Honors English 3

Tyler Earl Wicks

tewicks@washoeschools.net
775-353-5700
twicks.weebly.com
I believe that man will not merely endure: he will prevail. He is immortal, not because he alone among
creatures has an inexhaustible voice, but because he has a soul, a spirit capable of compassion and sacrifice
and endurance. The poet's, the writer's, duty is to write about these things. It is his privilege to help man
endure by lifting his heart, by reminding him of the courage and honor and hope and pride and compassion
and pity and sacrifice which have been the glory of his past. The poet's voice need not merely be the record
of man, it can be one of the props, the pillars to help him endure and prevail.
- Faulkner, William. The Banquet Speech. The Nobel Banquet. Stockholm Sweden. December 10, 1950.
Welcome to your first semester of Sophomore English.
This year we will proceed chronologically through literature and history to attempt to gain a better
understanding of our modern world. We will begin with myth and legend from the dawn of civilization and
proceed to the Golden Age by semesters end. During this journey you will read a broad selection of texts from
around the world along with modern interpretations and pairings. We will also commit to writing a number of
short and long pieces that test your literary knowledge, historical understanding, and logical prowess.
I look forward to working with you throughout the year,
Mr. Wicks
Expectations:
You are expected to come prepared to class every day with your text, all your materials, and all of your assigned
work completed. In class you will be expected to participate in textual analysis and synthesis, class discussions
and presentations, all forms of class work, and you will be expected to commit some of your time outside of
class to the work we do in class as well.
Supplies:
For this class you will need: at least one composition notebook for note taking and journaling, a folder for
holding class research and writing development, a box of cheap blue or black ink pens, a package of college
ruled notebook paper, a working and professional email address, and a free online file saving and transferring
program such as Dropbox, Google Drive, or other cloud based programs.
Optional:
A cheap USB flash drive for transferring work in times of internet failure.
Reading:
You will be expected to read all assigned in class texts, the majority of which will be read in class but some
reading outside of class will be required as well. You will also be expected to read at least 4 novels on your own
throughout the course of the semester. These novels will be assessed through presentation on Wednesdays,
which are also dedicated to silent reading and library time to better assist you in meeting your reading goals.
Books we will read this semester: Gilgamesh, A variety of Biblical and other early religious texts (for
literary and historical purposes only), a variety of myths from around the world, Julius Caesar, Sir
Gawain and the Green Knight, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court, and Pastwatch.
Homework:
Every Friday you will be assigned an article to read, analyze, and annotate over the course of the week. After

Edward C. Reed High School

Honors English 3
Tyler Earl Wicks

tewicks@washoeschools.net
775-353-5700
twicks.weebly.com
analyzing the article you will be expected to complete a task that furthers your understanding, forces you to take
a stance, or requires you to elicit peer or adult response. Total, your homework should take no more than one
hour to complete and has the potential to be invaluable in assisting you in your writing assignments.
Professionalism and Discipline:
You are expected to be professional, conscientious, and considerate at all times. If you deliberately do not
adhere to behavior that is appropriate for your education, your future employment, or the high standard your
teacher expects; you will be swiftly punished and your behavior grade will be penalized. Mr. Wicks utilizes
a progressive discipline plan to adjust inappropriate behavior but reserves the right to immediately remove a
student from class based on egregious offenses.
Late Work and Extra Credit:
If you are absent, you have the amount of days you were absent plus one class day to complete your missing
work. It is your responsibility to determine what that missing work is and to get it in on time. If you fail to
complete an assignment on time, it will not be collected and you will be penalized for that assignment.
If you are in need of redemption or you wish get ahead to avoid being possibly penalized by your midterm or
final, you may complete the Mastery Assignment. The Mastery Assignment is meant to demonstrate your
mastery of the skills learned in this class. This assignment will take a great deal of time to complete, you
will be required to commit to extensive outside research, you may need some technical skill, and you will be
required to create an impressive presentation. This assignment has the potential of adding anywhere from
5% to 25% to an individuals grade, if you are beyond this threshold then you are beyond academic
salvation.
Grading Scale:
90-100=A, 80-89=B, 70-79=C, 60-69=D. Anything lower than 60% is an F. All due dates and requirements
for homework and essays will be posted in class, and reminders to complete work will be issued daily.
Categories: Final and Midterm = 20%, Quizzes and Tests = 10%, Participation = 20%, Homework 10%,
Reading Participation and Presentations 10%, Essays = 30%.
Important Due Dates, First Semester
First Essay (Maximum 2 pages) September 2nd
Second Essay (Maximum 2 pages) September
16th
Third Essay (Maximum 2 pages) October 7th
Fourth Essay (Maximum 5 pages) October 21st
Midterm Exam October 22nd and 23rd
Fifth Essay (Maximum 2 pages) November 10th
Sixth Essay (Maximum 2 pages) November 24th

Writing Project, First Draft (Maximum 5 pages)

December 2nd
Mastery Assignment (Optional) 7th through the
11th
Writing Project, Final Draft (Maximum 5 pages)
December 11th
Final Exam December 14th through the17th
Homework due every Friday, 2 Reading
Presentations due by the end of semester (student
choice).
Last Day of Semester December 17th

Edward C. Reed High School

CLASS CONTRACT
I have read and understood the class expectations. I understand the participation grade and the importance of me being
an active member of this class. I understand that if I am not working up to my potential, Mr. Wicks has the right to
hold me in during lunch for No Opt Out detention.
Students name (please print neatly) _______________________________________________
Date:________________
Student Signature:
Parent name (please print):_____________________________________________________
Date:__________________
Parent Signature:_______________________________________________________
Parent e-mail (print neatly)_____________________________________
Phone(s):______________________________
*Please circle the best way to get in contact with you.
READING CONTRACT
Reading is integral to my students intellectual and emotional development and I understand my student will be
expected to not only read all in class texts but will commit to reading books outside of class as well. My student will
also be expected to display their understanding of their reading through presentations, essays, and a variety of
coursework as well.
NOVEL AND FILM PERMISSION
All novels and films are deemed appropriate according to the most conservative rating guidelines and have been
approved by Washoe County School District. No violent, sexual, or inappropriate films will be shown in class, and
nothing beyond a PG rating will be shown. Some novels do contain some mild sexual and violent content, this content
will not be emphasized in class and students will be forewarned of its appearance so they may choose not to read it.
Your students grade will not be penalized if they elect not to read any content you or they deem inappropriate.
My child, ________________________________________, has my permission to read and view content that is age
appropriate and approved by Washoe County School District.
Parent Signature:______________________________________________________
Date:_______________________
I do not give permission for my child, ____________________________________, to read and view content that is
age appropriate and approved by Washoe County School District. I understand there will be an appropriate alternative
assignment for my child to complete, however; if repeated exceptions are to be made I understand that it may be in my
best interest to enroll my student in another class.

Parent Signature:______________________________________________________