Mr. Hansen
Effective writing requires students not only to know and understand what constitutes good writing and thinking in their own and others’ work, but to apply that knowledge by writing often and in varied forms. The goal of the composition class is to concentrate study in persuasive essays and to improve student’s overall writing abilities through an understanding of the writing process and the development of effective writing.
Student responsibilities:
· Create/maintain a portfolio of everything that you write including handouts, journals, prewriting notes, reading responses, drafts, and final pieces. These should be kept in a three-ring binder, and all drafts should also be kept on disk.
· Present your writings with your name, date, and label (i.e. Draft #1, Final Paper Draft #5, Pre-writing, etc.) This helps you organize your portfolio and helps me monitor your progress. You must submit each major final piece with all drafts and prewriting’s in a folder (preferably one with pockets). Organize your work and take pride in it.
· Write. The minimum requirements for first quarter include the following pieces: (1) a personal narrative; (2) a fiction piece, any style; (3) a persuasive writing, 1st person semi-formal; (4) an analytical writing (5) a subject writing. During the second quarter writers must complete: (6) a formal literary analysis, referenced and documented; (7) a research paper with all required documentation, 3rd person, formal; (8) a business writing packet. (9) A daily journal must be kept for both quarters. Grades are determined using a point system, completion of task and quality of writing.
· Participate and be responsible. Junior Composition requires you to do a lot of independent work—by spending your time wisely and turning in all assignments as required you will pass the course. Classes will consist of journalizing, mini lessons, writing days, small and large-group sharing, teacher and peer conferencing, and personalized skills building. Always be prepared with your draft and author’s notes. If you do not understand or need help ask.
· Learn the terminology.
Plagiarism-presenting another writer’s ideas or words as if they were your own, without acknowledging the source. Results: Zero on the assignment and probable failure of the course (not to mention the detention. See your handbook.)
Author’s Note-requesting information from your readers. See handouts.
Hot Spots- highlighting (stars) the areas you feel demonstrate exceptional, unique or interesting writing and use them as a springboard to other writing.
Cold Spots-noting (underline) areas you feel lack fluidity, vibrancy, coherence, or validity and use them as a springboard for improvement.
Self-assessment-analyzing your progress as a writer and presenting your appraisal of your work, due at each evaluation.
Peer conferencing-meeting with a student in your current class to discuss/share writing; emphasis on ideas. Peer conferences MUST precede teacher conferences.
Teacher Conferencing/Editing-meeting with me to discuss writing; emphasis will be on editing for the six traits of writing and revision.
Six Traits of Writing-standard rubric by which writing is evaluated. See handouts.
Course
Requirements:
1. You MUST attend class
regularly
-Work missed due to an absence is YOUR
responsibility
-If you are unable to attend class due to a field
trip, sports contest, appointments…see me BEFORE the absence
-If you are absent due to illness, you are required
to see me in Room 252 BEFORE class on the day you return
-If the above procedures are not followed, the
absence is un-excused and no makeup work will be allowed
-Absences affect your grade
2. Tardies
-Anyone who is tardy (not in the room when the bell
rings) will receive a demerit and/or make up time after school that day. If tardies become
regular (more than four) you will receive a detention
3. Class behavior and attitude
will affect your grade
4. Class participation in
discussions is necessary to pass the course
5. Bring a Pen, Book, and Notebook to class EVERY DAY, Keep a note book on lectures and
discussions. Date the entries. This is particularly important because of the
semester exam. You will NOT be given
books to study from.