English III Honors

Mrs. Maynard

Course Syllabus
COURSE OVERVIEW

Students in this course will encounter the rich history of America through its unique and various
literatures. The American literary tradition begins in the oral tales and songs of the Native Americans and
continues through poetry, drama, and novels written in times of war, hardship, prosperity, and incredible
growth. Students will closely examine the religious, political, socio-economical, and historical contexts
of these works, and forge connections to todays America and their own unique perspectives on life.
From careful reading of selected works, students will sharpen the skills obtained in previous years in
comprehending full and precise meaning. Students will gain an understanding of literature as art. They
will further develop their critical thinking skills by learning to evaluate literary works based on their own
interpretations and analyses.
Student Performance Objectives:
o Read effectively
o Analyze, interpret, and evaluate information
o Apply skills to interpret information and solve problems
This course will also emphasize writing skills. Students will refine their ability to organize ideas and to
use language effectively. They will learn to critically examine their own work and the work of their
peers, and thus improve the style and content of written communication.
Student Performance Objectives:
o Write effectively
o Communicate effectively

STUDENT INFORMATION
Notebooks: You are expected to keep a notebook for all class notes and assignments. You are expected to
take notes without having to be told. These notes should be thorough and meaningful. Your English
notebook should have three rings and it should have a good amount of loose-leaf paper. Assignments torn
from spiral bound notebooks with a messy fringe will not be accepted. All handouts should be hole
punched and maintained in your notebook. When absent, you should immediately obtain any missed
notes from a classmate. Bring your notebook to class each day.
Student Performance Objectives:
o
Demonstrate responsibility for ones one learning and behavior
o
Listen and view critically

Grades: Term Grades are 40% of the course grade and consist of the following:
Tests and Major Essays---50%
Quizzes and Writing Assignments ---25%
Homework Assignments---20%
Class Participation---5%
Midyear and final exams will constitute 10% of the course grade each semester. The Exhibition is graded
on a points-scale. Please see the school fusion page for this course to find the Exhibition Manual and a
further explanation.
Student Performance Objectives:
o
Read and write effectively
o
Analyze, interpret and evaluate information
o
Acquire, integrate, and apply essential knowledge
o
Apply skills to interpret information and solve problems
o
Demonstrate responsibility for ones one learning and behavior
o
Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively and independently

Reading Assignments: Reading assignments will be frequent and rigorous. You are expected to keep
notes and write questions about all assigned reading. You may be assessed on your notes and their
content. You may also be assessed by verbal questioning or during discussions. Quizzes may not be
announced in advance.
Student Performance Objectives:
o
Read effectively
o
Analyze, interpret and evaluate information
o
Apply skills to interpret information and solve problems
o
Demonstrate responsibility for ones one learning and behavior

Written Homework: Written homework is to be completed before the start of class. No late work will be
accepted except in the case of an excused absence. To prevent being overwhelmed by make up work,
please email me or a classmate in case of an absence on the day you are out for information about missed
work.
Student Performance Objective:
o

Demonstrate responsibility for ones one learning and behavior

Major Writing Assignments: This year emphasis will be placed on the writing of critical essays.
Revision and editing of your own work and the work of your peers will be an important part of the
process of how to write effectively. Your ability to analyze and provide support for an interpretation of
complex literature will be expanded. All essays are to be typed and double spaced in a twelve-point font.
Papers are to be printed and stapled prior to their collection on the due date. In addition, you will be
assigned a major research paper and a capstone website project.
Student Performance Objectives:
o
o
o
o
o
o

Read and write effectively

Analyze, interpret and evaluate information
Acquire, integrate, and apply essential knowledge
Apply skills to interpret information and solve problems
Demonstrate responsibility for ones one learning and behavior
Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively and independently

Extra Help: Please see me after school for any extra help in this subject. If you or your parents need to
contact me my email address is amaynard@bbrsd.org.
Excused Absences: In the case of an excused absence, students are to initiate necessary arrangements for
missed work on the first day they return to class. Please see me before or after school. Better yet, contact
me before or while you are absent so that you can begin your make-up work before you return.
Foreseeable excused absences (field trips for other classes, varsity games, music tours, etc.) do not alter
student responsibilities. Make arrangements before you go. Class work must be made up as arranged.
Please Note: If you are late to school or dismissed early and are absent from English class, you must see
me that day to pass in any assignments that were collected and to gather any work that was missed.
Late Work: is not acceptable. I can only accept late work if the tardiness of the work is due to an
excused absence. Please refer to the Student Handbook for the definition of an excused absence. If an
extension is needed for a project or formal essay, students must seek approval in person no less than 2
days before the due date. You will be expected to show me any work in progress in order for an
extension to be considered. All work must be handed in by its author in person. I will not accept emailed work. You may not leave class or interrupt class to print work. Make arrangements ahead of time.

Please read, sign, and share this syllabus with your parents/ guardians. Detach this page and return it.
File the rest away with other very important English related documents!

Student name_____________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian name(s)____________________________________________

Home Phone Number______________________________________________

E-mail (if applicable)______________________________________________

Any other important information I should know:

______________________________________
Parent/ Guardian signature

___________
Date

______________________________________
Student signature

___________
Date