COURSE DESCRIPTION ​ Latin is a course designed to help students develop and enhance their skills in reading, writing, speaking, researching, and listening through exploration of different genres written by authors. In reading, emphasis will be placed on increasing vocabulary and improving comprehension through biographies, novels, poetry and other genres. In writing, students will experiment with different styles of writing genres such as literary analysis, expository, argumentative, persuasive, narrative, and research. Students will also sharpen their abilities pertaining to punctuation, usage, and sentence structures.

The primary themes of Latino Literature center around issues of identity and how that identity is influenced ​ ​ by culture, language, socioeconomic status, and family. It explores the idea of the American Dream and whether or not it exists or is attainable. United States as either a melting pot or a country filled with distinct groups. We will examine many questions, with a few centering around: ● How is Latino literature influenced by the ethnicity of its author (the author’s country of origin)? ● What cultural values influence Latino literature? ● What connections can be made between Latino literature and identity? ● Are the themes of Latino literature relevant to our current social values? ● How is the American culture and its values similar to the Latino culture and its values? ● How does the American culture and its values differ from the Latino culture and its values? ● How does language (Spanish, , dialects) affect Latino literature? ● What is the difference between the terms Hispanic and Latino?

Critical Content Upon completion of this course, students will have demonstrated the ability to: ● Actively respond to literature while reading through: o Making inferences and predictions o Locating theme & main idea o Character analysis o Interpretation of the effects of literary devices and genres ● Identify trends and patterns that exist within the Latino literary canon ● Understand, identify, and discuss rhetorical appeals and strategies as they appear in Latino nonfiction ● Speak eloquently and thoughtfully regarding the implications and relevance of Latino literature today ● Understand and utilize knowledge of social, political, historical, and cultural events, and how they have impacted, and been impacted by Latino literature ● Take up a position in regards to a subject, defend that position, and support arguments with textual citations and evidence ● Write in a clear, concise and compelling manner ● Understand and utilize MLA format citation ● Research literary tradition using databases and print sources

Class Materials For this class, you will need: ​ ● A spiral notebook ● Two (2) pens (one must be colored) ● Two (2) pencils ● Flash drive/jump drive ● A 2-3" binder ● Highlighters - 4 colors preferred ● Student handbook

Course Materials Texts to be used (May be added or subtracted at teacher’s discretion): Textbooks: Hispanic American Literature Editor: Glencoe McGraw-Hill ​ ​ Novels: Like Water for Chocolate, El Bronx Remembered ​ ​ ​ Articles: TBD based on real-life events/class discussions

Course Policies ● Attendance: Students are expected to be in class every day. If a student is absent, he or she should refer to the class calendar and/or speak to the teacher regarding missed assignments. ● Late assignments will receive a grade reduction. ● Any assignment or project turned in on time will be eligible for the retake policy in order to receive a better grade. All retakes must be completed before the end of the three-week grading period in which it was assigned. Students will have one to three weeks from the original due date to complete the retake policy, depending on the type of assignment. Refer to the Resource Center policy for specifications. ● Tardies: School policy regarding tardies will apply. ● All policies in the student handbook will be enforced. ● A = 100-90; B = 91-80; C = 79-70; D = 69-60 ;F = 59-0

Classroom Rules 1. A classroom is to be a safe environment for everyone. Therefore, there is a ZERO tolerance policy ​ ​ concerning sexual harassment, racial slurs, and insults of any kind. The first offense will equal a ​ ​ warning. Any further offenses will constitute a parental contact and a referral. 2. There is zero talking unless you are in a group or partner activity, or during class discussion. 3. If you are ever asked to step outside of the class for a conference, you are to stand in front of the lockers that are in full view of my classroom window so that I know where you are at all times. I will speak with you as soon as I have gotten the class started. Leaving for a few minutes to drink water, go to the bathroom, or talk to a friend is considered a cut. 4. Cheating/plagiarizing will result in a zero. Cheating/plagiarizing twice is reported to the dean, whereby it will be handled in the manner dictated by the student handbook. 5. Do not throw paper in the classroom. 6. You must come to class with all of the necessary materials every day. ​ ​ 7. Any foul language or disrespect will not be tolerated. 8. Do not stand up, pack up, or walk to the classroom door before the bell rings. I dismiss you, not the bell. 9. Leaving the room for whatever reason without my permission will result in a referral. 10. No food or drinks are allowed in the classroom. You cannot stand out in the hallway finishing your food or drink causing you to be late for class. 11. Respect yourself, others, and their belongings.

*Our classroom rules are to be obeyed at all times.*

Course Work ● Class assignments are to be weighted as follows: A. 90% = in-class assignments, quizzes, tests, projects, essays, and participation B. 10% = homework ● The above weighted assignments will be calculated for a total of 75% of the semester grade, while the final exam will consist of the remaining 25%, for a total of 100% of the semester grade.

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Course Objectives The following material will be covered throughout this course: ● Extensive writing assignments ● Completing the writing process ● Independent and collaborative work ● Quizzes, tests, and common Assessments ● Novels, stories, and poetry of various genres ● Literary elements/terms ● Grammar ● Independent reading ● Daily “Bellringers” and “Exit Slips”

Classroom Procedures On Daily Work ● When you enter the classroom, there will already be an assignment waiting for you, either on the board, the projector, the overhead or as a handout on the desk in the front of the room. ● You are expected to complete it with the first five minutes of class. ● You are expected to complete this on a daily basis without my having to remind you.

Passes ● You are only allowed to leave my room once each six weeks to either go to your locker, the bathroom, or drink water. ● You may only use your own student handbook. ​ ​ ● We do keep track to ensure that no one leaves more than once. ● Emergencies, such as going to the nurse, do not apply to the once every six weeks rule.

Teachers Personal Statement Students can expect us to: ● Provide a safe classroom environment; ​ ​ ● be fair and honest; ● teach in a manner in which students can learn; ● differentiate instruction based on learning styles; ● offer additional help after school; ● call parents/guardians about concerns and/or good news reports; ● provide every opportunity for improvement; ● be in constant communication with you (and your parent/guardian) concerning your grades and progress

Tutoring Services and Contact Information Tutoring is always available and students can take advantage of these services during homeroom periods and after school. Students and/or parents can reach me at the information below:

Teacher Information:

Teacher:​ Mrs. Jennifer Pryor Teacher:​ Mr. Dylan Dugdale Classroom: ​Room 40 Classroom: ​Room 63 Office Phone: ​815-886-1800 (Leave Detailed Message) ​Office Phone: ​815-886-1800​ x E-mail:​ ​[email protected]​ (Emails Preferred)​*** ​ ​E-mail: ​[email protected]

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Please bring your syllabus home and have a parent or guardian sign it and provide their contact information by tomorrow.

I have read and understand the syllabus and the course rules, procedures, and expectations. Please tear off this page and return to me. Thank you! You can expect our full support! ​Mrs. Pryor & Mr. Dugdale

Parent/Guardian Name: ______/Signature: ______(Print)

Student Name:______/ Signature: ______(Print)

Email: ______/ Best time to reach you:______

Phone Number: ______/Language spoken at home:______

Any other information you’d like us to know:______

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