GEHRHSD Curriculum Guide 2026-27

AMERICAN LITERATURE Grade 10, 5 Credits

American Literature is a college preparatory academic course designed for students performing at or above grade level. American Literature is required of all sophomores. Based on the NJ Student Learning Standards, it encompasses areas of reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and technology. The course surveys American literature and culture from Pre Colonialism through Realism, stopping to examine the American Transcendental movement and Harlem Renaissance. The class focuses on long-form fiction from the likes of Achebe, Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Lee, Miller, Salinger & Twain, with contemporary flourishes from authors like John Green, Sue Monk Kidd and Josefina Lopez. The courses also highlight choice reading units. Students are introduced to and practice various writing modes such as narrative, descriptive, expository, argumentative and reflexive. Each mode will challenge students to consider the standards of credible research, citation and evidence. Reading selections, audio-visual materials, classroom activities, and assessment tools are varied to accommodate all students. Students are expected to complete a properly documented and parenthetically cited research paper in this course. Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and/or a 90 or above in current College Prep English course. the course will provide a strong foundation for the study of future Advanced Placement courses in the humanities that includeEnglish Language, American Literature, United States History, and Psychology. Honors American Literature is a college preparatory class designed for highly motivated students with outstanding ability. Based on the NJ Student Learning Standards, critical reading, writing, language, speaking, and listening skills are refined in a rigorous academic environment in which students are expected to work independently. To accent the course description provided above, historical, political, and literary texts chosen for HONORS AMERICAN LITERATURE Grade 10, 5 Credits