English 3

Ms. Robins
arobins@c-hawks.net
217.942.6913
available during 4th period

Syllabus1
Course Description: Junior English will spend the first semester focusing on the study of American literature—from pre-
colonial times until the post-modern period. The second semester will consist of looking at global literature. Throughout
the year, we will be working on developing our skills as writers, specifically to become better at writing academic prose.
Furthermore, junior English will also be centered on preparing for the PSAE. This class is going to be intensive in both
reading and writing—so be prepared!

Classroom Expectations: In order to create a safe and comfortable environment where everyone can learn, there need
to be a few ground rules.

 Respect everyone—no rude or inappropriate behaviors towards any of your fellow classmates. Furthermore,
racist, sexist, or homophobic comments or suggestions will not be tolerated. Always treat others as you would
like to be treated!
 Respect school property and the property of others.
 Come to class prepared and on time!
 Plagiarism will not be tolerated.
 No texting or use of cell phones.
 Work cooperatively with your classmates and me! What gives literature meaning in society are discussions,
debates, and differing interpretations. In this class, you will be expected to participate in a community of
learners.
 If you see any problems in the classroom that aren't being addressed, please talk to me about them. If you need
to talk to me for any reason please feel free to stop by my classroom, and I will be more than willing to help.

Addressing Misbehavior: The following is my procedure for how to handle incidents in which a student does not meet
classroom or school expectations.

 Private discussion with the teacher focusing on the root of the problem (verbal warning)
 Lunch detention in which the student reflects on the problem by writing a paper to be read by the teacher,
parent/guardian, and possibly the administration
 After school detention with the teacher. Student will be expected to write another letter thoroughly explaining
the situation. This time, however, the student must present the letter to her/his parents and personally to the
principal.
 Meeting with the parent/guardian and possibly the administration in to discuss the problem with the student

1 Any of this is subject to change. This syllabus is a work-in-progress.

Required Materials:

 TWO notebooks
 Folder
 Pens/Pencils

Formal Assessments:

 Journal: You are to keep a journal that we will be using daily in class. This journal will consist of response
prompts and writing, daily oral language, and writing strategies that will be done at the beginning of every class
period.
 Literature log: You are also responsible for keeping a literature log, separate from your journal. The lit. log will
contain your responses, summaries, and notes about your self-selected reading (SSR).
 Papers and formal writing: You will do at least three papers over the first semester. We will begin with a
narrative paper (a paper that explores your own life). Throughout the semester you will also be expected to
write a poetry explication and a literary analysis related to our readings in class.
 Double Entry Drafts (DEDs): This is an assignment in which you will respond to something that we are reading in
class.
 Quizzes: There will likely be one quiz a week (on Fridays) in this class. These quizzes will not be rote
memorization, but will challenge you to actually think! However, during periods of heavy reading, I might give
pop quizzes to make sure you are keeping up with the reading.
 Tests: I may give tests after we finish a particular writing or literature unit.
 Projects: We will likely be doing a few projects related to the literature we are reading.
 Portfolio: At the end of every semester, you will be expected to turn in a portfolio containing revised and re-
considered drafts and a final draft of all formal writing done during the semester.

Late Work: Any work turned in after the intended due date will be marked down a letter grade for each day it is late,
unless you have already made previous arrangements with me. Let me know ASAP if you are going to have any issues
turning in an assignment.

Grades: This is a rough estimation of how I perceive the grades to be weighted in this class—

Journal, Lit. Log, DEDs, Quizzes, Participation 50%

Papers 20%

Tests and Projects 20%

Portfolio 10%

Grading Scale:

A= 92-100 B= 83-91 C=74-82 D=65-73 F= Below 65

I have read, understood, and consented to the attached syllabus

_______________________________ _______________________________________

Student Name (printed) Student Signature

_______________________________ _______________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name (printed) Parent/Guardian Signature