English 3 Mrs. Pelletier Room 202

Course Objectives Three focus points: in-depth critical thinking about complex, cultural, philosophical, and political issues extensive close reading and analysis of challenging texts substantial creative, expository, interpretive, and argumentative writing in an increasingly sophisticated style

English 3 Units and Texts Voice/Patterns of Development No major text Social Justice Morality Major text: Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? by Michael Sandel Major text: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain Each unit will have multiple non- fiction pieces that relate to the unit’s topic

English 3 Units and Texts American Dream/National Ethos Major Text: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Major Text: Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller (if time allows) Language and Identity Major Text: The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien Each unit will have multiple non- fiction pieces that relate to the unit’s topic

Unit Structure Each unit is designed to ensure that the students focus on developing their writing ability. Each unit, students will be given a number of shorter writing assignment (4-8). For each writing assignment, the following will take place: Students will write a first draft, which will receive a grade out of 10 points that will go into the Assignment category. This grade is based on a clearly visible attempt to address all parts of the prompt. Students will receive feedback on their first drafts via Notes on Writing and sample papers. Writing conferences are available if more help is needed. Students will write a second draft that will be turned in at the end of the unit. All of the shorter writing assignments will be collected, and one will be selected to be given a grade that goes into the Writing category. There will be at least one major culminating assignment (essay or project) at the end of each unit.

Grading Categories Writing – 50% Second drafts of shorter writing assignments (one per unit) Major essays Assignments/Projects/Tests/Quizzes – 50% First drafts of shorter writing assignments Other writing assignments such as analytical questions for various texts Annotation of shorter texts Socratic Seminars Written tests and quizzes requiring analysis Possibly reading quizzes Projects

Grading Scale A+ = 97% and above A = 93% - 96.9% A- = 90% - 92.9% F = 59.9% and below

Late Assignments/Absences All work must be turned in on time in order to receive full credit. Each assignment will go down one grade level for every school day it is late. For instance, if an assignment earns an A, but it is turned in two days late, it will receive a C. For excused absences, you will have the number of days absent plus one to make up the work/test. If you were present when work was assigned, you are expected to turn it in when you return to school.

Contact Information Lucy Pelletier E-mail: lpelletier@lcusd.net Website: www.mrspelletier.com