Grade: 12^th

Prerequisite: Department Approval

Credit: 1.00

 

Required Texts

The Bedford Handbook

 

Summer Reading

On Writing: Memoir of the Craft, Stephen King

 

Course Description

By actively engaging in the writing process, students are challenged to think more clearly, express themselves more effectively, and understand the expressions of others.  In this course, I will stress frequent daily writing from personal commentaries to critiques of news articles.  Students critique samples of good writing from a variety of sources.  By examining models of clear writing from professionals and students, the class learns to recognize cogent writing from a variety of styles and genres.  Students also revise their autobiographies; they write college essays, résumés, and cover letters for their employers.  A final research paper is required.  Students complete multiple rewrites; the mechanics of clear writing, as well as grammar and usage, are examined.

 

Plagiarism

Undocumented use of work that is not your own is unethical and will not be tolerated.  Anyone suspected of plagiarism will be punished to the fullest extent of the rules and regulations of Regina Dominican High School. 

 

My Expectations of You

• Always be respectful of yourselves, each other and me
• Always be on time
• Always be attentive 
• Do not talk when other people are talking; I expect the class to be a community of active listeners
• Do not pack up to leave before class is over—this is disruptive to others and to me 
• Never sleep during class
• It’s a good idea to take notes on what we say in class so that you have a written record of the ideas we develop together. 

 

Your Expectations of Me

• “I expect you to be a fun teacher who is still hard working.  I expect this course to be challenging.”
• “I have trouble with writing the thesis, introduction, & conclusion of essays.”
• “To help me rite the college essay.”
• “I like to write but sometimes I struggle.  I would like you to help me get better.”
• “My expectations are to learn something, enjoy the class and become a better writer.”
• “Help me with my writing skills & help me prepare to write at the college level.”
• “To be nice…for the class to be fun.”
• “I…get off track when writing.”
• “To be helped when in need.”
• “I can come to you if I need help with my college.”
• “To be approachable.”
• “I understand that for some other people compared to me that it’s easier to get good grades…[even though] I try really hard…[,]study hard and apply myself.”
• “My expectation is to learn & have fun while learning to make us remember it more.”
• “I would like to become a better reader.”
• “I expect this course to be useful.” 
• “I am glad to have you this year Ms. Vassiliades! J”

Course Objectives

As you complete the requirements for this course, you will learn to

·         practice the steps of the composing process (planning, drafting, revising, editing) in order to learn ways to organize, develop, and support ideas and to write vividly, clearly, and concisely

·         practice writing and reading approaches for various audiences and purposes

·         write essays which contain an introduction, a body, and a conclusion

·         write essays which contain a clear thesis statement

·         develop paragraphs with specific details and examples

·         study the dynamics of writing and reading as social practices

·         develop ways to integrate personal and academic writing

·         develop ways to integrate other sources into your writing without losing your voice

·         develop critical stances for reading and writing without losing your voice

·         develop critical stances for reading and writing in various academic disciplines

·         learn documentation techniques and research practices

·         practice thinking critically

 

Assessment

• Academic essays
• Research paper
• Quizzes
• Tests
• Various writing assignments & projects
• Autobiographies
• College essays
• Résumés & and cover letters