LONGMEADOW HIGH SCHOOL
95 Grassy Gutter Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106
NAME OF COURSE:
English-III-132 (5 credits)
INSTRUCTOR:
John Williams
jwilliams@longmeadow.k12.ma.us Extension 113
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This is a full-year course designed for the student who has demonstrated proficiency in critical writing skills and academic achievement in English II. This course emphasizes literary analysis, the study of British literature and history, and expository writing. Vocabulary study originates from the literature, and grammar study is applied to student essays. The writing of students in this course is essentially grammatically correct, well organized, and coherent. Students have demonstrated a capability to read with comprehension and insight and to think critically.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
The junior English class is designed to develop students’ skills in critical reading, writing, and reasoning. Students will read selections from British literature from the Dark Ages to contemporary time. Students will read short stories, poems, a play, at least one novel, and excerpts from an ancient epic poem. Students will develop skills in writing, grammar, oral communication and cooperative work. The first half of the year will include excerpts from Beowulf, Grendel, Canterbury Tales, selected medieval literature, Renaissance poetry, and selections from Joyce. We will work on basic essay writing, compare and contrast essays, creative writing, vocabulary, grammar and oral presentation.
TEXTBOOK/SOFTWARE:
The text is Literature: the British Tradition, published by Prentiss Hall (ISBN 0-13-722455-9). The text will be supplemented with other novels, handouts, etc. There will be outside reading assignments throughout the year.
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Students are required to come to class with the texts appropriate for that day’s assignments, a notebook for vocabulary words and grammar assignments, and a pen/pencil and a journal for in class writing.
GRADING:
Tests and major written or verbal projects, quizzes and in class writing, and homework will all be assigned point values based on their relative importance to a successful completion. The final grade will reflect the percentage of points earned divided by the available points. Grading updates may be obtained from the instructor at any time. All assignments are due on the date they are assigned to be due. Late work may be accepted at the discretion of the instructor at a significant reduction in grade.
CHEATING & PLAGIARISM: Students caught cheating or plagiarizing will be assigned a zero for that particular assignment. Additionally, plagiarized work will result in a referral to the school administration as well as a conference with the student’s family. Work that is plagiarized mocks the learning process and calls into doubt the integrity of the student. NOTE: Use of artificial
intelligence/large language models for any stage of the work process constitutes plagiarism. Copying another student’s homework or completing work as a group (unless directed to do so) constitutes cheating.
8/28/2025
LONGMEADOW HIGH SCHOOL
95 Grassy Gutter Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106
ATTENDANCE:
A student who misses seven classes in one quarter may fail for the quarter. At the teacher's discretion, the student may receive the lesser of a grade of 59 or the actual grade earned. The student is responsible for any work missed due to absence
EXTRA HELP:
The instructor is available every morning before school or any day after school by appointment.
COURSE POLICIES: There are four basic rules:
-be on time
-be prepared with books, notebooks, pencil, etc
-do your assigned work-participate in class
-demonstrate respect for your fellow students and your teacher
Mature topics
We remind students and parents/guardians that literature, both classic and contemporary, often includes mature topics. While authors portray these difficult situations to truthfully explore human experience, we are cognizant that these topics may also evoke strong emotions. We believe strongly that the high school classroom is a safe and appropriate place to encounter and responsibly discuss these topics, and encourage further discussion between parents/guardians and students outside of the classroom.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:
SEATING PLAN: There will be seating plan used. I reserve the right to change your seat based on your behavior.
BOOKS: Your books are on loan and must not be damaged or lost. You will be held financially responsible for any lost or unduly damaged textbook.
HEADING: All assignments should be clearly labeled with your name, class number and block, date submitted, and my name.
CHEATING: Any incident of cheating (plagiarism or copying others work IS cheating) will receive an automatic zero and require a parental consultation. ALL OTHER POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE CLEARLY OUTLINED IN YOUR STUDENT HANDBOOK.
name of Course: English-I-112 (5 credits)
Instructor: John Williams
jwilliams@longmeadow.k12.ma.us
Extension 113
Course Description:
English 112 is a full year course designed for the student who has demonstrated proficient academic achievement in grade 8 English. Students study literary genres, including the short story, poetry, drama, the novel, and mythology. Also, students study grammar, mechanics and vocabulary in order to improve their written and oral expression. Emphasis is placed upon the development of critical reading skills. In addition, writing instruction is focused on pre-writing strategies, organizing the paragraph, developing the thesis, structuring the three to five paragraph essay, and producing various other types of writing.
Course Objectives:
Writing: Using writing to build on the skills you developed in eighth grade will be an important component of the course. You will write throughout the year, both formally and informally. Also you will be expected to write both inside and outside of class! Smaller writing activities and assignments will allow you to engage with important ideas and prepare you for larger projects. We’ll put a particular emphasis on strong analytical writing, but you’ll also experiment with more reflective and creative assignments.
Literature: The readings will provide the basis for the development of analytical skills and critical understanding.
Critical Thinking: To be a critical thinker means that you are an active, not passive, learner. You’re not just receiving information; you’re analyzing, interpreting, synthesizing and evaluating. Reading, homework assignments, class discussions and activities, writing assignments and projects will help you build these skills.
Vocabulary & Grammar: Since successful writers need to have a mastery of language, we’ll work to expand vocabulary and develop a better grasp of grammar and essential conventions of writing. Vocabulary lists taken from course readings, literary terms, and MCAS word lists will be covered, and lessons on grammar will be conducted throughout the year. You will be quizzed on a regular basis, and you will be expected to apply what you’ve learned to your own writing.
COURSE OUTLINE:
The following is a tentative overview of the literary materials and themes that will be covered throughout the year; the order and the items in this list are subject to change.
Short Stories (various selections)
Poetry (various selections)
Novel: To Kill a Mockingbird (Lee)
Mythology & Epic Poetry: Excerpts from The Odyssey & The Iliad (Homer) and others
Drama: The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare)
Mature topics
We remind students and parents/guardians that literature, both classic and contemporary, often includes mature topics. While authors portray these difficult situations to truthfully explore human experience, we are cognizant that these topics may also evoke strong emotions. We believe strongly that the high school classroom is a safe and appropriate place to encounter and responsibly discuss these topics, and encourage further discussion between parents/guardians and students outside of the classroom.
(Note: The study of writing, vocabulary, grammar, and other literary genres will be interwoven throughout the curriculum. Furthermore, students will have a focus on conducting academic research using both primary and secondary sources. )
Required Materials: You must have the following items in class every time we meet. The text(s) and/or book(s) we are reading as a class (these will be temporarily lent to you during the time when books are needed in class): Chromebook, pen/pencil and paper, Journal for daily writing
Grading: Tests and major written or verbal projects, quizzes and in class writing, and homework will all be assigned point values based on their relative importance to a successful completion. The final grade will reflect the percentage of points earned divided by the available points. Grading updates may be obtained from the instructor at any time. All assignments are due on the date they are assigned to be due. Late work may be accepted at the discretion of the instructor at a significant reduction in grade. Attendance: see the student handbook regarding the LHS policies on missing class and being tardy to class.
Extra help: The instructor is available every morning before school or any day after school by appointment.
course and classroom policies:
There are four basic rules:
-be on time
-be prepared with books, notebooks, pencil, etc
-do your assigned work-participate in class
-demonstrate respect for your fellow students and your teacher
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:
SEATING PLAN: There will be seating plan used. I reserve the right to change your seat based on your behavior.
BOOKS: Your books are on loan and must not be damaged or lost. You will be held financially responsible for any lost or unduly damaged textbook.
HEADING: All assignments should be clearly labeled with your name, class number and block, date submitted, and my name.
CHEATING: Students caught cheating or plagiarizing will be assigned a zero for that particular assignment. Additionally, plagiarized work will result in a referral to the school administration as well as a conference with the student’s family. Work that is plagiarized mocks the learning process and calls into doubt the integrity of the student. NOTE: Use of artificial intelligence/large language models for any stage of the work process constitutes plagiarism. Copying another student’s homework or completing work as a group (unless directed to do so) constitutes cheating.
ALL OTHER POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE CLEARLY OUTLINED IN YOUR STUDENT HANDBOOK.
NAME OF COURSE: English-Film and Literature
INSTRUCTOR: John Williams
jhnwil@aol.com or jwilliams@longmeadow.k12.ma.us
Extension 113
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
For most of the twentieth century, film and the movies were the definitive expression of the era. The study of film is the study of art, politics, social movements and visual story telling. Appropriate understanding and appreciation of films today requires a study of the intricacies of the art form. This course will explore the evolution of film and storytelling techniques including: visual techniques and the aspects of visual storytelling, the thematic uses of color and music, traditional and non-traditional methods of creating movies, and a history of motion pictures. We will view movies from various periods to explain and illustrate these techniques as well as observe how these methods have evolved into the movies of today. This course also explores the relationship between the written word and the visual interpretation of that vision.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
The English class is designed to develop students’ skills in visual understanding of film and how the written word is translated into film. Students will read selections from literature and examine how the techniques in literature are used differently in film. Students will read short stories, a play, and several novels and view the film adaptations of these works. Students will demonstrate their understanding and proficiency by producing a film as their final project.
TEXTBOOK/SOFTWARE:
The texts will include novels, handouts, etc. Students will be required to purchase and read one novel outside the curriculum during each semester.
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Students are required to come to class with the texts appropriate for that day’s assignments, a notebook, and a pen/pencil.
GRADING:
Tests and a major verbal project/presentation will all be assigned point values based on their relative importance to a successful completion. The final grade will reflect the percentage of points earned divided by the available points. Grading updates may be obtained from the instructor at any time or through the “grade portal.” All assignments are due on the date they are assigned to be due. Late work may be accepted at the discretion of the instructor at a significant reduction in grade.
CHEATING & PLAGIARISM: Students caught cheating or plagiarizing will be assigned a zero for that particular assignment. Additionally, plagiarized work will result in a referral to the school administration as well as a conference with the student’s family. Work that is plagiarized mocks the learning process and calls into doubt the integrity of the student. NOTE: Use of artificial intelligence/large language models for any stage of the work process constitutes plagiarism. Copying another student’s homework or completing work as a group (unless directed to do so) constitutes cheating.
ATTENDANCE:
A student who misses seven classes in one quarter may fail for the quarter. At the teacher's discretion, the student may receive the lesser of a grade of 59 or the actual grade earned. The student is responsible for any work missed due to absence
EXTRA HELP:
The instructor is available every morning before school or any day after school by appointment.
COURSE AND CLASSROOM POLICIES:
There are four basic rules:
-be on time
-be prepared with books, notebooks, pencil, etc
-do your assigned work-participate in class
-demonstrate respect for your fellow students and your teacher
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:
SEATING PLAN: There will be seating plan used. I reserve the right to change your seat based on your behavior.
BOOKS: Your books are on loan and must not be damaged or lost. You will be held financially responsible for any lost or unduly damaged textbook.
HEADING: All assignments should be clearly labeled with your name, class number and block, date submitted, and my name.
CHEATING: Any incident of cheating (plagiarism or copying others work IS cheating) will receive an automatic zero and require a parental consultation.
Mature topics
We remind students and parents/guardians that literature, both classic and contemporary, often includes mature topics. While authors portray these difficult situations to truthfully explore human experience, we are cognizant that these topics may also evoke strong emotions. We believe strongly that the high school classroom is a safe and appropriate place to encounter and responsibly discuss these topics, and encourage further discussion between parents/guardians and students outside of the classroom.
ALL OTHER POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE CLEARLY OUTLINED IN YOUR STUDENT HANDBOOK.