Torsheta Bowens – Instructor
English III (American Literature)Tutorial: Wednesdays7:20-7:55
1A, 2A & 5BPlanning: 6B
Room 211Email:
RHS phone: (601) 939-5144
Course Description:
English III is a college level course that studies the major periods of American literature from the Puritan era to contemporary times and incorporates various texts of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry that reflect a variety of writing forms. The course acquaints students with the historical, moral, social and philosophical forces that have impacted significant literary works towards a goal of analyzing the interactions among a writer’s purposes, intended audiences, and subjects as well as the way the resources of language contribute to effectiveness and meaning in writing. In this course students will study rhetoric extensively with essay writing workshops that expand upon methods of rhetorical discourse and analysis, persuasion, and research writing. Though fictional works comprise a component of the course, it is important to note that the focus for reading such texts will not be in analysis of literary elements, but rather the study of rhetorical devices and linguistic choices employed by authors in an effort to construct and enhance tone and meaning.
Course Objectives:
1. To familiarize students with various pieces of American literature and the context in which they were written.
2. To strengthen students’ ability to develop organized pieces of writing and to increase their confidence levels as writers.
3. To strengthen students’ ability to express themselves orally and verbally and to increase their overall confidence as communicators.
4. Students will know how to perform research and how to present it using their own talents alongside technology. Special attention will be paid to acquiring and utilizing primary source documents.
5.To develop support for opinions and express ideas concisely by refining communication skills.
6. To strengthen and refine reading skills and to foster students’ desire to read
Textbooks and Workbooks:
Holt Rinehart and Winston Elements of Literature- Fifth Course
Prentiss Hall Writing
Required Materials:
1. Three-ring binder
2. Wide ruled loose-leaf paper (do not use paper ripped from a spiral-bound notebook)
3. Binder dividers
4. Blue or black pens and pencils
5. Dictionary/Thesaurus
6. Flash Drive (can be used for all classes)
7. Highlighters
8. 2 pocket folder with prongs
English 3binder:
Your notebook will include four sections: ACT, Grammar, Writing, and Notes/Handouts.
There will be periodic notebook checks, so be sure to keep everything unless I say otherwise.
Class Participation:
You are expected to be a quality contributor to your own education and to our classroom. You will have many opportunities to work on assignments with other students. You will work with different classmates throughout the year, so I urge you to use our group activities to help other people and to hone your own skills. Daily participation is essential both as an individual and with your group(s).
Grading Scale:
90-100 = A 80-89= B 70-79= C 65-69= D 0-64= F
Classroom Rules:
- Be On Time.
Promptness is a sign of professionalism, commitment, and mutual respect. Lateness shows lack of professionalism, lack of caring, and loss of control. Promptness is required. This applies not only to class times, but also to papers, class assignments, projects, meetings, etc.
- Do all work to the best of your ability.
- Raise your hand to be recognized during class.
- Treat others as you wish to be treated. “Respect yourself and others”.
- Absolutely no chewing gum, eating, or drinking during class.
Disciplinary Procedures:
1st Offense: Verbal Warning
2nd offense: Student/Teacher conference and/or assign new seat
3rd offense: Parental contact via phone, note, email, etc.
4th offense: Office referral and removal from class
Makeup Work Policy:
Any work missed due to an absence will have to be made up. School Policy dictates that you have one day for each day absent upon your return. If the work is not made up by this time, a zero will be recorded for the assignment or test. It is the student’s responsibility to request and submit makeup work.You can find it in the appropriate section of the classroom. It will help if you contact someone when you are absent to collect handouts and notes for you. Record the contact information of two classmates you trust here:
1. ______
2. ______
Redo Policy:
Any student wishing to redo a test with a score under 70 must make a request of the teacher within one week of the returned test. The student must complete and show proficiency on remediation assignments before the test will be administered. All Redo tests will be administered through the Wednesday sessions provided by the school.
Additional Assistance:
Do not hesitate to come talk to me. If you need additional assistance you may come to morning tutorials. Tutorials are held Wednesday mornings from 7:20-7:55
“You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself. That is something you have charge of.”
-Jim Rohn(AmericanSpeaker and Author)
I have read the English II syllabus and understand the requirements and expectations for this class.
Student Signature: ______Date: ______
Parent/Guardian Signature(s): ______Date: ______
Parent/Guardian Contact Information:
Home Phone: ______
Cell Phone: ______
Work Phone: ______
E-mail Address: ______
I have read the English II syllabus and understand the requirements and expectations for this class.
Student Signature: ______Date: ______
Parent/Guardian Signature(s): ______Date: ______
Parent/Guardian Contact Information:
Home Phone: ______
Cell Phone: ______
Work Phone: ______
E-mail Address: ______