Junior English Course Description and Syllabus 2013-2014

Coach Cockerham

Room 222

Welcome to English III! Please read the course syllabus and requirements for this class. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call. It is very important to keep the lines of communication open. After reading this, please sign and return the last page.

Course Description:

The fall semester focuses on literary analysis and writing about literature while the spring semester focuses on nonfiction and argument analysis and writing about stylistic elements in nonfiction and argument as well as writing persuasive essays and our Research Paper.

Objectives:

Students will demonstrate the ability to:

  • identify and analyze the elements of fiction.
  • identify and analyze the elements of poetry.
  • determine universal meaning in literary works.
  • write well about literature with concern not only for content but also with grammar, style and structure.
  • identify and analyze the elements of nonfiction.
  • identify and analyze the elements of argumentation.
  • use the elements of argumentation and persuasion.
  • write effectively for many different purposes.
  • Write with effective characterization and dialogue
  • Widen their current level of vocabulary
  • Solve analogies on an ACT/SAT test level

++++++ All course selections are subject to change, and many times we will participate in MORE than what is on the list. Students will be notified promptly when this situation arises++++++

First Six Weeks

Reading:short stories/novel

Grammar:parts of speech, types of sentences, usage

Composition:responses to literature, narrative, expository

Vocabulary:Reading-related vocabulary words (found in short story selections) and SAT/ACT vocabulary words

Literary Works: “The Lady or the Tiger?”

variousheroic themed short story selections

Begin first novel- The Hobbit JRR TOLKIEN

Second Six Weeks

Reading:novel, short stories

Grammar:compound, complex, compound-complex sentences

Composition:develop patience to carry an essay through deep/multiple meaning,

Persuasive/expository writing

Vocabulary:Analogies

Literary Works: Novel: continue THE HOBBIT

Project:we will participate in several theoretical geographical and historical projects and timelines concerning The Hobbit

Third Six Weeks

Reading:drama

Grammar:phrases and clauses, pronouns

Composition:persuasive emphasis

Vocabulary:Analogies and Contextual grammar

Literary works:“The Crucible” p. 880

TBA

Fourth Six Weeks

Reading:non-fiction, biographies and essays

TAKS:emphasis on preparation

Grammar:proper usage/pronouns, verbs, etc.

Composition:autobiographies

Vocabulary: to be determined

Literary works: “I Will Fight No More Forever” p. 441

“I Am the Last of My Family” p. 443

“The Life You Save May Be Your Own” p. 834

“Brown v. Board of Education” p. 982

“Traveling Through the Dark” p. 1036

Fifth Six Weeks

Reading:poetry

Grammar:Research Paper- Autism and Autistic Savants

Vocabulary: ACT/SAT vocabulary level

Literary Works:various (and many!) poetry selections

Project:developing, analyzing and writing various types and styles of poetry

Begin Research Paper using MLA

Sixth Six Weeks

Reading:legends

Grammar:expository writing

Vocabulary:From selected works

Project : Continue / Resolve Research Paper

SSR---All Students will participate in a reading program every week. Students will be asked to read a selection of their choice every week, and will be tested for comprehension every Friday over their selection both verbally and through written composition. This grade will count as several daily grades each grading period. All selections must be approved by me prior to reading to insure accountability.

Grading and Evaluation

  • major grades = 60%
  • daily grades = 40%

Supplies: Loose-leaf college ruled notebook paper (plenty of it)

Black or blue pens and #2 pencils

3 packages of ruled note cards (research paper)

Class rules:

Be in your seat when the bell rings

Bring supplies to class each day

RESPECT each other’s space, person and property

NO personal grooming

Food or drinks are not allowed in the classroom

No electronic devices… cell phones/ipods/digital camera or mp3 players

Do not leave your seat OR the room without consulting the teacher

Cheating or Plagiarism will not be tolerated… infractions will be in accordance with school policy

Absences: If a student misses an assignment, he/she must make it up.Students have the number of days to make up all missed assignments per accordance with school policy. Ifstudents are going to be absent due to a school function, please let me know in advance.

Discipline Management Plan:

Violations of the classroom/school rules will be addressed in the following ways:

Warning (verbal or non-verbal)

Removal from current seat

Last one to leave the classroom

Phone call to parent or parent conference

Office referral

Compliance with expectations will result in:

Verbal/written praise for class and individuals

Privilege pass

Classroom rewards

If you need to contact me, call 847-5729 ext. 229, or leave a message. You may email me at .

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