1

Diego Rivera Learning Complex

American Literature
2017 Summer Term

Instructor: Mr. Claustro E-mail: jclaust@yahoo.com

Office Hours: TBA Phone: Diego Rivera Learning Complex:
(310) 846-2000 ext. 1103
Classroom: 103
Website: jclaust.weebly.com

Course Overview

Welcome to your American Literature! This course is designed to build upon the reading and language
curriculum established in subsequent grade levels. Throughout this year-long course, students will have
opportunities for reading, writing, speaking, listening, and collaborating with the goal of helping students
go beyond their potential as a reader and writer and develop and expand their knowledge of literature and
language and demonstrate their mastery level of new learning through performance tasks and assessments,
which are all a part of the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.

To view the standards, please go to http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/cc/.

Course Objectives

Demonstrate knowledge of language and terminology.

Learn different styles of writing and create original and creative compositions.
Citing strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of text.
Demonstrate a mastery of the ability to clarify and organize thoughts.
Exhibit a mastery of paragraph structures.
Learn strategies to interpret various types of reading materials.
Improve reading skills by reading informative text and literary genres.
Recognize different writing styles in literature.
Determine literary elements in literature.
Demonstrate listening skills during lecture and within cooperative learning group.
Examine written, oral and visual presentations.
Demonstrate proficiency in all steps of the research process.
Obtain life-long study skills.
Use the library, computer lab, and other technological sources.

Materials and Textbooks

Below is a list of materials you should bring to class everyday:

A 3-ring 2-inch binder containing 6 dividers with tabs and college-ruled lined paper
4-Pack Multi-Color Dry-Erase Markers and Eraser
4-Pack Multi-Color highlighters
4-Pack Different ink pens (Always bring, a minimum of two, black pens for classwork)
2-Pack of Glue Sticks
A Flash-Drive, 4GB
Small Post-Its
Readings (Upon request)
Composition Book
 2

Small, personal stapler

At home, you will need:
Provided Texts
College Dictionary (Dictionary.com is welcome)
Access to course reading material
Access to a computer and printer

Classroom Expectations

You are responsible for abiding by Public Service Community School (PSCS) classroom rules and policies. To
promote a safe and enjoyable learning environment, please see below for a set of general rules you are expected
to follow in our classroom:

1. Respect yourself and others by being polite and courteous to your fellow classmates and teacher. This
includes no use of profanity or putting down your fellow students.
2. Electronic devices may not be used in class unless it is necessary for a class assignment. No charging
devices while in class.
3. No food or drinks in the classroom, except for water in a closed container.
4. Be prepared and ready to learn.
5. Use the restroom before and after class.
6. The teacher, not the time, dismisses class.

Consequences

1. Non-Verbal Warning
2. Proximity Warning
3. Private Conversation
4. Detention
5. Parent Phone Call
6. Parent Conference
7. Referral to the appropriate Administrator

*Note: I reserve the right to shift between consequences as I deem appropriate for an infraction.

Homework Policy

Homework is due the day after it is assigned unless otherwise notified. Late homework will be accepted by the
following Friday (Hardcopy only) with a deduction. Late and Make-up work are accepted and have the
opportunity for full credit in the event of an excused absence or tardy. Work can be completed after school with
parent and teacher approval in class.

Grading Policy

Grades will be determined by the following modes of assessment:

Homework
In-Class Assignments: Individual, Pair and Group.
Quizzes
Writing assignments and essays
Projects
Exams
 3

Grading Scale

Classwork / Homework 30% A 90-100%

Writing / Projects 30% B 80-89%
Tests /Quizzes 30% C 70-79%
Participation 10% D 60-69%
F 59% and Below

If you missed a quiz or an exam, you are allowed a make-up the assignment only if you have an excused
absence. Major writing assignments and projects are to be turned in on time*.

*Note: I reserve the right to exercise discretion.

Absence Policy

All absences require a valid excuse and verification of absence. Frequent absences, two or more back-to-back,
will be addressed with the student, if I have not contacted the parent or guardian. Students without an excused
absence forfeit their participation and Quote of the Day points for the day, but all absentees are required to
submit the Quote of the Day assignment.

Plagiarism / Academic Integrity

Plagiarism is a serious academic offense. Plagiarism is a form of dishonesty that occurs when a person passes
off someone else's work as his or her own. Different forms of plagiarism include failing to cite an author for
ideas incorporated into a student's paper, copying another students exam or assignment turned in for a grade,
cutting and pasting paragraphs from different websites, and handing in a paper downloaded from the internet.

Academic integrity and scholarly honorability are expected from all students. Violations of this code of honor
are no laughing matter to the school or to the District, and violators face repercussions, including a failing grade
for the assignment and parent call (All of this is easily avoided by doing your own work, and whenever you use
someone elses ideas or words in your paper, make sure you give them proper credit).

Technology

The course uses technology consistently as a resource for informative and research text. Updated information
will be posted on my website (jclaust.weebly.com) about current school events, miscellaneous English relevant
events and course information.

Students are required to work with various technological platforms and use various academic and educational
outlets on the web.

Students are required to view assignment relevant films of written works and listen to relative audio pieces.
 4

Student and Parent Contract (Please sign and date below)

I have read and understand the course syllabus for Mr. Claustros 10th English class, and I acknowledge
my responsibilities for this course.

__________ _____ __________

Print Student Name Print Parent/Guardian Name

__________ __________
Student Signature & Date Parent/Guardian Signature & Date

________________________________________ ________________________________________
Students e-mail address Parents/Guardian e-mail address

________________________________________ ________________________________________
Students home phone # Parents/Guardian home phone #

________________________________________
Parents/Guardian work/cell phone #

Comments to/for the teacher: