Advanced Senior Writing

(For a more complete description of this course, please refer to the syllabus to be found on this web site by choosing Academics>English>Mrs. Burt's web page>Senior Writing)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course requires a signature of the teacher because it is an advanced class which is designed to help students refine their writing and critical thinking skills, as well as to provide students an opportunity for learning literary techniques that will enhance their natural creativity. Students will write in many genre and will be instructed and evaluated through emphasis on the Six Traits of Good Writing, a nationally accepted standard for writing. They also will be given the opportunity to form small writing groups within the classroom in order to confer about the content and organization of their first draft of each piece. Each student is also required to write an author's note used to introduce each draft to his/her group. This author's note informs the group about questions the author might have , his/her level of satisfaction about the status of the piece, and stating what type of response that the author wants about the piece. The author's note, as well as the conference, allows for feedback, yet also gives the author ownership about what kind of response is desired.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Students will be required to meet all deadlines and requirements set by the teacher and curriculum.
  2. All students will be required to participate in all assigned activities necessary for the production of the literary magazine WORDSTRUCK.
  3. All students will be required to submit at least one piece of writing to the WORDSTRUCK as well as an outside publication.

SELECTION PROCESS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THIS CLASS.

  1. At the time of class registration, students must solicit from their English Composition teacher a signed form recommending them for participation in this class.
  2. This signed form must be presented to the Advanced Senior Writing teacher who will evaluate and then select students for participation in the class.
  3. The teacher will then forward the forms of selected students to the counseling office for placement in the class.