Honors Composition 10 Course Syllabus 2013-14

Ms. Wheeler wheelers@estacada.k12.or.us http://sawheeler.weebly.com (503) 630 -8515, ext. 2862 ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Once you have learned to ask questions - relevant and appropriate and substantial questions - you have learned how to learn and no one can keep you from learning whatever you want or need to know. Postman & Weingartner Course Description: This course will focus on improving your thinking through reading, writing, speaking, and listening. I will push you to move beyond plot in your reading to analyze how writers use craft and structure to create meaning. We will use the 6 traits as a lens to help develop your writing as well as to help you deconstruct other writers' craft. We will use questions and conversations as a way to get more deeply into texts and make connections that have both personal and real-world significance. We will read, write about, and discuss our reading every day. You will also cultivate increasing independence as learners by asking meaningful questions, looking for answers, evaluating your growth and setting relevant goals. Essential Learning Standards. All learning standards are aligned with the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts at the 10th grade level. 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) Read to infer, interpret, and draw conclusions Support arguments with evidence, both orally and in proper academic writing Resolve conflicting views within source documents Solve complex problems with no easy answer Write widely and regularly, for a range of purposes and audiences, over short and extended time frames.*** Language: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English. Language: Acquire and use accurately academic and domain-specific vocabulary.

***Please note: Standard 5 cannot be made up at the end of the term. Regular writing is vital for growth. You must participate in routine writing in class (journal entries, etc) enough to meet the standard. This means at least 80% participation to earn a minimum passing grade for the standard. Texts: Throughout the year we will be reading, discussing and writing about a large body of texts, drawn from varied cultures and perspectives. Please understand that the works covered do not represent a worldview that is being advocated. You are encouraged to both explore and sustain your own views and responses to these works, but you will be expected to analyze the works in the mature and respectful manner that behooves bright young adults like yourselves. That being said, please dont read things that make you uncomfortable. It is your responsibility to talk to me about finding an alternative. In such a case, understand that you will be asked to cover the same ELS as the original assignment, though the work may be different. The works we read may include:
Life of Pi, Yann Martel How to Read Literature like a Professor, Thomas C. Foster Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe 12 Angry Men, Reginald Rose Antigone & Oedipus Rex, Sophocles The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian, Sherman Alexie Speak, Laurie Halse Anderson Beowulf, anonymous Julius Caesar, Shakespeare Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain Selected films, short stories, poems, and nonfiction articles Selected independent readings of your choice

A few guiding principles: Honors students are expected to come to class regularly, be timely, and be ready to learn. Ready to learn means all assignments will be completed on time and you will be ready to give your best to whatever activity is at hand. Please be present, in mind as well as body. The quality of this class will depend, in large part, on how much the students contribute;

Guiding Principles, continued what YOU personally get out of this class will depend entirely on what you put into it. Be present, and give us your best. It will make the world a better place. Seriously. After all that philosophy, a few specifics: Journal: the journal is the backbone of this class. It will hold notes on reading, class lectures, writing activities, grammar practice, and more. As such, you will need to have your journal in class every day. If you are absent, please get the assigned journal from a friend, or see me. I will collect journals for grading purposes at the end of each unit; please see the above note on ELS 5, routine writing. Please come to class appropriately prepared (this means youve done the reading, written the journal, etc.) so that you can contribute to the activity at hand. Have all required materials ready at start of class. Please leave cell phones turned off and out of sight. I will enforce EHS cell phone policies. Homework: it will be a regular part of class, so plan accordingly. On average, expect to read 20-30 pages per night, and/or complete writing assignments or notes. If extracurriculars interfere with your homework time, you will need to keep close track of your calendar and plan ahead so that you can keep up in class. While I dont require that you keep a binder, I do recommend it. It is the simplest way to keep track of all the necessities. Throughout the year, you will be expected to keep: o All handouts, notes, and resourcesthey should provide valuable help. (If you lose something, I will ask you to download a copy from our class website.) o Current ongoing workto have with you in class at all times. o Graded and returned work. Please keep this until the end of the semester! Website: Unit plans, handouts, and regular updates will appear on my website. If you want to see where were heading, or if you lose something, are absent and want to know what youve missed, check it out:

Grading: This class will follow Standards-Based Grading, in accordance with Estacada High School policy. In

addition, we will adhere to the English Departments grading guidelines. Please see the attached sheet for academic policies and procedures.

Welcome to your sophomore year!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Parents/Guardians & Students: Please contact me with any questions or comments. I am always happy to hear from you. Your signatures below indicate that you have read this syllabus and the attached grading policies, and you are ready for a successful year of Honors Comp.

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__________________________________________________ Parent Signature

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