Language is the device for communication; it is the tool through which one individual comes to share
the ideas and feelings of others. - Dewey
English 3
Mrs. Ann Leaness
2009-2010
Welcome to English 3! This course will focus on tracing the rich history of fiction, poetry and drama in the United States. We will read works by major American authors, tracing common themes across genres and through our country’s dramatic history. Our reading will also include a variety of expository texts selected to provide context and critical perspective.
This course is challenging! Expect to stretch your abilities in the areas of analytical reading, composition, research, and oral communications. Success will require a serious commitment on your part. We have a long road to travel together this year. I promise to make our journey as interesting and entertaining as possible. Here are some things you should know as we begin our trip together:
Required Materials
Please bring the following items with you to class every day.
· A binder
· A pencil and a pen
· Loose-leaf paper
· Independent Novel
· Two – Pocket Journal Folder
Ground Rules
You will be expected to follow all guidelines for student behavior outlined in the School District of Philadelphia Student Handbook. Because we are all unique individuals, infractions will be dealt with on a case-to-case basis, with appropriate disciplinary consequences.
I promise to treat each person in our classroom, and the work we do together, with the utmost respect.
I expect each member of our learning community to do the same at all times.
Homework and Tests
You are required to read for at least 25 minutes each day, 5 days per week. Each night, after reading, you are required to write a short personal reaction in your response journal. Information about the homework will be explained in detail in class.
If you have been absent from class, it is your responsibility to gather missed assignments and complete them promptly. Please get the name, phone number and email of a classmate you can contact to find out what has occurred during your absence. You may also check in-class, missed assignments folder.
If you are absent on the day of a test, you should return to school prepared to make up your exam. You are responsible for scheduling a make-up test. I will not chase you down—if you do not schedule a make-up promptly, you will receive no credit for the missed test.
Class Participation
If you are asking questions, offering opinions, thinking aloud about the reading and responding to the comments of your classmates, you are taking an active role in your own learning and demonstrating to me that you understand course material. I believe that your ideas are vital to our course, so your daily participation counts towards your grade!
Assignments and Grading
Student performance will be assessed in a variety of learning activities, including the following: homework, unit exams, vocabulary quizzes, content quizzes, reading logs and comprehension activities, informal writing assignments, and formal processed compositions.
Grades are determined on a point system, with weight given to oral and written class participation, formal assignments, and large-scale projects, which require more time and effort to complete. Interim grades will be based on the percentage of points earned relative to the points possible for that marking period. Final course grades are determined according to the following category weights:
Do now/Exit pass 10%
Oral and Written Class Participation 40% Major Tests, Quizzes, Formal Assignments, Large-Scale Projects 35%
Homework 15%
Extra Credit
It is your responsibility to maintain your grade by conscientiously completing assignments throughout the year. I do not give extra credit assignments to individual students, but there may be occasional opportunities for extra credit offered to the whole class—take advantage of these when they arise, as there will not be last minute “grade saver” assignments. Earn your grade by working hard all semester!
Plagiarism & Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity is taken very seriously in this class. Consequences will be given to students who copy the work of others, as well as students who allow their work to be copied.
Plagiarism or cheating of any kind will result in a zero assignment, as well as a phone call home and a disciplinary consequence.
Additional Help/Questions or Concerns
If you need extra help outside of class, have concerns about your progress, or would like to set up a conference, you can usually find me before or after school in the roster office. You may also contact me by phone or via email. I am always happy to talk with students and parents, and generally try and respond within 24 hours
Phone: 215-276-5253 email:
We the undersigned, have read and understood the course information provided for Mrs. Leaness’s English 3 class.
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