Course Syllabus

Collegiate High School

English III - Course Syllabus 2017- 2018

Description:

English III develops and enhances your awareness of major works of American Literature and the evolution of American culture and identity from the pre-Colonial period to the present day. Additionally, the course will continue to build upon vocabulary, reading, writing, speech, grammar, and research skills. This course introduces you to author's craft and rhetorical choices an author makes, based on various factors including the historical, moral, social, and philosophical situation of the time in which the author practiced his or her craft.  We will read a variety of texts including selections from short stories, novels, articles, newspapers, magazines, and reference materials.

Upon completion of this course, you will have become “gods” and “goddesses” of critical thinking, critical writing, and critical reading as we continue to build on the knowledge you already have. “Critical” in this sense means that you will learn to question what you think, what you write, and what you read. You will become a more sophisticated thinker as you further develop the ability to view problems from various perspectives and refine the skills you have already to find solutions to the problems. You will be able to communicate fluently and clearly, both individually and as part of a group. You will, in short, become a more mature reader, writer, and thinker, which will help mold you into a more mature human being.

Grading Guidelines:

• Minor grades (40%) will consist of homework, daily class activities, collaborative work, vocabulary, etc.
• Major grades (60%) will consist of published essays, portfolios, collaborative work, timed writings, SAT Vocabulary mastery tests, etc.

Supply List:

BYOD: Bring Your Own Device. You will need some form of technology with a keyboard. (Note:  Phones, tablets, laptops, etc. are to be used in class only at the teacher’s direction and for academic purposes, please).

Blue or Black Ink Pens, Pencils, Highlighters, Loose Leaf Paper, Single Subject Notebook, Post It Notes (any color), and some form of an organizational tool (a 3 Ring Binder, a 2 Pocket Folder with Clasps, an Accordion Folder, etc.)

Daily/Weekly Assignments:

• You will be required to keep a Writing into the Day Journal.  These journals will be graded once during the six-week period and recorded as a major grade. Entries will be collected each six-week grading period.
• Homework will often be an extension of work assigned in class. However, you will be required to read various selections and engage in other activities that will be completed out of class and later used in class discussion.
• You will also be expected to participate in class reading and writing assignments.

 Make-up and Late Work

It is vital and in your best academic interest to make up assignments and tests you miss as soon as possible after absences.  You have one day for each day absent to make up your work.  If work is completed beyond this allotted time, I have the option to assign a late penalty to the work.  Work turned in after an unexcused absence will be reduced by up to 20%. 

Attendance, School Norms of Behavior, etc.:

You must keep absences to a minimum. When an absence occurs, it is your responsibility to obtain missed assignments. If you are absent, it is wise to text or email me on the day before or on the day of your absence.

Be aware and follow all school and district policies, including dress code.  You probably know them better than I do anyway…

My Expectations of You as Students:  (This is the really important stuff.)

In and out of the classroom, let your thoughts, words, and actions be governed by FAIR PLAY.

• Focus on your academic studies more than you ever have before.
• Aspire to learn and to grow, asking questions and seeking answers constantly and relentlessly.
• Involve yourself actively in this class, in other classes, and in this school.
• Respect everyone – beginning with yourself and extending to all around you, so that you see the dignity and worth of every person you encounter and the value of what they bring to our shared experience.

My Expectations of You as Humans: (This is the most important stuff.)

• Pause, relax, and observe the magnificent world around you by deliberately creating time to do so – As you walk down the fairway of life, you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round. – Ben Hogan
• Live life with passion, vigor, and purpose. “The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt
• Apply that which you learn to help those around you.  “If you get, give. If you learn, teach.”
  – Maya Angelou
• Yearn to go further, dig deeper, climb higher, and explore further, so that you can truly be all that you can be. “Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.” – Pat Riley

STUDY ASSISTANCE:           

Tutorials will be held during designated times on designated days within the AVID class period. For additional assistance, I will also be available for you as needed within reason.

All students who struggle in English or whose average falls below passing will be required to attend additional tutorials at a time to be determined on an individual basis.

Parents,

After you have read and discussed the course syllabus with your student, please text me on (361) 356-7287, email me at rothompson@ccisd.us or sign and date the form in the designated space below as evidence you have read and understand the course syllabus and that you agree to the sections regarding the grading guidelines, supply list, daily/weekly assignments, study assistance, attendance, and student expectations.   I encourage parents and students to enroll in the mass text messaging system that I will use with students as a way to remind them of due dates, school events, and to send them encouraging messages. To enroll, text 81010 and in the message area type @mrtsengli. I would also like to encourage parents to use Canvas as a tool for monitoring student performance. Please log on as an observer to check student progress, due dates, and teacher feedback. I sincerely look forward to working with your child and pledge to do my absolute best for them at all times. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

With kindest regards,

Robert Britton Thompson
English Teacher
Collegiate High School
Corpus Christi Independent School District                   

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Parent or Guardian Signature and Date