English 3 CP Literature and Composition
Mrs. R. Keels
Planning 2nd Block, 10:00-11:40 every day
Room 100
reginakeels@anderson5.net
864-260-5177
Course Description: English 3 is the study of American Literature. Students learn
the major writers and thinkers of the United States from Native American culture to
the present period. Emphasis is placed on literary movements that coincided with
seminal periods in American history such as the Revolutionary War, Slavery, The Civil
War, the Roaring 20’s and the Civil Rights Era. The course focuses on non-fiction
writing; however, students will also read and analyze works of poetry, short stories,
and novels. In conjunction with the reading, students learn more about composition
which includes formulating ideas, drafting, and publication.
Teacher Expectations: In order for learning to happen, I expect my students to:
1. Come to class on time;
2. Come to class prepared with books and other materials;
3. Be respectful at all times and of every one;
4. Contribute to class meaningfully; and
5. Work diligently from bell to bell.
Materials
1. Textbook: McDougal Littell American Literature
2. 2 composition or spiral notebooks
3. Blue or black pens
4. Pencils
5. Large and small notecards for research
6. Storage device such as a thumb drive
7. Yellow MLA handbook, available in the school store
Late Work
Homework is due at the beginning of class. If you turn in your homework after I
collect it, I will deduct five points from your grade. Homework for practice is graded
on completion and effort, not accuracy. Assignments that you work on outside of
class are graded for accuracy.
Because our classes meet every other day, all assignments must be turned in
on time in order to receive credit. If you do not understand an assignment, I need to
know about it right away so that I can help you. Do not wait and then tell me on a
due date that you did not know what to do. On the same note, the day a formal
writing assignment is due is not the time to find out that you have no printer ink or
that your internet is not working. Do not procrastinate!
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Remind 101 Notifications
If you want to receive notifications about this class, such as reminders about tests and
assignments, text the code for your class to (832) 924-2834.
English 3 1B-- @eng31b
English 3 4A-- @d280a
English 3 4B-- @eng34b
(I will not see your number, and you will not see mine.) Follow the prompts until you
get a confirmation. You cannot send messages to the Remind 101 number. You may
email me at the address at the head of this syllabus if you need to get in touch with
me.
The Website
Check the website weekly to find out what your assignments and readings are.
Missing Work
Work may be made up if you have an excused absence as defined by the school
handbook. The code must be entered in the computer by Mrs. Lane in order for me to
allow you to make up your work, grade it, and enter it in the grade book. Also, keep in
mind, I do not allow students to do extra work or missing work in order to pass at the
end of a quarter. You must keep up with your assignments.
Eating and Drinking
Only water is permitted in class. Do not bring in food, soda, or cups from fast food
eateries. This is a school rule. Students who do not comply with this rule will be
asked to give up their drink or food. Any issues arising from this simple request may
result in disciplinary action.
Neither food nor drink (including water), are allowed in the labs, for any reason. This,
too, is a school rule. If you want working computers and clean facilities to do your
work in, this should not be a problem.
Bathroom Passes
At the beginning of each quarter, I will issue two bathroom passes. After using both,
you will have to do a 10 minute detention after school or take a tardy. I will
conference with you during your detention about your progress in the class.
Grading Procedures:
I grade using points. You will receive a rubric with your assignments. Please read the
assignments and check your work against the rubric before turning in your work.
Category
Percentage Weights
Writing Assignments
20%
Tests
20%
Quizzes
20%
Homework
10%
Class Work
20%
District Test
10%
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Assignment Type
Category
Writing Assignments
Tests
Quizzes
Homework
Class Participation (includes
bringing your book to class, being
helpful, contributing in a
meaningful way to class and
discussions, and completing minor
presentations or projects.)
Major Presentations
Major Projects
Notebook/Journal Check
Writing Assignments
Tests
Quizzes
Homework
Class Work
Typical Points Possible
per assessment
50-100 points
100 points
20 points
10 points
10-50 points
Tests
Tests
Class Work
100 points
100 points
50 points
Novels and Novel Abstracts
This year we will be reading three novels and one play. The play is in the textbook.
The Great Gatsby is available in our school library. You will have to purchase Copper
Sun and The Namesake. Below are abstracts of the novels we will be reading.
The Crucible by Arthur Miller
This play, considered to be one of Miller’s best, is an historical allegory for the McCarthy
period. Although not totally historically accurate, Miller shows that the mere accusation of
wrongdoing can wreak havoc in society. The play begins with a group of teen-age girls caught
practicing witchcraft in the woods. In order to save their own lives, the girls begin to falsely
accuse others in the society of practicing witchcraft. Film critic James Beradinelli comments on
its rich themes, “Indeed, its fertile themes – the lure of power, the gullibility of those who
believe they have a moral imperative, the need to accept responsibility for the consequences of
all actions, and the nature of truth – are universal in scope. Events such as those depicted in
The Crucible have recurred with alarming predictability throughout human history.” The play
contains sexual imagery and a reference to the adulterous relationship between Abigail
Williams and John Proctor.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
This novel is one of the greatest works set in the Roaring Twenties. It catalogues a new
generation who quickly becomes a lost generation. One Fitzgerald scholar says: “It is a
wonderful work which displays the penalties of greed, lust, and wealth as well as gives a
beautifully accurate depiction of society during a particular era.” Through this novel, Fitzgerald
examines the theme of the disillusionment of the American dream. The strength of the novel
lies in its symbolic language and intricate plot revolving around the love triangle of Daisy, Tom,
and Gatsby.
The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
The Namesake written by Pulitzer Prize winner Jhumpta Lahiri is a novel about a family that
moves from Calcutta, India to the United States. The conflict of the story focuses on a
generational gap between a father and son. The father named his son, Gogol after the famed
and disturbed genius Russian author, Nikolai Gogol. With such a weighty name, the young
man demonstrates the difficulty of first generation Americans to reconcile old world values with
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new ways and ideas which are immediate and more comfortable. In so doing, Gogol suffers
several personal tragedies and comes to understand that his name means more than he could
have imagined when he was young man intent on being everything his family is not. The book
deals with mature relationships and has brief, but recognizable scenes of sexuality.
Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper
Copper Sun tells the story of 15-year-old slave Amari, who is kidnapped from her home in
Africa and sent to the Carolinas on the Middle Passage. A man named Percival Derby
purchases Amari, and in his household she befriends a white indentured servant named Polly,
as well as Mrs. Derby. When Mrs. Derby gives birth to a black baby, the three women must
attempt to flee to safety. According to Gerry Larson, writing in School Library Journal, readers
“will better understand the impact of human exploitation and suffering throughout history”
and also “will gain a deeper knowledge of slavery, indentured servitude, and 18th-century
sanctuaries for runaway slaves.”
A note about Extra Credit: Generally, I do not give extra credit in order for students to boost
poor or failing grades. Please understand that any extra credit, if it were given, would have to
be offered to all students. It is very important that you complete all of your assignments on
time so that you do not find yourself in the position to desire extra credit points.
ID Badges and Dress Code: ID badges must be worn at all times. They are to be around your
neck and visible. You may not use an ID badge from a previous year, a friend’s ID badge, or
one that is defaced. Follow the school dress code. If I send you out for a violation, you cannot
return without a note from an administrator or an employee in the front office.
BYOT Technology is to be used only for educational purposes and with permission from me.
Use without permission, grants me the right to take your phone or device and take it to the
office so that the secretary can log the violation. I do not return devices to students at the end
of class.
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Student:
I have read this syllabus, and Mrs. Keels went over it in class. I understand what I
have to do in order to be successful. I plan to do my very best and to ask for help
when I need it.
Print name: ________________________________________________________________________
Sign name:__________________________________________________________________________
Date: _______________________________________________________________________________
Dear Parent or Guardian:
It is a great pleasure to teach your student this year. I look forward to working with
you as we journey through our study of American literature and composition. I
encourage you to sign up for Remind 101 (details are within the syllabus, marked by a
star). It is a quick and easy way for me to send notifications about this class to your
phone. You cannot use this account to get in touch with me; however, feel free to
email or call me.
Also, check the website weekly for assignments and announcements that pertain to
the class. Make sure that you read the book abstracts because they contain
important information about the content of the books your student will be reading this
year.
Once again, thank for this opportunity to teach your student.
Sincerely,
Regina Keels
English Teacher
I have read this syllabus and I understand what is demanded of my student in order
for him/her to pass this class.
Please print your name _____________________________________________________________
Parent Signature ___________________________________________________________________
Date _______________________________________________________________________________
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