Course+Syllabus

Modern Literature/Writing Lab Course Syllabus Saint Louis School 2010-2011

Instructor: Mr. Kevin Allen

COURSE OBJECTIVES The objective of this course is to provide the senior student exposure and preparation for the content, rigor, methodology and assessment of a college level composition course. In addition, emphasis will be placed upon SAT score improvement through the use of literary analysis, reading comprehension and vocabulary building strategies. Integration of the Characteristics of Marianist Education will be woven throughout the course via discussions, essay topics and other classroom activities. At all times, progress toward insuring a positive and productive learning environment is to be expected by the instructor as well as the students.

Reading Skills – students will: 1. Utilize reading skills to understand/decode a variety of texts. 2. Use strategies to construct meaning. 3. Be able to analyze texts critically.

Writing Skills – students will: 1. Develop skills to communicate effectively using various written formats. 2. Use writing skills to argue/persuade effectively. 3. Apply the knowledge of both MLA and APA writing styles. 4. Learn to synthesize and cite information from multiple sources.

Oral Skills – students will: 1. Through oral presentations, students will learn to develop effective public speaking skills. 2. Be able to effectively defend a point and debate an issue by using critical thinking skills.

1st Semester: MODERN LITERATURE The first half of this course focuses on contemporary literature, covering noteworthy classics to current titles of literary merit. Analysis papers, other various written work, and projects will be assigned.

2nd Semester: WRITING LAB The second half of this course will enhance your writing proficiency in preparation for post-secondary education. Various genres of writing will include persuasive essays, business writing, technical writing, journalism, creative nonfiction, and the research paper. The course will also focus on writing college admissions essays and letters for employment.

REQUIRED TEXTS 1. Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (second quarter) 2. After the Fire by Robin Gaby Fisher (first quarter - daily)


 * failure to bring your text to class will result in point deductions

REQUIRED MATERIALS 1. Folder paper (college-ruled). (daily) 2. Blue or black-ink pen, and a red-ink pen. (daily) 3. A three-ring binder. (For your writing portfolio) (quarterly) 4. Black and white composition book. (daily)


 * failure to bring your materials to class will result in point deductions

GRADING Grades will be based upon completion of in-class and homework assignments. Everything is based on point accumulation. These points add up during the course of each quarter, so it is important that ALL assignments are completed and submitted. Extra credit work will only be assigned at teacher’s discretion, and will not be used as a substitute for unexcused missing work.

Breakdown: 30% - Thesis papers/Major written projects 30% - Tests, quizzes 15% - Various written assignments/worksheets 15% - Group projects/Presentations 10% - Class participation/notes/chapter summaries

PARTICIPATION POINTS 5 points are given on a daily basis for students who come to class: • prepared for work • make productive use of class time • behave accordingly with the classroom/handbook rules

Points will not be given if a student is: • not on task with that day’s assignment • sleeping • disruptive • doing work from another class

COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS/GUARDIANS If there is a problem with a student’s work, grade, or behavior, a deficiency notice will be mailed home. If the problem is of a delicate nature, or one that needs prompt attention, I will call a parent. If you or your parent needs to contact me, you can reach me by email at **kallen@saintlouishawaii.org**. I will try to respond within 24 hours.

LATE WORK At the start of each class period, homework assignments are due when I call for it at that time. No late work will be accepted.

Late work will only be accepted for excused absences or exceptional circumstances. If you feel you have a valid excuse, you need to TALK TO ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Excessive missing homework assignments will result in lowered grades and a call to parents and referral to counselor.

WORK MISSED DURING ABSENCES If a student has an excused absence, he is responsible for making up all missed assignments, tests, etc. Upon his return, I will set a specific time as to when all make-up work should be completed. It is important that a student come to see me to receive the make up work during Period 9. Any student who fails to collect make - up work a week after his return may be given a zero for those missed assignments or tests. If the absence is unexcused, no make-up work will be given.

CLASSROOM RULES

1. Conduct. Come to class focused and ready to learn. 2. Excessive talking will not be tolerated. 3. No food or drinks in class. 4. Just so everyone gets a chance to contribute in discussions, please be mindful and raise your hand if you have a question, or if you wish to speak. 5. Requests for restroom or water breaks will not be granted during the first 15 minutes of class, during a lecture, or when instruction to an assignment is being explained. 6. Please walk over to the waste basket to dispose of your trash. Excessive infraction may result in some form of discipline. 7. Please do not loiter near the computer stations, open any drawers or cabinets, or touch the AC controls without the teacher’s permission. 8. If you wish to work on assignments from another class, you must first complete any assigned English-related work. Neglecting any assignment when given may result in forfeit of points.

SCHOOL HANDBOOK Please read the school handbook. It contains very important information regarding dress code, attendance, tardies, student behavior, parking, etc. I will enforce the rules and regulations as described in the handbook. Do not forget that you are bound by these rules until you graduate in May.

EXPECTATIONS AS SENIORS Other than my classroom etiquette, I have not listed any detailed rules regarding classroom conduct or behavior (as I normally would for freshmen and sophomore classes). At this stage, you should be well aware of what is required of you. If you wish to be acknowledged as an adult (which you will soon be in ten months), respect, cooperation, and accountability is expected. If you choose to exhibit negative or uncooperative behavior, disciplinary action will be implemented, and/or involvement of parents, counselor, and Dean of Students will be required.

__Modern Lit/Writing Lab Quarter 1 Course Schedule__

__Week 1:__

 __8/5 – Course introduction__

 __8/6 – Course introduction continued. Cornell style notetaking.__

 __Homework: Read, Ch. 1-3, “After the Fire.” Bring in assignment – information on “New Jersey.”__

 __Week 2:__

 __8/10 – Collect signature page. Setting and place, a discussion of New Jersey and “After the Fire.” Distribute vocabulary word list. Notetaking and summarizing__

 __8/11 – Discussion of Ch. 1- 3, “After the Fire.”__

 __8/13 – Quiz and journal writing. Collect notebooks.__

 __Homework: Read, Ch. 4 – 6, “After the Fire.” Assignment: burn victims and various degrees.__

 __Week 2:__

 __8/16 – Discussion of Ch. 4- 6, “After the Fire.” Vocabulary list.__

 __8/17 – Quiz and journal writing. Collect notebooks.__

 __8/19 – In-class Essay #1: “Choices”__

 __Homework: Read, Ch. 7 – 9, “After the Fire.”__

 __Week 3:__

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<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"> __8/26 –__

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"> __8/27 –__

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"> __Homework: Read, Ch. 10 – 12, “After the Fire.”__

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<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"> __9/2- In-class Essay #2: “Commitment”__

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