Course Number and Title:
ACE 035 American Literature
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: ACE 034.
Course Credits and Hours
2 credit(s)
2 lecture hours/week
0 lab hours/week
Course Description
In this course, students study American Literature with an emphasis on developing knowledge of literary terms to critically analyze and evaluate literary and informational text, writing evidenced-based arguments to support claims.
Additional Materials
Access to a computer and the Internet
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Use grammar effectively; produce clear and coherent writing. (CCC 1, 5)
- Write evidence-based arguments to support claims. (CCC 1)
- Comprehend and critically analyze literary writings as demonstrated by various forms of writing. (CCC 1, 5)
- Communicate effectively in small or large group discussions. (CCC 3)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
(These MPOs are aligned to specific standards of the United States Common Core Standards of English Language Arts. The numbers before each standard refer to the specific Common Core grade level equivalent.)
- Use grammar effectively; produce clear and coherent writing.
- Demonstrate command of the conventions of Standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. (L.11-12.1)
- Demonstrate command of the conventions of Standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.(L.11-12.2)
- Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (W.11-12.4)
- Write evidence-based arguments to support claims.
- Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.(RL.11-12.1 & RI.11-12.1)
- Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence. (W.11-12.1)
- Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content. (W.11-12.1)
- Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.(W.11-12.9)
- Comprehend and critically analyze literary writings as demonstrated by various forms of writing. (CCC 1, 5)
- Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.(L.11-12.3)
- Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings. (L.11-12.5)
- Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful.(RL.11-12.4)
- Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze how an author uses and refines the meaning of a key term or terms over the course of a text. (RI.11-12.4)
- Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one another to produce a complex account; provide an objective summary of the text. (RL.11-12.2)
- Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story or drama (e.g., where a story is set, how the action is ordered, how the characters are introduced and developed). (RL.11-12.3)
- Analyze how an author's choices concerning how to structure specific parts of a text contribute to its overall structure and meaning as well as its aesthetic impact.(RL.11-12.5)
- Analyze a case in which grasping point of view requires distinguishing what is directly stated in a text from what is really meant (e.g., satire, sarcasm, irony, or understatement). (RL.11-12.6)
- Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text in which the rhetoric is particularly effective, analyzing how style and content contribute to the power, persuasiveness, or beauty of the text.(RI.11-12.7)
- Delineate and evaluate the reasoning in seminal U.S. texts, including the application of constitutional principles and use of legal reasoning and the premises, purposes, and arguments in works of public advocacy. (RI.11-12.8)
- Analyze seminal U.S. documents of historical and literary significance including how they address related themes and concepts.(RI.9-10.9)
- Analyze seventeenth-, eighteenth-, and nineteenth-century foundational U.S. documents of historical and literary significance for their themes, purposes, and rhetorical features. (RI11-12.9)
- Demonstrate knowledge of eighteenth-, nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century foundational works of American literature, including how two or more texts from the same period treat similar themes or topics. (RL.11-12.9)
- Communicate effectively in small or large group discussions.
- Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 11-12 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively. (SL.11-12.1)
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Percentage of final grade |
Communication Tools & Activities (Formative) | 3% |
Literary Criticism: Comprehension & Analysis (Formative) | 17% |
Literature Analysis Papers (10% Formative/50% Summative) | 60% |
Final Presentation: Choice of Text Analysis (Summative) | 20% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.