English III Syllabus

Mr. Shawn Sotheran

stsotheran@spsmail.org

(417) 523-8831

www.english3spring11.blogspot.com

Course Description

This class enlarges the students’ understanding of heritage through an integrated study of American literature. Through reader response, students connect literature with their own experience. Although students entering the class should have basic writing skills, further development of composition modes and media are integrated into an extensive reading and language study.

Rationale

English III offers the opportunity for students to develop an awareness of America’s diverse heritage. Students respond to that literature through written and oral expression, developing their vocabulary, reading comprehension, discussion, and research skills.

Major Instructional Goals

Reading:

Develop and apply skills and strategies to the reading process
Develop and apply skills and strategies to comprehend, analyze and evaluate fiction, poetry, and drama from American literature
Develop and apply skills and strategies to comprehend, analyze and evaluate nonfiction (such as biographies, newspapers, technical manuals) from a variety of cultures and times

Writing

Apply a writing process in composing text
Compose well-developed text
Write effectively in various forms and types of writing

Listening and Speaking

Develop and apply effective listening skills and strategies
Develop and apply effective speaking skills and strategies for various audiences and purposes

Information Literacy

Develop and apply effective research process skills to gather, analyze, and evaluate information
Develop and apply effective skills and strategies to analyze and evaluate oral and visual media

Course Content

A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
The Crucible by Arthur Miller
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Literature: American Literature McDougal Littell
Other works as determined by teacher

Films

As part of the course’s curriculum, students will occasionally watch films. Films rated PG-13 or R require special permission from the administration. If students or parents have concerns about the content of the film, they may opt out and complete an alternative assignment instead.

This course may include the following films in part or in their entirety:

The Adventures of Huck Finn (1993) (rated PG)
The Crucible (1996) (rated PG-13)
The Great Gatsby (1974) (rated PG)
The Village (2004) (rated PG-13)
A Raisin the Sun (2008) (unrated)

Grading Policy

Grades will come from scores on daily assignments, quizzes, tests, papers, and other course activities. Up to 10% of the course grade may be determined by class participation. Class participation may include such factors as attendance, punctuality, student preparation and contributions to the class learning environment, and cooperative attitude.

The following school-wide grading scale will be implemented. The numerical range represents a percent and a score of .5 will be rounded up (92.5= A; 92.4= A-)

A 93-100 B+ 87-89 C+ 77-79 D+ 67-69

A- 90-92 B 83-86 C 73-76 D 63-66

B- 80-82 C- 70-72 D- 60-62

Final examinations or other appropriate evaluative activities are to be administered in all high school classes at the close of each term. The final exam may be comprehensive in nature and will account for between 10-25% of total grade.
eSchoolplus Home Access-parents can bring in a drivers license and get a pin number to access their student’s attendance and grades from home. Grades will be updated no later than Friday of each school week. Pin numbers will be made available starting the week of Open House.
ALERTNOW-a parent/emergency notification software company. ALERTNOW will notify you of district-wide delays or cancellations due to inclement weather or other important events. You will receive up to two messages a month highlighting upcoming events such as report card distribution, attendance, and early release days.

Attendance/Tardies

Class attendance is essential. Every student should be in class and prepared to work by the time class starts. Attendance and tardy procedures will be handled as per course syllabus.

Attendance incentive

100% attendance-Final exam or other end of term activity multiplied by 1.2
96% attendance-Final exam or other end of term activity multiplied by 1.15
92% attendance-Final exam or other end of term activity multiplied by 1.1

Materials

Students should have the following items with them in class everyday:

Pencil/pen
Paper
Loose leaf notebook paper

Fees

The Communication Arts Department asks students to pay a $2 fee to cover the costs of printing in labs and the library.

Homework

Students should expect to have homework for class every day. Homework is due at the beginning of the block and should be finished before class starts.

Make-Up Work

In the case of an absence, students should expect to make up work. Students should check the course blog at www.english3spring11.blogspot.com to read about what went on that day and make up all work. Make-up work is due the next class period after you return to school.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Thanks!

Mr. Shawn Sotheran

I have read, understand and agree to the following course syllabus.

______________________________ ______________________________

Signature of parent/guardian Signature of student

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Phone number for parent/guardian

Any questions, comments or concerns:

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