Tuesday, January 30, 2007

We will go over the course outline, classroom expectations, dates, etc. I have pasted this information below for your convenience. Refer to it if you are in doubt about something. Keep in mind that journals are needed for Thursday, February 1 (I will sell them for a dollar), cue cards are needed A.S.A.P. Please call me at 826-8931 if you have any questions or concerns.

In addition, each student was given a reading and M.C. questions to do. Please check your box for these. The following questions also had to be answered in relation to your readings.
1. Hand in multiple choice questions
2. Get a piece of paper and answer the following questions
3. What was the purpose of your reading?
4. How many paragraphs was your reading?
5. How many paragraphs was your reading?
5. Was your reading meant to be funny, serious, ---- what?!
6. How did it try to get your attention?
7. From what you remember, list all the things that go into an essay

Course Outline English 30-2
Welcome to English 30-2! This course is being presented in a slightly unusual way this semester but don’t panic! I will be sure to create lessons that suit your level and mark you accordingly. We will include all of the five strands of the Language Arts Program (reading, writing, speaking, viewing, listening and representing) with a major emphasis on expression and relating various works of literature to ourselves and to the society in which we live.

Like any other English course, this one requires you to give it your best when it comes to assignments and attendance. If you fall behind or find that you don’t understand something, it is important that you speak to me so that we can get you back on track. Do not wait until it is too late for any type of remedial action. I will make the effort to help or guide you, but ultimately YOU are responsible for YOU! I look forward though, to working together.

The semester will be divided into six units. These units will provide a general framework for literary choices. Students will also work on word processing skills, and other computer technology skills.

UNITS OF STUDY:

1. Getting the Point Across: The Successful Attempt

Persuasive writing (letters) will be studied with respect to the purposes behind such writing and their usefulness in getting your own point across. I will work with you to try and help you rectify your writing difficulties with this form of communication. Students will also focus on thesis formation (pick a side), writing strategies, effective proofreading and fine-tuning their own writing voice and style.

Texts: Fit to Print, Passages 12

Time Frame: January 31 – February 23 (14 classes)

2. Short Story: Values, Beliefs and Choices

A minimum of three short stories will be read and discussed with emphasis on interpretive literature, theme, symbolism, character, plot, irony, conflict, etc. Students will focus on what seems to be the author’s purpose in writing, achievement of that purpose, and other critical thinking skills. The ability to state and expand upon theme and purpose will be key.

Text: Passages 12


Time Frame: February 26 – March 15 (13 classes)


3. Film and Media: The Visual Approach
Students will learn to evaluate what they see based on subjective and objective approaches as well as purpose.

Texts/Visuals: Passages 12, clips, TBA

Time Frame: March 21 – April 10 (11 classes)

3. Modern Drama: The Pursuit of Happiness

Students will appreciate the impact Steinbeck in changing drama to analyze real social, psychological and personal problems for “real” people. Our own aspirations, dreams, desires and ideals will be challenged through the study of this genre.

Texts: TBA

Time Frame: April 11 – May 8 (11 classes)

4. Poetry: The Voices of Life

This unit will further develop skills of poetic expression and response, and expose students to the full range of creative language and form. Knowledge and use of common poetry terms will be a focus.

Text: Viewpoints 12

Time Frame: May 9 – May 30 (11 classes)


5. Novel: Experiences that Change You Forever

This genre has the power to act as a social commentary, make us see ourselves in characters in conflict and depict the relationship between an author’s purpose and the nature of his/her work.

Texts: Fahrenheit 451

Time Frame: May 31 – June 8 (11 classes)
In addition to this, you will also be working in journals on Tuesday and Thursday, and on Grammar/writing concerns on Wednesdays.
Evaluation

Major Assignments 35%
Daily Work 30%
Unit exams 35%

School Mark: 50%
Provincial Diploma Exams (Part A and B): 50% (Dates TBA)

Assignment Expectations:

· Name, class and date submitted are to be written in the upper right-hand corner of all work that is to be handed in (with the exception of essays, which are to have a cover page)
· Write assignments only on one side of the paper.
· All assignments that are being marked for editing (essays, paragraphs, etc.,) are to be double spaced.
· All assignments (unless otherwise specified) are to be written in dark blue or black ink or completed on a computer.
· Assignments that are written in pencil will be returned unmarked and must be re-submitted in ink. Work submitted in pencil will be considered “late work” as well.

Late Work:
· Most work will be accepted late and will have a maximum of 10% of the total possible mark deducted from the achieved mark for each delayed date.
· After THREE late days (-30%), the work will not be accepted for marks but still must be completed (then the “NHI” will be removed from Students’ Achieve).
· Occasionally, some work will not be accepted late (e.g., homework checks, in-class assignments, in-class group work). This will be specified at the time the work is assigned in class.

Absenteeism:
· If you are going to be absent, have a parent to call the office. If this is done in the morning, then I have it indicated on the computer when I do attendance (and will make sure you get copies of the assignments put in your portfolio).
· If an assignment is due on a day you are absent then it is due the day you get back. However, if your absence was planned and the assignment is a major one, you are expected to have it handed in before you go (ie; a holiday or field trip).
· If no one calls and there is no note, I will not treat the absence as an excused.



Classroom Expectations:

· This is a computer lab. As you are in a 30 level course, I will allow you to bring in food or drink. HOWEVER…. These items are to be kept away from the keyboards and screens (drinks on the floor!).
· Garbage (food or otherwise) is to be deposited in those things known as “garbage bins”. The space between the terminals, under the keyboards or on the floor does not meet the same definition; therefore, don’t leave this stuff there! (that includes used Kleenex).
· The computers are a privilege, not a right. Treat them well. Anyone who has been in this lab knows that it takes time to get a tech in to repair them.
· The NLSD has computer use policies in place that we are to follow. This means that accessing e-mail, chat rooms, “inappropriate” sites, or surfing aimlessly are not allowed.
· The computers are for teacher-approved and teacher-directed class use only. We have had recent situations in which misuse has placed an extreme burden on the system. When this happens things important to use – and you can get purged.

IMPORTANT!!!!

Any violation of the “computer use” policy will result in a suspension of your computer network access either for a shorter period of time; usually two weeks, or for the whole semester. Keep in mind that such a suspension will mean no computer access in any lab as you will have your log-on information itself suspended.

MORE IMPORTANT!!!

Plagiarism is a crime. It is NOT excusable. Doing so can range in consequences from a zero on an assignment to expulsion (see Student Handbook).

REMINDER

Any cell phones that go off in my class become my property until the end of the day. They can then be collected from Mrs. Ripkens (any phones in the class during a test = zero!!!)

Supplies Needed:

· Dictionary (optional)
· Thesaurus (optional)
· Journal duo-tang
· Cue cards
· Pens (dark blue and black only)
· Pencils (as required)
· Highlighter (this is really important at this level)
· Eraser
· White-out.