The Trail of Tears...

Take a look at the video above.

Name some of the people who knew the Indian Removal Act was wrong?

Who spoke up for Native Americans?

How was this an example of "ethnic cleansing"?

8/31/12 Homework: Complete Syllabus Scavenger Hunt

Answer all 10 questions in complete sentences. 

(click to make the pic bigger)

For example: To turn #4 into a complete sentence, you must turn the question into the beginning of your sentence. It should read: 

4. Three of the many authors we’ll be examining during our  discussion of the Harlem Renaissance are...

All of your answers can be found within the syllabus. 

Please be sure to have the correct heading 

(left side of paper, first and last name, date, and cohort).

Your homework will be collected on Tuesday Sept. 4.

Only turn in your BEST work. 

Have a GREAT weekend!!

Welcome to American Literature!

Please be sure to read the syllabus thoroughly. 

Parents/Guardians: 
Please send a confirmation email to etotten@richardwrightpcs.org that lets me know that you've received the syllabus and parent letter and are aware of my expectations. You may also leave a comment by clicking the little pencil below.
I look forward to our partnership and successful school year!! 
Totten American Lit Syllabus

Sir Ken Robinson: Changing Education Paradigms

"Many brilliant people think that they're not because they've been judged by this particular view of the mind." - Sir Ken Robinson


An amazing discussion ensued when I showed this video to my 10th graders...


Question: If we know the education system is broken, why are we ostracizing and penalizing the students that don't fit into it?




These are the "courageous conversations" we ought to be having with Ed reformers, our colleagues, principals, and the parents of our students. 


Please post a comment. I'd love to know your thoughts.

Elie Wiesel's "Night": Building Background

This is an AMAZING interview. 

As we begin to analyze how style connects with an author's purpose and how it effects mood, think about the atrocities that Mr. Wiesel witnessed. 

In what type of tone would you write if you were in the author's shoes? Do you believe Wiesel lives with Survivor Guilt? (post a comment, and feel free to post your reflections from class)

Vocabulary List - 10 Words per Week!!

2010_2011 SAT Vocab List

Poetry: Self & Identity Final Project - DUE FEB 10TH!!