The first semester begins with learning and using literary terms to gain a common language in which to discuss literature. Then we read and analyze poems by Native American authors. Next, we move into a study of the short story, reading stories by O’Henry, Edgar Allen Poe, and other traditional American authors. We focus our analysis on understanding setting, characterization, plot, and themes, while also looking into the writing for examples of imagery, irony, foreshadowing, and other use of figurative language. The students read, discuss, and write essays on the readings. The students are evaluated on their class participation, homework, class work, quizzes, tests, and essays.

During the second semester the students begin reading the novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. Reading to understand major themes is a focus along with plot, characters, and setting. We read a series of writings by authors including Maya Angelou, Jade Snow Wong, Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, and William Saroyan. The students read to recognize main ideas and details, to develop vocabulary and to identify themes. The main form of assessment this term is a series of critical and analytical essays.