English III Course Syllabus
Mrs. Erin Summerlin
The main topic of this course is the exploration of the American Literary Tradition. Works studied in this class are taken from a variety of genres, including myth and legend, literary fiction, personal narrative, poetry, essays, and historical documents. We will also learn how to research a topic and produce a research paper. In addition, we will focus on a variety of grammar skills and ACT prep.
In short, my job is to trick you into liking books and seeing yourself in the works that we read and study. Your job is to try and not complain about the work, but rather, welcome the challenge and find value in your own work. I promise, if you stick with me, I will make this class worth your while.
I don’t know exactly what this year will hold for us; due to the strange and ever-evolving nature of Covid-19, we must all continue to be flexible and prepared for change. Whether class meets in person or online, we shall carry on learning and growing.
Course Supplies:
1. Binder with dividers
2. Loose-leaf paper
3. Pens, pencils, and highlighters
4. Index cards & Post-it notes
5. Hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, & paper towels (for classroom use - appreciated but not required)
Course Grading: No extra credit is offered.
Minor, weight x 1 (Classwork/Homework) 34%
Minor, weight x 2 (Written Responses/Quizzes) 34%
Major, weight x 1 (Essays/Tests/Projects) 66%
Classroom Guidelines - In addition to the policies and procedures found in your GHS handbook, I have included the following expectations for my class.
- Be here. You need to be in your assigned seat when the bell rings. After three tardies, you will have earned an absence and, worse, be on my mental list of kids who don’t care about my class. After four tardies, you will be written up and lose possible exam exemption. Ouch.
- Be responsible. Bring everything you’ll need for class to class. All assignments are collected at the beginning of class on the due date. Late work will not receive credit. Major work, such as essays, will be accepted for half-credit within 24 hours of the due date. After that, no credit will be given. You are responsible for getting any missed assignments that were given during an absence. Assignments that can be completed during your absence are expected on the day you return. If work was given that you didn’t have access to, follow district guidelines to complete the work. Make-up work will not be given for days of suspension or unexcused absences. Make-up quizzes and tests will NOT be given during class.
- Be respectful. You are expected to be courteous and respectful to all students, teachers, and guests. There will be no swearing, name-calling, or snide comments. You may have a drink with a lid on it, but no eating or food delivery is allowed. Lastly, the use of technology at inappropriate times is rude. Laptops should in use only if I direct you to do so. Also, use of technology at inappropriate times is rude. Cell phones must be placed in the cell phone center at the back of the room as soon as you enter the room. Remember, you control your technology; it shouldn’t control you.
- Be awesome. I will not give credit for work that was plagiarized from any source. Think for yourself. Also, if you merely parrot back to me things I said in class, you will not have an awesome year. If, however, you are willing to think deeply, take risks, and work hard, then you’ll love this class.
Help
Students can see me before or after school, or during Mav break for extra help or to make up work. I can be reached by e-mail at esummerlin@madison-schools.com. Students should check Canvas for class updates, instructional information, and assignments before returning to class to make sure they are prepared. I will occasionally post announcements and reminders via Canvas as well. If and/or when the need arises, and we must transition to a distance learning model, Canvas, Microsoft Teams, One Note, and our school email will be go-to resources for communicating important and relevant course/instructional/assignment information.
Course Calendar Overview – This calendar is tentative and subject to change. I will give you ample notice if any changes are made and at least two weeks’ notice before starting a book that will need to be obtained outside of class.
SYLLABUS: This is a tentative outline of what will be covered in English III this year. In addition to the units listed here, students will be responsible for outside reading and projects.
Calendar:
Fall Semester
1st Nine Weeks
Literature: Origins to 1800 - Visions and Voyages, The Examined Life,
The American Dream; American Drama - The Breaking of Charity
Major work: The Crucible (in textbook)
Writing: Personal journals, letters, essays
Grammar: Usage and mechanics review
Contextual Vocabulary
2nd Nine Weeks
Literature: American Romanticism - The Transforming Imagination, The Life
Worth Living, The Realms of Darkness
Major work: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (personal copy)
Writing: Personal journals, letters, essays
Grammar: Focus on ACT skills and writing weaknesses
Contextual Vocabulary
Spring Semester
3rd Nine Weeks
Literature: A New American Poetry- The Large Hearts of Heroes, Tell It
Slant; The Ride of Realism- Shackles, From Innocence to
Experience
Major work: Fredrick Douglass
Writing: Research paper
Grammar: Focus on ACT skills and writing weaknesses
Contextual Vocabulary
4th Nine Weeks
Literature: The Moderns 1900-1950, Contemporary Literature 1950-Present
Novel: The Great Gatsby (personal copy) and/or Same Kind of Different as Me
Writing: Personal journals, letters, essays
Grammar: Focus on ACT skills and writing weaknesses
Contextual Vocabulary
Evaluation of progress will consist of homework and classwork checks, class discussion, quizzes, group projects, individual projects, writing assignments, unit tests, cumulative nine weeks tests, and cumulative semester exams.
Teacher Contact Information
Erin Summerlin
eummerlin@madison-schools.com
