Contemporary Authors

Course Policies

Dr. Pajor

cpajor@maine207.org

 

Guiding Principles

Welcome to Contemporary Authors!  In this class, we will examine issues like…

·         What makes a work “contemporary”? 

·         What makes literature “great”? 

·         What skills will be expected of me in a college-level English class, and how can I be sure I can do them?

 

Even though this is a literature class, we also will do the following types of writing:

·         Reflective writing (overall deep thoughts on novels, not in literary analysis form)

·         2 “creative analysis” papers

·         1 short story

 

Note: The writing that we do is much more creative than what you’ve done in the past.  It is not the focus of this class to write the structured papers you’ve done before – it is to learn a more creative way to write about and show that you’ve understood what we’ve read. 

 

Also, the novels we read are more … contemporary!  Contemporary issues, contemporary language.  What exactly does that mean?  You will soon find out! 

 

Finally, much of the activities I do are designed to prepare you for college.  Basically, in college you will be expected to read a novel entirely on your own, without a teacher’s help to get you into the novel.  You will be expected to pace your reading, ask intelligent questions for discussion in class, and make meaning entirely on your own.  You also will be expected to write papers on the book – without the professor telling you what to write on.  This class will help prepare you for that by weaning you off closely guided, teacher-led discussion and papers!  Consider this class, then, “The Road to Independence.” 

 

Required Texts                                     

Ø      Book 1: Class Reads Together: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, by Ken Kesey

Ø      Book 2: Class Reads With Groups -- Choice of 4 books: (1.) My Name is Asher Lev, by Chaim Potok; (2.) The Green Mile, by Stephen King; (3.) Angela’s Ashes, by Frank McCourt; (4.) The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood

Ø      Book 3: You Read Independently: A novel of choice, based on Dr. Pajor’s reading list  (a list of 30 awesome books, all with different subject matters and reading levels)

 

Participation

This is a senior-level English class, so participation will be a portion of your grade.  We will do various activities to help you come to class with ideas to share – so if you are shy, if you prepare you will have ideas to contribute. 

 

Attendance

You are responsible for work missed when you are absent.  Look in the black folder on the shelf for any handouts.  Read them over, and if you still have questions, then ask me.

·         If you are absent for a pre-announced quiz, you must take it the day you come back.  

·         If you do not turn in homework or a paper, I will not hound you for it!  This does not mean that I don’t care about you or how you are doing – it means you are nearly adults and therefore must take responsibility for your own selves. 

 

Tests and Quizzes

All tests will be announced in time to allow for adequate study.  There will be reading quizzes on discussion days only. 

 

Tardy Policy

Please be in your seat when the bell rings.  However, here are the rules beyond that:

Tardy 1: freebie

Tardy 2: discussion with me after class

Tardy 3: detention and call home

Tardy 4: behavior report to Dean

 

Conferences and Extra Help

I will be very happy to help any student with any problems!  I am available before school in the English Teachers’ Workroom (C-130) or during 2nd . 

 

Final Note: In this class, differences of opinion are welcome and wanted!  Don’t just say or write what you think the teacher wants to hear or read – talk and write how you really feel!  Write sincerely, genuinely and eloquently -- from your heart!  J