Western Hills High School
English III Syllabus for 2020-2021
Mr. McNiel
E-Mail: Michael.McNiel@fwisd.org
Course Description:
English III is a course comprised of literary and historical influences from the discovery of The Americas until modern times. Using the textbook (Holt McDougal Literature for Texas, American Literature) and supplementary materials, students will be able to explore various genres of literature written primarily by authors inside of the United States and will be able to enhance their grammar and writing skills. The study of literary genres – short stories, poetry, drama, novels, and non-fiction – will coincide with the review and introduction of writing techniques.
Purpose, Goals, and Student Learning Objectives:
The district has its Curriculum Framework which will be executed through the teaching of core novels and techniques which will aid the students in a variety of ways. Students have the potential to develop an appreciation for literature and accompanying writing which can help them in the future. The selected texts and initiatives are being read and performed across the district so that all students can be exposed to a wide array of works and can synthesize ideas and concepts that are linked to their own experiences.
Real Life Application/ Relevance:
The final goal for all students is preparation to enter college, the military, or the workforce. The study of particular works of fiction or non-fiction is important; however, the end result is what should be most desirable – the development of critical thinking skills, the ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds, the knowledge to work independently, and the desire to achieve well beyond expectations.
Supplies Required:
In order to achieve these goals, students will be provided with a space to leave these items in the classroom and will be expected to have these items with them each day:
· College ruled notebook paper (no spirals)
· Pen or pencil
· School issued laptop
Teacher Expectations and Keys to Success:
Students will be responsible for all assignments (unless otherwise specified by teacher). Any questions can be cleared up with a conference or a quick chat either during lunch or after school. If a student performs to the best of his or her ability, then he or she WILL be successful in my class.
The core novels/plays scheduled to be taught are The Crucible and The Great Gatsby. The district will provide school copies, but some students may wish to purchase their own copies; however, this is not a requirement. Students are completely responsible for the school copies, and there will be consequences if the student loses or damages a novel in any way. If a parent or student objects to a novel or assignment, he or she must make an appointment with the assistant principal, teachers, and counselor to resolve said issue.
Student must be logged on to their computers and signed in to the google meeting at their scheduled times. Students will be asked to mute their laptops for most of the class unless discussions are taking place, or a question needs to be asked. This way background noise will not interrupt instruction, as well as other students learning experiences. This is a learning experience for all of us
show up on time.
Find a quiet place, away from distractions.
Keep you microphone on mute UNLESS called on to speak.
Raise your hand or send a message in chat if you'd like to speak.
if you have a questions, put it in the side chat bar.
Keep cell phones out of view.
Check in for attendance.
Dress appropriately.
Be respectful to everyone.
Share screen (unless requested by teacher)
Be in a noisy location.
Save, screenshot, share ANYTHING from google meet.
Engage in other games or activities in other tabs while chats are open.
Turn microphone off/on, (unless asked to contribute to discussion.)
Distract Others
Continuously move around.
Vulgarity ( no cursing, vulgar language, or inappropriate gestures.
Do not give negative feedback on another's work or comments.
Post negativity, bully others in chats.
Attendance will be taken every day during the first ten minutes of class. It will be located in Google Classroom.
Grading Policy/ Assessment:
All school standards will be followed
20 % -- Major Essays, Projects Check Plus – 95 (A)
20% -- Daily Assignments Check -- 85 (B)
20 % -- Participation Check Minus -- 75 (C)
20% -- Exam
20% -- Quiz
Extra credit MAY be available to the entire class and will NOT be in place of any assignment/test/project not completed. Extra credit will ONLY be accepted if all other assignments have been completed. You are to do this on YOUR OWN TIME. This is optional, not a requirement.
Make-Ups: In my room either during lunch (obtain a lunch pass from me) or after school. All make-ups must be scheduled in advance
Absences: You will have ONE DAY to turn in assignments only if absent on the day the assignment was given. YOU are responsible for obtaining and turning in make-up work on YOUR OWN TIME unless otherwise specified by teacher.
- NOTE: if a test/paper/project was assigned in advance, meaning you already knew about it BEFORE the day of your absence or were absent on the due date, the paper/project/test is due THE DAY YOU RETURN except for EXTREME CASES. This applies to everyone.
Cheating: Don’t do it; if you speak, whisper, or glance around suspiciously while tests/quizzes are out, your test/quiz will be taken up and you will receive a zero.
***I HAVE A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY FOR CHEATING AND YOU WILL RECEIVE A ZERO ON ANY ASSIGNMENT THAT IS NOT YOUR OWN WORK. THIS IS MEANT TO INCLUDE PAPERS, TEST AND DAILY WORK. DO NOT COPY AND DO NOT ALLOW OTHERS TO COPY YOUR WORK. ***
Late Work Policy/ Scoring Guides and Rubrics:
Students are allowed to turn in late work, but it is still considered to be LATE. Deadlines need to be strictly adhered to barring any illness or other factors that may prevent a student from turning in work on time.
Classroom Procedures, Rules, and Consequences:
1. Be respectful – I will always allow you express yourself to the fullest, within reason, without interruptions. Therefore, do not talk while someone else is talking, that includes another student and, most importantly, ME. Refrain from derogatory and otherwise unnecessary comments or gestures (cursing, put-downs, etc.) about ANYONE in the class. Your language is a reflection of who you are as an individual. There will be no profanity or derogatory racial slurs in my classroom. What may seem commonplace language to you, is actually offensive to many people and I will tolerate NONE of this. This class is a safe place to express your thoughts and ideas. Each student has something valuable to offer and will be given the opportunity to do so without fear or criticism.
2. Be prepared – BE IN CLASS when the bell rings. You are expected to get your notebook, be in your seat and begin the assignment on the board. If you are lacking something (paper or pen), please make an effort to acquire it before asking me.
3. Be focused – RAISE HANDS to be recognized unless otherwise instructed. Ask questions after the lesson has been explained. Do the work that is asked of you and set short-term and long-term goals for yourselves
4. Be aware – PAY ATTENTION to what is going on in class at all times (no sleeping or heads down). There is a time for work and a time for play; make sure you know the difference. If you need clarification, ask me. I will either explain it to you or ask a student to do so.
5. Be positive – I have a certain expectations of high school students. One of those is A POSITIVE ATTITUDE because a good attitude will foster proper behavior. Negative attitudes have consequences.
6. Be responsible – I am here to help you obtain your education but you have some stake in this as well. I will provide you with the instruction that you need to complete all assignments. If there is something that you do not understand, it is YOUR responsibility to come to me for assistance. Do not wait until an assignment is due to ask for help.
**ALL POLICIES IN THE STUDENT HANDBOOK WILL BE FOLLOWED ALONG WITH PENALITIES (INCLUDING NO VISIBLE OR AUDIBLE CELL PHONES; PROPER CLOTHING; NO RADIOS, CD PLAYERS, MP3 PLAYERS, I-PODS, VIDEO GAMES, etc.)
CONSEQUENCES:
1. First Offense – Warning
2. Second Offense – Parent Contact and/or Handbook discipline
3. Third Offense – Referral and/or Handbook discipline
Available Tutoring and Conference Times:
My office hours are Monday through Friday 2-3
Scope and Sequence by Six Weeks Including Major Activities, Readings, and Assignments:
** This is a tentative overview of material that may be covered, and any additional material and/or changes will be up to the teacher’s discretion. Some sections will overlap from one time period in history to the next as is noted below. This can be subject to change depending on several factors including length of lessons, need for refresher lessons, additional student-teacher interaction, and other unforeseeable future events.
This listing may include but is not limited to the following:
First Six Weeks – Emerging Early Voices
Second Six Weeks – Understanding American Gothic and Romanticism
Third Six Weeks – Understanding Regionalism and Naturalism
Fourth Six Weeks – Understanding Harlem Renaissance and Modernism in American Literature
Fifth Six Weeks – Understanding American Poets
Sixth Six Weeks –Understanding Contemporary Voices in American Literature
*****The instructor reserves the right to change any information presented in this document at anytime necessary to benefit the instruction of the students.
Mr. McNiel, English III Teacher
817-815-6000