Mrs. Foster's American Literature Class

Speeches! By popular demand, we will now be studying famous American speeches instead of writing our own.  I feel that this would benefit you more, especially since you have not had much training in speech making.  Let’s start with the beginning and study what makes an effective speech!

Today I have assigned you to groups.  For the list of your group, look below.  Next Friday, you and your group will be presenting on the assigned speech.  The assignment is to speak about what is or is not effective in the speech, what type of speech is it, who is it appealing to, etc.  We will be going over this in class today, so be prepared to take notes!  Your presentation should be no more than about 5 minutes long.

If the speech is exceptionally long…as some of them are, please feel free to narrow your speech down and talk about the most and least effective sections in the speech.

4th Period!

Click here for group assignments

5th Period!

Click here for group assignments

Today we covered a little about slave narratives.  Remember that there are not many documented slave narratives, and Olaudah Equiano’s narrative is one of the most popular and read narrative accounts.

Be preparing to give me your speech topic by Friday.  Please write it on a note card and hand it in so that I may review your topic.  Remember that your topic should be edifying and not simply tearing something or someone down.

I hope that you all enjoyed your weekend! We have a busy two weeks ahead, but I know we will make it through.

Today we talked about the impact of the “Declaration of Independence” upon our nation.  We covered a little of what happened to many of our founding fathers who signed the declaration.  To see that list I read, please go to http://keelynet.com/4th99.htm to see that list.

Here is a beautiful scene from a film that shows John Adams stating the necessity for a separation from Britain.  It will then go into reciting much of the declaration.

A few technical difficulties…it looks like some of my posts did not be published…

Tuesday we covered a variety of literary forms…look at page 56-57 for more notes.  We also read a personal narrative from John Smith.

Wednesday we discussed some of the aspects of Puritan society.  We also read “Huswifery” and discussed the various articles that were assigned for outside reading that related to this poem.  We also read and discussed Anne Bradstreet’s poem “To My Dear and Loving Husband.”

Thursday we covered Jonathan Edward’s “Sinners in the Hand of an Angry God” sermon and talked a little more about puritan values and beliefe in God.

Friday your outside reading projects and papers were due.  As well, you had an in-class writing assignment that counted as a quiz grade.  The assignment was to “choose three works and describe how the author viewed God and faith.  How did their writings influence their faith and affect the people of their period? Be specific and use examples.” IF YOU WERE ABSENT… YOU MUST COMPLETE THIS ESSAY FOR A QUIZ GRADE!!!

With regards to your summer reading assignments and projects, I created a rubric in order to fairly grade your project and paper.  However, I did NOT print out a rubric for every student as this would be a lot of people…and it was just not efficient.   I have uploaded the basic rubric if you want to take a look.  As well, I tried to comment on each of your papers and projects in order to give you back constructive feedback to help you in the future.  All the projects look fabulous so far! You have made me proud!

Summer Reading Assignment Rubric

Hey! I hope that you guys enjoyed reading about John Smith!

We will be moving on to “Huswifery” tomorrow.  Make sure to read this poem and to read the two articles which can be accessed below!!!! Be ready to discuss these two articles!!!!

“Huswifery” Articles

We discussed “A Journey Through Texas”!

Good work on discovering what an exploration narrative is.

5th Period American Literature: Don’t forget to do the assigned questions for homework!!!

You guys have done a fabulous job thus far! Keep up all the great work!

Do not forget that your summer reading assignment is due next week on Friday, August 21!!!

Hey! Today we covered some of the works of the Native Americans.  In class, we read two short stories: “The Earth on Turtle’s Back,” and “When Grizzlies Walked Upright.”  If you have not read them, please do so to catch up.

As well, don’t forget to read “The Iroquoise Constitution” for homework and be prepared to answer possile questions in class tomorrow!

Because the projector has been out of commision, I have listed the power points below.  Take a look at them!

Intro to Native American Literature

As well, don’t forget to start working on your summer reading assignments!!!

Summer Reading Assignment

The link above will take you to the Summer Reading Assignment handout in case you have lost the copy I handed you in class.  Remember that this assignment is due August 21!!!!

Today we covered “The Unvanquished” and took notes on the plot, characters, themes, and motifs.  If you have not read the novel, be sure to do so because it will present itself again on the unit exam!

Click here to view the power point for “The Unvanquished”

Tomorrow we will be finishing up any discussion about the novel, and then we will begin examining a little of American history as well as begin taking a look at some literature of the early American period.  Be prepared to take notes, and be sure to bring your literature book to class!

This year is off to an awesome start; you guys make me so proud! 🙂

Americal Literature Syllabus

Wow! What a wonderful first day! I am truly looking forward to this year and working with all of you! Please take this time to look over the syllabus and become familiar with the expectations of the class.  This is not an exhaustive syllabus, so we will be covering other procedures as the next few days progress.  Please feel free to come talk to me or send me an email with any questions!