Course Objectives
- Create a lifelong love of literature
- Develop skills to interpret and appreciate written works
- Identify connections between your world and the various worlds and times of different authors
- Understand and apply grammatical convention
- Look at how writing, positively or negatively, is a tool in our society
- Write coherently, clearly, cleverly and convincingly
- Speak coherently, clearly, cleverly and convincingly
- Generate, gather and organize information using different strategies
- Work effectively in a group situation regardless of make-up
- Hone self-editing and peer-editing skills
- Effectively argue a point through writing or speech
Course Materials
3-Ring binder, lined paper and dividers
Pencil, pen and eraser
Novel - for silent reading
Student Expectations
- You are expected to be on time, seated and ready to work at the start of class. Be prepared for class with required assignments, books and supplies.
- Respect: Your teacher, classmates, CEA’s, TOC’s – anyone present in our class will be treated in a respectful manner at all times
- Racist, sexist, homophobic or offensive language in UNACCEPTABLE
- Listen attentively when another person is speaking
- Recognize there are other opinions different than yours – respect and do not judge
- Seek help when necessary and ASK QUESTIONS! If class time is given to complete assignments, USE the time!
- Respect all items in class and keep the class clean
- If you need to leave the room – ASK. I need to know where you are in case of fire or emergency
- 15/15 rule
- Do not use your cell phone/Ipod, etc. unless you first receive permission. Administration will get involved if this becomes a problem.
- If you miss a class it is YOUR responsibility to find out about missed class work and assignments. If you know you are going to be away ahead of time, please talk to me to arrange work completion.
- Criteria will be developed with students and explained prior to work beginning on any project/assignment. This allows for greater understanding, clarity and ownership of assignments resulting in higher achievement and embedded knowledge.
- Absolutely NO whining!
Do your best work, give your best effort and make your mark in this class!
Evaluation
There are two terms in this course. Marks will be cumulative over the two terms. Course work evaluation will be broken down as follows:
Projects 25%
Daily Work/Assignments 40%
Tests/Quizzes 15%