Ackles East High School

Course Syllabus – Senior Study of the Graphic Novel and Heroism

Course Information Teacher Information

Marking Period: Second Semester
Class Location: Room 110B
E-Mail: jdrobinson1@stcloudstate.edu
Class Time: 9:40 A.M. – 10:30 A.M.
Name: Mr. Robinson
Phone: 763-522-4330 ext. 6107
Office Location: Room D205
Conference Hours: after school as available
(after 3:30pm but before 4pm. We will work
together to schedule these based on the week)

Course Description:
This course is designed to aid students in developing an understanding and appreciation of the graphic
novel medium. Our world is fascinated with the ideals of heroism, with our most popular films being
those of super heroes. This class is going to focus on where these heroes present themselves in popular
culture, but also where these characters came from. There are several great graphic novels I look forward
to covering with you all as we learn more about heroism together. We will also be studying several films
and film clips about heroes, which will be from no higher than PG-13 rated movies. Communication
aspects will be incorporated into the classroom as we work together in both small and large groups to
study these pieces of literature and come to conclusions together. America is an incredibly complex
country that prizes communication skills in the workplace. Working together, we will learn effective
strategies for diffusing conflict, building up others, and communicating effectively with multiple
individuals at once, along with the course material of heroism and understanding the graphic novel.

Course Competencies/ Learning Objectives

Students who successfully complete Senior Study of the Graphic Novel and Heroism will be competent in the following
areas:
 Understanding and appreciating the complexities of graphic novel literature
 Being able to identify themes of heroism in modern literature and media (books, movies, comics,
etc.)
 Able to find textual evidence to support claims
 Understand how heroism has changed over the years to reflect the 21st century audience

 Work effectively toward a common goal with a group of peers.
 Diffuse conflicts that arise within small groups.
 Understand the perspectives of others within small groups.
 Learn from each other as we continually discuss our personal ideas regarding course material.

Student Evaluation
The grading system for the Communications Department at Braff West High School is as follows:

Tests, Projects, & Major Papers - 30%

Quizzes, Classwork, & Minor Assignments - 30%
Journal Assignments - 5%
Attendance & Class Participation - 20% (school wide)
Homework (various assignments, not daily) - 15% (school wide)

Attendance Policy
Ackles East High School values attendance of all students and faculty. As a faculty member of Ackles East High School, I
also must adhere to and enforce these policies. Students are allowed 2 tardies (arriving within 5 minutes of class start
time) with no penalty, but absences must be cleared with the school office. This is for the safety of all high school
students. All students are expected to attend every scheduled class, but illnesses and family difficulties do occur.
Exceptions may be made for illness and valid emergencies. I am also open to discuss absences and attendance policy rules
with students as needed.

Classroom Expectations
 1. Arrive to class on time (2 allowed tardies notwithstanding)
2. Respect your classmates and teacher
3. Conduct civil discussions with classmates
4. Come to class prepared (both with readings and to contribute)
5. Be responsible for your actions
6. Do not abuse cell phones. I allow them to be used sparingly as a resource for students, but will ask you to put
them away if they become a distraction to your own learning or the learning of others.

Class Requirements

Homework will be assigned two or three days a week, but will mostly consist of readings to prepare you for class
discussions. Papers or worksheets will be collected in the beginning of class the day it is due. It is your responsibility to
complete homework assignments. You will be given the opportunity to make up one homework assignment at the end of
the marking period (every 3 weeks) if not completed.

It is your responsibility to schedule a meeting with me to catch up on missed work from your absences. I will NOT re-
teach the lesson during class time.

Plagiarism, Cheating, and Academic Integrity

Plagiarism is the practice of copying words, sentences, images, or ideas for use in written or oral assessments without
giving proper credit to the source. Cheating is defined as the giving or receiving of illegal help on anything that has been
determined by the teacher to be an individual effort. Both are serious offenses and will affect your course grade. Also
remember that this course is created to help you communicate not only in the workplace, but with your friends and family.
Aside from severely hurting your class grade, cheating will only hurt you in the long term. I am here as a resource for you,
and there will be opportunities to help you boost your grade over the course of the semester. Please refer to the Student
Code of Conduct booklet for additional information.

Course Schedule

Unit/ Topic
Introducing the Modern Hero
The Superman (The pinnacle
of heroism)
The Superman Part 2
Month/
Course Activities Assessments/Assignments
Timeframe
Where do heroes come
from study/lecture,
Watching Captain
Quiz/Test, Homework (1
America the Winter
preperatory worksheet, and one Sept./3rd – 14th
Soldier in Class, Small
1 page paper)
Group Review and
Discussions, Large
Group Recap
Reading All Star
Superman Vol. 1,
finding religious and
heroic symbolism as
manifested in Quiz/Test, Journal work Sept./17th – 28th
Superman, Small Group
Review and Large
Group Class
Discussions
Reading All Star
Quiz, NO TEST, Homework
Superman Vol. 2, Small
Paper (2 Pages: How Would
Group Activities: Oct./1st – 12th
You Distribute Power in a
Distributing Power,
Group)
Large Group

2
 Discussions
Watching Spider-Man
Homecoming in-class,
Reading Ultimate
Spiderman volume 1 Oct./17th – 23rd
Teenage Heroism Test, Homework
and Scott Pilgrim,
Daily Small Group
Activities, Large Group
Discussion
Watching Black
Panther in class,
reading Batman Vol 1. Quiz/ NO TEST, Homework
Court of Owls, Large Paper (2 Pages: How have Oct./26th – Nov
The Modern Superhero
Group Discussions on heroes changed over the years 9th
Perspective, Small to reflect the modern world?)
Group Activity: Modern
Heroism
Large Group Review
Review Quiz at beginning of
after Quizzes, Daily
Final Activity Preperation both weeks, Final Test on Nov. Nov./12th – 23rd
Review Activities Based
23rd.
on Prior Units

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