SYLLABUS

Composition and Communication Course Syllabus

Composition and Communication – Writing and Presentation

Grade 11

Instructors: Theresa Christian tchristian@berwicksd.org

Leonore Fatula lfatula@berwicksd.org

Kimberly Glass kglass@berwicksd.org

Aaron Keefer akeefer@berwicksd.org

Donald Plyler dplyler@berwicksd.org

Mission Statement:

This class will provide students with opportunities for improvement in the communication areas of writing and speaking.

Resources:

· Power Library

· Nettrekker

· MLA

· PSSA Resource Materials

· Newspapers, Magazines, Trade Journals, etc.

Prerequisites:

Successful completion of graduation project requirements for each grade level.

PA Academic Standards:

1.1. Learning to Read Independently

1.2. Reading Critically in All Content Areas

1.3. Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature

1.4. Types of Writing

1.5. Quality of Writing

1.6. Speaking and Listening

1.7. Characteristics and Function of the English Language

1.8. Research

For additional information visit http://www.pde.state.pa.us/


Academic Expectations:

Students will participate in class discussions in a meaningful way. Students will complete all assignments on time and be responsible for obtaining assignments given in their absence. Students will be punctual and take responsibility for their own actions.

Students are encouraged to avoid extended absences as these often result in academic difficulties and poor performance on assessments. Failure to meet established deadlines will result in academic penalties.

Course Description:

· This course will help students build a foundation for writing various types of essays.

· Students will complete necessary components of the Graduation Project.

Content Outline:

Composition/Language Study- essays of various types.

Peer Editing Skills

Interview and Presentation skills

Graduation Project Requirements

PSSA preparation

Timeline:

The following represents an approximate timeline for the course. Variations may be necessary to better meet the needs of the students.

Marking Period 1-

· Course introduction and set up

· Five paragraph essay format

· Descriptive essay

· Peer editing and grammar as per teacher direction

· Journal entries as assigned by teacher

Marking Period 2-

· Narrative essay

· Autobiographical Essay (Graduation Project requirement)

· Introduction to research

· Peer editing and grammar as per teacher direction

· Journal entries as assigned by teacher

Marking Period 3-

· Informational essay

· Resume (Graduation Project requirement)

· Persuasive essay

· Cover letter (Graduation Project requirement)

· Peer editing and grammar as per teacher direction

· Journal entries as assigned by teacher

Marking Period 4-

· Reflective essay (Graduation Project requirement)

· Thank you letter (Graduation Project requirement)

· Oral presentation

· Interview skills

· Peer editing and grammar as per teacher direction

· Journal entries as assigned by teacher

Assessments and Grading:

Written exams, essays, oral presentations, class discussions, and projects both individual and small group. Grading is done using a total points system. Integrity is expected at all times.

Every Friday we will part from formal writing and jump into our journals.

All work will be graded. Students MUST meet deadlines. Late work will not be accepted. All work must be completed. Partial essays, projects and journals will receive a zero.