American Studies.

CLASS EXPECTATIONS

"If you plant ice, you're gonna harvest wind." Robert Hunter/Jerry Garcia

Class Rules

1. RESPECT- Respect your fellow classmates and their opinions. Do NOT make derogatory remarks about your classmates and/or their ideas or opinions. Treat your fellow classmates like you would a family member. Yes, we will have our differences, but at the end of it all will be a big group hug!

2. Come to class prepared. Bring all of the materials that you will need each day, and I will be ready well in advance with a plan for you to have fun learning each week!

3. Be on time for class and I will be on time for class.

4. Participate in the class discussions. Your grade depends on it and it is a lot more fun when you get involved!

5. Complete reading assignments and I will too.

6. I believe in technology and the benefits of creating a high tech, authentic learning experience. Technology should not be a “cat and mouse” game between teachers and students, but rather the conduit between the teacher and the students. Please be respectful when using technology in the classroom. Show me your technological genius by what you create rather than by what you can get away with.

Technology Cont.

If you are using your laptop as an entertainment center during class, I will ask you what it is that you are doing. If you are not honest, it will be considered an honor offense. I will also dismiss you from class, and take your laptop for 24-72 hours.  It will be counted as an unexcused absence as well (I do believe that most counselors give a DC for unexcused classes) .Your laptop is not a right, but a privilege. If your laptop is confiscated, and you have a project due for another class....tough luck. Be responsible!

Grading Policy

  Homework = 0- 50 points (major assignments are worth more)

Quizzes = 5 – 75 points

  Papers = 50 – 200 points

Tests = 100 – 150 points

Participation in class discussions = 0 – 10 points per day + the benefit of the doubt in quarter and semester grades that are close (i.e. an 89.5 would be rounded up to an A if that person participates in the class discussions). PLUS, it is more fun to participate (Notice a theme here?!).

Projects = 50 – 250 points

Notebook= 100 points  I will grade the organization, amount, and quality of your notes from class. I expect notes to be taken on images, readings and videos that we cover in class. If you are a good notetaker, you will do well in this class.

Active Reading Notes = 10 points  Must be done with a felt tip pen.

What You Will Need This Year

Red or brightly colored felt tip pens - These are excellent for active reading, and I will check to see if you are reading with a pen.

Notebook- You will need to take notes in this notebook. Don’t use one notebook for several classes.

Folder - You will keep a portfolio of all of you writings in here. We’re gonna fill ‘er up!

A Functioning Laptop- Don’t jam up your laptop with video games, chat programs, or 85,000 iTunes. Keep it in good shape, and don’t play frisbee with it in the barracks or dorms. HINT: If it takes more than 45 minutes to boot up, something might be wrong.

What Will Happen This Year

           We will learn.

         We will have fun whether you like it or not.

         We will read, write, and speak...a lot!

        You will learn to use your computer. I will teach you some cool stuff, and if you discover something interesting, share it with me.

The Bottom Line

           During my junior year in college, I was blessed with the opportunity to have an amazing teacher, Dr. Lana Hartman Landon, that turned me on to learning. She made connections between British Literature, art, history, and television sit-coms that opened the “doors of perception” for me, and inspired me to become a lifelong learner. My goal as a teacher is to do the same for you. I am excited for class every day, and I want you to share that same enthusiasm and passion for learning.

Words to Live By

- "One man gathers what another man spills"

- "Every silver lining's got a touch of grey"

- "Sometimes we live in no particular way but our own"

- "Don't waste the breath to save your face

When you have done your best

And even more is asked of you

Let fate decide the rest."

- "Ripple in still water

When there is no pebble tossed

Nor wind to blow"

My Story

During my junior year in college, I was blessed with the opportunity to have an amazing teacher, Dr. Lana Hartman Landon, that turned me on to learning. She made connections between British Literature, art, history, and television sit-coms that opened the “doors of perception” for me, and inspired me to become a lifelong learner. My goal as a teacher is to do the same for you. I am excited for class every day, and I want you to share that same enthusiasm and passion for learning.

Words of Wisdom

Walt Whitman