American Superhero

Contact Info

Class Materials Needed:

You will need your Chromebook, a notebook, a writing implement, and a willingness to learn.

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Intro and Archetypes

Unit 2: The Golden Age (1937-1955)

Unit 3: The Silver Age (1955-1973)

Unit 4: The Bronze Age (1974-1985)

Unit 5: The Modern Age (1986-present)

The American Superhero is a semester long elective course which analyzes American values and fear throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries by examining superheroes and villains depicted in comic books. This course is designed to analyze American history through an increasingly popular medium. In accordance with the state frameworks, the Common Core, and our program of studies, this course offers core academic content, concepts, and skills that are essential to the study of democracy and the development of educated and responsible citizens.

Grading

Quizzes and Tests: 20%

Quizzes occur periodically throughout the course and you may or may not receive prior notice. Tests are usually at the end of each unit and before every test there will be a review session. You will have the opportunity to correct tests for half credit, but there are no retakes. If you are absent for a quiz or test, I expect you to make it up within one week of being back in school.

Classwork: 40%

Classwork is graded on a /, /, / system and consists of a wide variety of assignments. One type of assignment will take place on Free-Read Friday. On Fridays, you will read either superhero comics that I provide or that you bring in (as long as they are school-appropriate). You will then complete a form that Ms. McCauley will provide. We will do these assignments every Friday our class meets, unless we are finishing up a film/assignment from earlier in the week. Please keep in mind that participation does not just mean raising your hand after every question. In can also be eye contact with the teacher and “having your head in the game” during class.

Homework: 20%

Homework is also graded on a /, /, / system. Homework is due when it is due.

Any form of extension or makeup for chapter work is due by the day of the unit test at the very latest.

Writing Assignments: 10%

There are several papers that take place over the course of this course. They will be 3-5 pages in length, double-spaced, and in MLA format.

Final Project: 10%

The final project will consist of either the creation of a new superhero/villain OR an in-depth examination of a superhero/villain of your choosing. Each project will consist of in-depth historical analysis, and will involve multiple steps which will be given at a later day. There will be a written component as well as a presentation component. Presentations will take place the day before and the day of our class’ Final Exam.

No extra credit options will be given, but you will have ample opportunity to show case your subject knowledge during the school year.

Ms. McCauley will be available after school any week day with the exception of Mondays.

Class Conduct:

All of us will be following the codes of conduct that are addressed in the 2016-2017 MMHS Parent/Student Handbook regarding behavior and academic integrity. I expect everyone to conduct themselves in a respectful way towards the other students as well as myself. You will not be allowed to make anyone feel uncomfortable, and that includes inappropriate behavior such as swearing, making fun of someone, or being physically improper. Disruptive behavior such as excessive chattering will not be tolerated because it interrupts the learning of those around you. There is no food or drink in class, and there is no need for you to use your phones, seeing as how we will use your Chromebooks frequently. I will give you two verbal warnings (less depending on the severity of the offense), and then I will either ask you to leave the room or stay after school. If you skip the after-school meeting, I will forward your name to the office. I will also call home as needed (for positive as well as negative reasons).

Ms. McCauley’s Daily Grind: What to Expect

1) Upon entering the classroom, you will be greeted by a smiling Ms. McCauley at the door. You should go directly to your seat and get out all of the materials needed for class. The Daily Itinerary will be written on the white board and is color-coded for your convenience (blue)). It would serve you well to read it. Make sure to write down the homework. If you’ve been absent or are missing assignments, extra copies are available in the blue milk crate labeled American Superhero.

2) After the bell rings, Ms. McCauley will get the show on the road posting either a picture/panel/reading on the board and on Google Classroom. While you are working on it, the homework will be checked off/collected.

3) Typically, the class will discuss the homework from the night before as well as discuss any questions or issues that came up.

4) An activity ensues. This could be anything, so be prepared for adventure! We will be doing a lot of reading from two texts: Brian Michael Bendis’ Words for Pictures and Durwin Talon’s Panel Discussion. All of the assignments should be placed in the In Bin (which is labeled accordingly), unless otherwise noted.

5) In the last 5-10 minutes of class, everyone will gather together to discuss and/or write about what they’ve learned in class. This is referred to as the Sooo…. segment of class. If written, you will hand these to Ms. McCauley on your way out.

6) The bell will ring, and you will all leave and go to another class. Ms. McCauley will wave goodbye to you on the way out.

Please look over the course expectations and daily grind with your parents/guardians and have them sign this paper on the line below for your first official homework assignment! If either you or your family members have any questions/concerns/comments regarding this course, please contact me at (508) 539-3600 ext. 1102 or email me at mmccauley@mashpee.k12.ma.us.

I have looked over my student’s copy of the American Superhero guidelines.

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