2011 Fall Semester
English III American Literature
Mrs. Fain
kfain@houstonisd.org
Course Purpose
The intent of this course is to provide a foundation for students to develop skills in the following key strands within English: listening and speaking, reading, writing, and viewing and representing. Within each strand are goals, objectives and content specifications. Many skills and concepts recur throughout these strands, and instruction will be delivered as an integrated English Language Arts curriculum.
Course Objectives
1. Write in a variety of forms including personal, literary, and persuasively for various audiences and purposes.
2. Use conventions and mechanics of written English, including the rules of grammar and usage, to write clearly and effectively.
3. Acquire an extensive vocabulary through reading and systematic word study.
4. Read extensively and intensively for different purposes in varied diverse selections using a variety of strategies.
5. Analyze elements for their contributions to meaning in literary texts and express and support responses to various types of texts.
6. Listen attentively for a variety of purposes and analyze and evaluate oral performances and presentations.
7. Speak clearly and effectively for a variety of purposes and audiences.
8. Prepare, organize, and present information and persuasive oral messages.
Fall Semester Curriculum
Cycle 1
· Reading & Literature: selected short stories & essays
· Vocabulary: literary terms (knowledge & application)
· Writing: expository literary analysis
· Grammar: parts of speech (usage & mechanics)
Cycle 2
· Reading & Literature: short stories, poetry, essays, Historical Fiction & Non Fiction
· Vocabulary: SAT word study
· Writing: Research Process & Paper (to be completed during Cycle 3)
· Grammar: sentences (types & structure)
Cycle 3
· Reading & Literature: Contemporary American Drama
· Vocabulary: SAT word study
· Writing: literary analysis & Personal Narrative
· Grammar: multi-focus study (types, usage & mechanics)
Grading Policy & Weight:
Major Grades 50% (Tests, Essays, Projects, Presentations, Quizzes, etc.)
Daily Grades 50% (Warm-up, Participation, Homework, Classwork, Vocabulary, etc.)
Late Work Penalty:
Major Grades -15 per day
Daily Grades -15 per day
Please be aware of the following in regard to class work:
- All major writing assignments will be turned in utilizing the website Turnitin.com.
- Make up work will be given in accordance with HISD policy; getting such work is the student’s responsibility.
EXTRA-CREDIT POLICY: Will not be assigned unless all late work has been turned-in.
Supplies
All students in Mrs. Fain’s class will need to purchase the following materials and bring them to school by Monday, August 29, 2011 . These supplies will need to be brought to class each day.
- 1 binder with 5 dividers (any size)
- several blue/black ink pens
- several #2 pencils (teacher will not provide pencils)
- adequate amounts of lined paper
- course textbooks
Failure to bring supplies to class on a daily basis will result in point deductions from daily grades. It is the student’s responsibility to be prepared every day that he/she is in class. Mrs. Fain will not provide supplies of any kind.
Rules and Procedures
All students are expected to comply with the HISD Student Code of Conduct. In addition, all students are to follow the class rules posted in the room. Any deviation from these rules will result in disciplinary action. Parents will be notified if a student’s behavior repeatedly disrupts class learning. Should a student’s behavior become a continual problem, further consequences will be incurred.
Tutorials
Tutorials will be held each Thursday and Friday during lunch in room 253. You must sign in by .
Bathroom Policy
Unless students have a doctor’s note from the nurse, they may only go to the restroom in the event of an emergency.
Student Agreement
As a student in Mrs. Fain’s class, I have read the syllabus for English III. I agree to all its contents and hold myself responsible for following Mrs. Fain’s guidelines. I am aware that it is my responsibility to show this syllabus to my parents.
Student Signature Date
Printed Name
____________________________________ __________________
Parent Signature Date
____________________________________
Printed Name
