Expository Reading and Writing Course
Description and Student Expectations
Instructor: Mrs. MacCuish
Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 1, English 2 and English 3 and
Senior status
Description: The goal of the Expository Reading and Writing Course is to prepare college-bound seniors for the literacy demands of higher education. Students will be expected to increase their awareness of the rhetorical strategies employed by authors, and to apply those strategies in their own writing. They will read closely to examine the relationship between an author’s argument or theme and his or her audience and purpose, to analyze the impact of structural and rhetorical strategies and to examine the social, political, and philosophical assumptions that underlie the text. By the end of the course, students will be expected to use this process independently when reading unfamiliar texts and writing in response to them. Course texts include contemporary essays, newspaper and magazine articles, editorials, reports, biographies, memos, assorted public documents, and other non-fiction texts. The course materials also include modules on two full-length works (one novel and one work of non-fiction). Written assessments and holistic scoring guides conclude each unit.
Materials: Articles on various topics 1984 by George Orwell
Into the Wild by John Kraukauer
Modules:
Fall / SpringGoing for the Look / Good Food/Bad Food
The Rhetoric of the Op-Ed Page / 1984
Racial Profiling / Juvenile Justice
Into the Wild / Language, Gender and Culture
The Value of Life
Homework Policy:
All work must be turned on time. No late homework will be accepted. Module packets will be turned in each week.
Essay Policy:
All take-home essays must be turned in on the day that the assignment is due. Late essays will be accepted, however, you will lose a letter grade each day that the assignment is late. Late essays will be accepted up to 2-weeks past the due date for a lower grade. After the 2-week period is over, no late essays will be accepted. You will receive a zero on the essay and you will not be allowed to make it up later.
If you plagiarize an essay, you will receive a zero on the assignment and you will not be allowed to make it up.
Tardy Policy:
1. Pioneer Valley High School Tardy Policy will be enforced. (see Student/Parent Handbook)
2. It is the responsibility of the student to arrive to class on time.
Class Rules:
1. Be a lady and a gentleman at all times.
2. No hats worn in the classroom.
3. Electronic devices (tablets and cell phones) can be used in class, but only with teacher approval. If these items are used inappropriately, they will be confiscated and given to the assistant principal.
4. Eating, drinking, and gum chewing are not allowed in the classroom.
5. Don’t write on the desktops or damage classroom property.
6. During class discussion, wait to be called on. Do not interrupt when others are speaking.
Student Needs:
1. Be prepared for class with paper, pencils, pens, and ERWC Student Reader.
Grading System:
1. (a) 90 - 100% = A (b) Essays/Tests/Projects = 70%
80 - 89% = B Module Homework Packets = 30%
70 – 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
0 – 59% = F
2. Students caught cheating/plagiarizing will receive a “0” grade on the assignment and a
referral to the Assistant Principal’s office.
3. All major assignments will be completed in blue or black ink only. MLA format will
be used for take-home essays. Papers in the wrong format will be redone or lowered in grade.
4. Heading on papers should include:
Name
Date
Block
Assignment
** My gradebook is online at aeries.net. See PVHS Website for more information.**
Communication with students and parents:
· Class Calendar and homework assignments are posted on the PVHS website on my teacher page. Look under School Staff section for my name.
· Parents and students can sign up for text updates and reminders about due dates via the Remind App. See the handout for instructions on how to join my class.
Expository Reading and Writing is a required course for graduation. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that assignments are completed on time and that they have fulfilled the requirements of the course before the end of the term.
If you have any questions or concerns, I am available before school from 8:00 – 8:30am and during lunch. Please come see me during these times, or make an appointment for another time. My voicemail number is 922-1305 x 5365.
By signing below, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the rules for Mrs. MacCuish’s Expository Reading and Writing Course.
Student Name (print) ______Parent Signature ______
Student Signature ______Date ______