Exploring American Voices is the required junior English course. Encompassing the cultural richness of the American experience, the course includes the study of Native American works, Puritan literature, revolutionary voices, abolitionist rhetoric, slave narratives, transcendental philosophy, Gothic tales, regional literature, and the energetic range of 20th and 21st century expressions of the experiences of immigrants, soldiers, flappers, wanderers, protestors and ordinary citizens. Emphasizing either the chronological sweep of American literature or a thematic development of important issues and ideas, English III offers all students the opportunity to express themselves as independent thinkers within the context of their rich heritage. Through juxtaposing student voices in the classroom with the voices of the authors of the texts, the course emphasizes the value and power of individuality and honors the diversity of race, class, gender, ethnicity, religion, experience and ideology that characterizes American culture.
American Rhetoric: speeches, songs, poetry of 18th-21st century America
Fences by August Wilson (play and film)
The Crucible by Arthur Miller
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
Respect each other, our classroom, and ourselves
Listen, share and remain open minded to learning about other's experiences
Abide by the policies listed in the WHS Student Handbook
Be punctual, prepared, and positive about your opportunity to learn each day
Gradebook:
You will have at least ten (10) opportunities to earn points in each marking period. The points earned/points possible will determine your marking period average.
Assignment Categories:
Class Participation (general participation 2x/mp; graded discussion, debate, presentations)
Assessments (formal and informal writing assignments; quizzes; tests)
Projects (individual and small group; the Junior Research Paper process/product)
Homework (includes both graded and "checked" assignments)
Anticipate a formal midterm and final exam for this course.
Late Work:
Homework/Classwork: 50% credit, if submitted late. No credit will be earned one week past the original due date.
Essays/Projects: 10% credit deduction every day after the assignment's original due date.
Academic Integrity.
Any work that violates the Academic Integrity Standards set forth in the student handbook will not be eligible to earn credit
Absences:
If you are absent for a presentation, graded discussion, or other formal activity, we expect to be notified before class begins so we can make accommodations.
Check out Google Classroom for what you missed in class and ask a classmate, before emailing us.
Absent for the day due to illness, family emergency, religious event, etc?
You will have one school day per day absent to make up the work.
Absent from class due to a school field trip, chorus/band event, sport or activity?
Please email us of your absence prior to class and make up the missed work. You are still accountable for the night's homework and upcoming deadlines.
Absent for 3 or more days in a row?
Please email us to check in, if you can, and please feel free to set up a time to review what you missed in class with us and set up a schedule for submitting missed work.