder

 Pens and pencils

Memory Stick if unable to retrieve work done at home through e-mail 

You are expected to have your novel and all your supplies with you every day.

Attendance

If you were absent, check the "I was absent" binder for any work you need to make up. You are responsible for making up any work you miss. I will not seek you out. This is your responsibility. "I didn't know about it" is not a valid excuse. You have two days after returning to make up the work. Previously announced tests and papers are due immediately upon return to school. The attendance and tardy policy for the school will be strictly followed.

Late Work

All late work will be marked down 50%. Please simply get your work in on time.

Evaluation

Evaluation of your work will be based on total points and then will be converted to percentages:

94-100% = A 80-83% = B- 67-69% = D+

90-93% = A- 77-79% = C+ 64-66% = D

87-89% = B+ 74-76% = C 60-63% = D-

84-86% = B 70-73% = C- 0-59% = F

I will be happy to discuss your progress with you at any time. Midquarter reports will be sent out to any student receiving a D+ or below. Final grades will be calculated based on the following:

85% Coursework

15% Final exam

If you need any help, or want to discuss our class, please see me to have a chat.

Each of us has the power to make our class fun, comfortable, and a place where we can all learn.