Honors English 3/2014-2015
Carla Brown/Room 409
carla.brown@dpsnc.net
http://carlajoynerbrown.wordpress.com
919-560-3912 ext.12757
“I am trying to free your mind, Neo, but I can only show you the door. You are the one who has to walk
through it.
Morpheus
The Matrix
Students in Honors English 3 analyze literature as it reflects social
perspective and historical significance by continuing to use language for
expressive, expository, argumentative, and literary purposes. The emphasis
of Honors English 3 is critical analysis of text through writing, speaking,
listening, and using media. (Common Core and NC Essential Standards)
One point of focus this year will be learning about critical perspective. For
example, how can a reader’s understanding of The Great Gatsby alter if it is
viewed through a Marxist lens instead of a Historical lens? Here are some
questions to focus on as we progress through the year:
 What is culture and how does it affect one’s identity and actions?
 What happens when two or more cultures meet?
 How can we define what it means to be an “American”?
 How does literary perspective help us to analyze and synthesize the
world around us?
What Are My Expectations for an English 3 Student?
 Arrives on time
 Brings needed materials to class (paper, pencil/pen, etc…)
 Completes assignments on time
 Focused and on task
 Contributes to class discussions


Feels challenged
Uses the webpage to keep up with assignments
What Are Your Expectations for Me? Think About It.
Materials You Will Need.
 A ring binder with college ruled paper, or spiral notebooks. You will
need a section for note taking, vocabulary, and journal writing
 Blue or black pens. I will not accept work in color pens
 Highlighter
 #2 leaded pencils
Units of Study: Each unit may include poetry, short stories, essays, plays,
novels, and memoirs. Here is a brief outline for how the units will flow.
1st Quarter
 Review: parts of speech, literary terms, writing basics.
 Native American: The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven
(Alexie), documentary of John Trudel (Native American political
activist and poet).
 Early American and Colonial: Letters from an American Farmer (Crevecoeur), The
Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, The Interesting Narrative of the Life of
Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa
nd
2 Quarter
 American Romanticism: Nathaniel Hawthorne short stories, selection
of Poe short stories and poems, selection of Emerson and Thoreau
essays.
 Realism: Puddin’head Wilson (Twain), Story in an Hour (Chopin)
3rd Quarter
 Harlem Renaissance: Poetry and short stories from selected from
selected writers, Their Eyes Were Watching God (Hurston)
 Modern: The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)
th
4
 Contemporary: Independent novel
 TBD
Unit materials are subject to change. Honors courses are designed to be
rigorous. It is the student’s responsibility to keep up with all assignments.
Class assignments will be posted on the class blog –
http//carlajoynerbrown.wordpress.com --. This page can also be found in the
faculty directory, just click on my name. The majority of the reading will be
done outside of class.
Grading
I will be using the total points system
You can access your grades on PowerSchool. If you do not have a pin and a
password, you will need to see Mr. McEntire. The same holds true for the
parent portal. I do not have access to theses accounts.
Please read your student handbook. I will adhere to district and school
policies on behavior, attendance, and electronics. Please pay attention to:
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tardies
absences
phone policy
off campus lunch
Basic classroom policy is also noted in the Rules of Engagement handout.
If you have questions or concerns, the best way to contact me is by email.