Dr. Krop Senior High School
English III Honors Gifted
Course syllabus
2013-2014
Dr. Gittens- Room 2219
Phone: 305 652-6808
Email yagittens@dadeschools.net
blog: http://ygittens.blogspot.com
Course Description:
The English III Honors Gifted course emphasizes literature or informational text. Shorter texts connect
topically or thematically. Class discussions center on the reading, students should consistently find evidence
from the text. Textual evidence will be used in your writing, research, and presentations.
Writing relates to what is read and discussed in the unit. Over the course of the year, the writing in English III
Honors will be analytical, argument, to inform/explain, and narrative with a mix of routine, on demand,
review and revision writing assignments.
Research will connect to texts selected for close readings, requiring you to closely read, compare, and
synthesize ideas across multiple texts. Through a progression of research tasks, you will be called on to
present your findings in a variety of modes in informal and formal contexts appropriate through oral
presentations, argumentative or explanatory compositions, or multimedia products.
The study and application of vocabulary and grammar will take place within the context of what you read and
write. Students should understand the use of proper diction and tone for formal and informal speaking
occasions and the importance of proper word choice when using the spoken and written word.
Course Standards:
Upon completing the course, students should be able to:
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Read with increasing complexity to be ready for the demands of college- and career-level
Read a diverse array of classic and contemporary literature as well as challenging informational texts
in a range of subjects.
Build knowledge, gain insights, explore possibilities, and broaden their perspective..
Read critical types of content, including classic myths and stories from around the world; foundational
U.S. documents, seminal works of American literature, and the writings of Shakespeare.
Write logical arguments based on substantive claims, sound reasoning, and relevant evidence, with
opinion writing
Research—both short, focused projects and longer term in depth research
Gain, evaluate, and present increasingly complex information, ideas, and evidence through listening
and speaking as well as through media.
Engage in an academic discussion in one-on-one, small-group, and whole-class settings;
Both formal presentations and informal discussion as students collaborate to answer questions, build
understanding, and solve problems
Use vocabularies through a mix of conversations, direct instruction, and reading.
Determine word meanings, appreciate the nuances of words, and steadily expand their repertoire of
words and phrases.
Use formal English in writing and speaking and make informed, skillful choices among the many ways
to express themselves through language.
Use media (both critical analysis and production of media) integrated throughout the coursework.
Materials:
1. 3 ring binder with notebook paper or three subject notebook with folders
2. Pens (blue/black only), pencil, highlighters
3. Sadler Vocabulary Level G
Textbook
Florida McDougal Literature American http://www.classzone.com/cz/login.htm
Supplemental texts: (subject to change)
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The Scarlet Letter
Crucible
The Narrative of Frederick Douglass
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
The Great Gatsby
The Old Man and the Sea
A Raisin in the Sun
Their Eyes were Watching God
Cat on the Hot Tin Roof
by Nathaniel Hawthorne
by Arthur Miller
by Frederick Douglass
by Mark Twain
by F. Scott Fitzgerald
by Ernest Hemmingway
by Lorraine Hansberry
by Zora Neale Hurston
by Tennessee Williams
Grading:
Quarter grade will be an average of written assignments, projects, compositions, tests, quizzes, in-class
writings, homework, preparation, and participation in class. An approximate breakdown of the weights of the
various components might look like this:
Compositions, Projects, and Tests
50%
Quizzes, In-class Writings, Etc.
30%
Homework, Participation
20%
Academic Grades:
The grading scale is as follows:
90-100 % = A
80-89 % = B
70-79 % = C
60-69 % = D
59 and below F
Zero—0= 2 “Fs”
A: 4.0-3.5
B: 3.49-2.5
C: 2.49-1.5
D: 1.49-1.0
F: 0.99 and below
Cheating will not be tolerated. Cheating will result in a “0” for the assignment,
an “F” in conduct for the nine-week grading period, notification to your
parents, and a possible referral.
Class Policies and Procedures:
In an effort to maintain a pleasant, safe, and productive learning environment, students will adhere
to the following guidelines:
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Student ID must be worn at all times.
Proper dress code must be followed (please adhere to the Student Code of Conduct).
Absolutely No Electronic Devices should be seen or used in class.
No eating in class.
You must be in your assigned seat, quiet and ready to work when the tardy bell rings. You will be
marked tardy if you are not in your seat, which may be
6. The Teacher dismisses the class, not the bell!
7. Come to class on time prepared to engage in activities in this class.
8. Always keep hands, feet, objects and negative remarks to yourself.
Classroom Rules:
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We will respect one another’s opinions and comment.
All work must be turned in on the assigned date. No late work accepted.
Bring all necessary supplies to class every time the class meets.
All written assignments must be typed or handwritten in blue or black ink and double spaced.
Homework assigned will be purposeful. Therefore, all homework assignments not completed will
result in a zero (0).
Incomplete work will not be collected or given credit.
Students are required to take notes on all required reading materials and lectures.
CONDUCT GRADES:
 Conduct grades are lowered for the following reasons:
1. Student is not on task or disrupts the learning environment
2. Failure to follow directions
3. Failure to come to class prepared to work
4. Unexcused tardies to class
5. Eating in class—unless permitted by the teacher.
6. SLEEPING
7. Absolutely no profanity
8. Substitute teachers will be given the same courtesy as your regular teacher. Any student whose
name is reported by a substitute for misbehavior will receive a double “F” in conduct for the day,
their parents will be contacted and a referral written, if necessary.
ATTENDANCE:
Being in class (on time) every day is important. It is important that students contact (e-mail)
teachers whenever they are absent in order to obtain information on assignments or to make
arrangements for make-up work.
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It is the students' responsibility to request make up work when returning from an absence.
Credit for missed work will be given only if the absence is excused. Students have the number
of days absent to make up work. *When a student is absent on the day an assignment is
due, the work must be turned in on the day the student returns to class in order to receive
any credit (pending excused admit).
If a student is absent on the day a test/quiz is given, the student has within one week (upon
returning to school) to take the make up exam/quiz.
*Make-up tests/quizzes are given after school in order to ensure that students will not fall
further behind.
If a student does not begin to make up assignments within 48 hours upon returning to school,
credit for make-up work will be withheld.
School-wide attendance, tardy and academic honor code policies will be strictly enforced. Be
sure you adhere to these at all times.
All admits should be obtained within 48 hours upon returning to school. Admits can be
obtained from the attendance/main office before school (details forthcoming).
If you are tardy to school, please report to the tardy center/CSI room for an admit slip to class
or you will be marked absent for the day.
If you have an unexcused tardy, you will not be permitted to make up a quiz or test already in
progress.
Two (2) unexcused tardies will result in your conduct grade being lowered one letter grade.
We will do some of our reading in class. However, much of our homework will be reading. You are expected to
read completely and carefully. Skimming and Cliff notes/Spark Notes won’t cut it. Pop reading quizzes will be
given often, as will other assignments that require you have having completed reading. Because this is an
honors class, you will be expected to read numerous books and write frequently.
Guidelines for Written Work:
All class assignments and homework must be turned in on time with the proper heading.
1. Write the correct heading in the upper right hand corner above the lines:
 Last Name, First Name
Doe, Jane
 Subject Period
English 11 Per. __
 Teacher
Dr. Gittens
 Date
August 20, 2013
 Assignment Title
Literary Analysis
2. All typed papers should be completed in the following format in order to receive credit.
 12 font
 Double Space
 Times New Roman
 Page number in the lower right corner of each page.
 Indent paragraphs one inch or five typed spaces.
 Leave a one-inch margin on the right and on the bottom of each typed page.
After reviewing this syllabus with your Parent/Guardian,
PLEASE READ, COMPLETE, AND SIGN THE SIGNATURE PAGE ATTACHED:
SIGNATURE PAGE
I have read, and I understand, and I agree to the attached rules and procedures indicated in
the syllabus for English 11 th grade honors.
Student Name (Print) _____________________________________ Period___
Last,
First
Student Cell Phone #__________________________(if applicable)
Student E-Mail address:___________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Contact Information:
Parent/Guardian Name: (Print) ______________________________________
Phone: (Day)
__________________
(Evening)__________________
(Cellular) __________________
(E-Mail)
Do you have computer access at home?