Advanced Language Arts Course SyllabusText: The Language of Literature, by McDugal Littell, Inc. ($42.84) Course Description: This course combines reading selections with vocabulary and the writing process. We will engage in a series of writing projects, which will include compare/contrast, persuasion, personal narrative, research projects, poetry, and other expository and creative assignments. We will focus on grammar, sentence structure, paragraph formation and vocabulary. In addition students practice both formal and informal speaking. This will be achieved through the performing of skits and plays, poetry, monologues, and independent reading project presentations. We will use supplemental materials whenever appropriate for enhancement of our studies. Our literature studies will involve novel units and selections from our assigned textbook. Being an advanced course, the lessons will be based on Bloom’s higher level of thinking skills and Gardner’s Multiple Level Intelligences. Course Outline for the Year: First Semester: Students read fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. Literary analyses focuses on motivation of character, comparison of major and minor characters, figurative language, symbolism, irony and foreshadowing. Using the writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising and editing, and publishing), students write and study the following: Ø A personal response essay; end punctuation and commas, prepositional phrases as adjectives and adverbs; graphic organizers Ø Personal letters, poetry, character sketches, an editorial, a personal narrative; vivid details, sensory images; consistent verb tense Ø A dialogue and comparison, a journal entry and article, a comparison essay; adjectives and adverbs Ø A critical review interpretive essay; paragraph unity through topic sentences, subordinate conjunctions and clauses Ø A research report; using facts and statistics Second Semester: Students will read fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, myths, and folk tales. Literary analysis focuses on setting, theme, title, internal/external conflicts in plot, sequence of events, author’s purpose, point of view, use of language and bias. Using the writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising and editing, and publishing), students write and study the following: Ø An editorial, an adage, and an informative exposition paper; specific examples, appositives Ø An essay; capitalizes and punctuates dialogue while extending a story Ø A rebuttal Ø A literary analysis Grading: Quizzes, tests, projects, reports and essays will make up 60% of the grade. Homework, in-class activities and participation will consist of 40% of the grade. Major Assignments: (i.e. essays, reports, projects, etc.) These assignments will be checked on a due date. Late assignments will have 10% of the points deducted for each day they are late. Independent Reading Project: One independent reading project will be assigned each semester, and comprise 10% of the student’s semester grade. (see reverse and attachment) Homework: Homework is assigned as necessary. Homework may take the form of reading, writing, research, grammar practice or studying for tests. Homework will be checked on a due date, and late homework will not be accepted. Provision for Improving Grades: Students who have low (73 or below) or failing cumulative grades may ask the teacher for opportunities to improve their grade when all work required to date has been completed and students have demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including attendance. Scheduled Help Sessions: Help sessions can be provided during homeroom from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Other times may be arranged with the teacher on an individual basis. Please note that advance notice is requested to avoid conflicts. Teacher/Parent Communication: The student is required to keep a list of grades and assignments in his/her agenda. The parent should check this from time to time to keep up with the student’s progress. Grades will be sent home every six weeks, and interim progress reports will be sent home every three weeks. If a problem arises, parents will be notified. Please note that you may reach teachers by calling Northwestern Middle School and leaving a message if you have questions or concerns. You may also e-mail concerns directly to the teacher. Absent/Make-up work: It is the student’s responsibility to request make-up work for an absence. Upon returning to school following an absence, the student should request make-up work. The student must complete make-up work within the time specified by the teacher. (The student will be given the same amount of time to make up the work as he/she was absent unless other arrangements are mutually agreed upon.) The student will receive the actual grade on the make-up work if the absence was “excused.” Make-up work for “unexcused” absences may be reduced up to 6 points. Make-up work submitted late will receive a zero. |