In this highly interactive class, we will read American literature, as well as a wide range of nonfiction pieces – essays, memoirs, letters, speeches, articles about current events, literary criticism, and even legal briefings. You'll also read books and articles of your choice as you work on research-based pieces, independent reading, current events assignments, debates, and other activities. Themes from classic texts will be read and discussed alongside related current events, and you'll have a lot of opportunities to express yourselves verbally and in writing.
I know junior year can be stressful: SATs, ACTs, extracurriculars, and CAASP testing at the end of the year. All of the activities we'll work on will help you succeed and I look forward to a productive and enjoyable year with you.
What to Bring to Class (after the first day)
Please bring the following to class with you every day:
- 3-ring binder with the following section tabs: "Hot" tab, Vocab/Grammar, Writing, Current Unit, Reference Sheets
- Plenty of paper
- Pens or pencils to write with
- Current novel
Cell phones: I have a cell phone charging station in the front of the classroom where students may, at their own risk, charge phones during class time while they are set on silent mode. Otherwise, cell phones must be completely turned off and put away in backpacks or purses or they'll be collected. Even adults (just about everyone I know!) struggle to keep from the distraction of a phone, and if it's out of reach and turned off it'll be easier for everyone. This will help you to develop good habits for college and/or your work life and will help us maximize productivity during class time.
Procedures/Routines
I believe that English is the most important subject at school (every teacher thinks that about their subject, and I am no exception)! In English 3, we'll work on reading, writing, speaking and listening skills that will help you achieve your goals in every other class at PVHS, at university and/or on the job, and even in your personal life. Because there is such a wide variety of skills we'll practice, I like to set up routines so that students know what to expect from class. Here is the basic framework:
Monday/Tuesday, 113 minutes:
10 minutes journal time
5 minutes random sharing of journal answers
15 minutes practice this week's vocabulary and grammar
40 minutes: work on current novel - reading, debates, skits, presentations, etc.
40 minutes: work on current writing unit - practice, read and evaluate drafts, learn new concepts
3 minutes go over any homework, file papers away in notebook, answer questions
(every other)Wednesday, 85 minutes:
10 minutes journal time
5 minutes random sharing of journal answers
65 minutes Current Events - (read and annotate both sides of a current issue, discuss/debate, vote, various writing assignments short and long supporting your position)
5 minutes summarize which skills we practiced, go over any homework, file papers away in notebook, answer questions
Thursday/Friday, 113 minutes:
10 minutes journal time
5 minutes random sharing of journal answers
15 minutes, approximately 15 question quiz covering this week's vocabulary, grammar, reading and other skills/current unit
80 minutes: work on current novel - current writing assignment, debates, skits, presentations, etc.
3 minutes: go over any homework, file papers away in notebook, answer questions
Additional Info
Novels
The novels/play we'll explore together this year are:
The Grapes of Wrath
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
The Great Gatsby
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
A Raisin in the Sun
We'll also work on a brief gender unit, a two-week fundamental Supreme Court case unit, and science/nature unit where we'll read and discuss a variety of shorter articles, essays, and briefs about the topic.
Independent Reading Project
Honors students will receive a list of 10 themed categories with 2-3 books by American authors included in each one. Students will choose a category and read the first book by the end of the first semester, and the second by the end of the year. In fall semester, students will write an essay analyzing the style and effectiveness of the first book (similar to the new SAT optional essay) and in the spring, students will answer an essay prompt using evidence from both books plus another source of their choice (similar to the ACT essay prompt style). These books will also be the basis of online and in-class discussions as well as questions on the final for the semester.
Honors students will receive a list of 10 themed categories with 2-3 books by American authors included in each one. Students will choose a category and read the first book by the end of the first semester, and the second by the end of the year. In fall semester, students will write an essay analyzing the style and effectiveness of the first book (similar to the new SAT optional essay) and in the spring, students will answer an essay prompt using evidence from both books plus another source of their choice (similar to the ACT essay prompt style). These books will also be the basis of online and in-class discussions as well as questions on the final for the semester.
Journals
Composition books for journals will be provided. Each day, questions will be posted in the front of the room and students will write a one page response in the journal. Journals will be kept in the classroom and will be counted as an assignment for credit and checked at random intervals.
Also...
If you're in English 3 Honors next year, be sure to read Where You'll Go is Not Who You'll Be by Frank Bruni and be ready to discuss your opinion about the book during the first week of school.
Curious browsers can check out the syllabus (on the right hand side bar of this blog). Otherwise, we will cover it in class the first week.
I look forward to a great year with the class of 2018. Have a spectacular rest-of-summer!
