Class Expectations

In Honors American Literature, it is expected that students are organized, respectful, and go above and beyond the requirements for their assignments. Primarily, organization is essential to a successful learning experience. Students in Honors American Lit should always have their materials with them in class. Organization not only refers to maintaining neatness with materials and assignments, but also time management. When a student stays organized, they are able to get homwork finished and turned in on time and it will be easier to keep up with the rest of the class. When assignments are completed ahead of time, before theyir due date, it allows the student to take more time to revise their work. This will help bring out the best in them, and provide their teacher with a good reflection of their best work. Avoiding tardiness and late work can really help better a student's learning experience in Honors American Lit, and will help their teacher provide them with an overall better edcucation.

Additionally, academic integrity and respect for fellow students is important in all students, especially literature. Plagiarism should not ever be a problem, and students should always write their own essays. Even so much as copying from a friend shouldn't be an issue. All work completed by a student and turned in should be completely their own. Respect also goes hand-in-hand with integrity. It is important to respect other students, and the authority in the classroom, whether it is the teacher or a substitute. When a good level of respect is not met in the classroom, it becomes more difficult for students to learn. An uncomfortable learning environment where students feel bullied or left out can get in the way of self esteem, among other things. This may lead to lack of effort, which should never happen in Honors American Lit. Each person should try their best in everything they do, and by respecting those around them, students can try to uphold a positive atmosphere in the classroom.

Finally, students should go above and beyond the minimum requirements for class assignments. Part of being an honors student means that they should not do the bare minimum. Instead, the students should add creativity and excitement to every part of their essays, projects, and other assignments. Taking things a step further can really help to bring fun into the process of learning, and the understanding will come along with that. Students should not only read the homework pages, but take their time to reflect on the reading and really strive to understand what is important. Students should notice the figurative language, themes, and important character growth over the course of the novel. An Honors American Lit student should not have to be told which parts of the book are significant to the plot, or when the climax is. They should work to find that out themselves. By exceeding the requirements, students in Honors American Lit prove that they belong in an honors class.