Wednesday, August 27, 2014

01 Syllabus

Composition: 2014-2015
Hello! In this composition class, you will be completing a variety of writing exercises and ultimately essays. We will be using the IEW curriculum to focus on writing style and also we will venture into organization, research, and persuasive tactics!
I am very excited to meet you all, and if you have any questions throughout the year, feel free to come talk to or email me any time!

Bring to class:
  • Pen/pencil
  • Composition notebook just for this class (Be sure to have by the second week of school)

Writing objectives:
    • Students will be able to…
      • Support opinions with valid arguments.
      • Write clearly, concisely, and with exciting detail.
      • Consider their audience and purpose when writing.
      • Critically think about and discuss their own and others' writing.
      • Use research for better writing.

Grades will be calculated on a ten point scale:
90 - 100 = A
80 - 89 = B
70 -79 = C
60 - 69 = D
00 - 59 = F
If you are struggling with the homework or not understanding anything in class, come talk to me or email me—I'm always happy to help and we can certainly figure something out!

Attendance:
  • We complete a lot of work in-class, and as I see you only 1 day per week, this time is invaluable. Most days, class will include graded activities. If the class is missed--even for excused absences--that grade will show up as a zero. However, these grades can be made up within 2 weeks of class by completing a writing assignment of my choice that relates to the in-class work. Email me within one week of the missed class to ask what make-up assignment can be completed.

Late Homework:
  • In addition the to practical consequences of late work, late work will receive a lowered grade.
    • You may turn in work one day late (over email to me) for full credit.
    • You may turn in work one week late (over email or in class to me) for 50% credit.
    • Work turned in more than one week late will receive 10% credit.

Homework:
  • Homework assignments will be posted each week at writing1-options.blogspot.com.
    • If it is not posted, I may have had technical difficulties without realizing it (sometimes I will post but the internet will not actually send it through. It happens occasionally). Feel free to email me and I will repost as soon as possible.
  • Every assignment should be typed up and printed out for class in the following format:
    • Times New Roman; 12 pt. Font; double spaced; 1/2-1” margins
    • Including a header at the top left that reads:
    • Student name
    • Teacher name
    • Class name
    • Date
    • Including a title
  • Every assignment should be saved on the computer in a folder specifically for this class. Typing and saving assignments will make revising papers much easier and will help clear up any situations of lost papers.