English 20F Course Outline 2017/18

Mrs. L. Martin

A writer is unfair to himself when he is unable to be hard on himself.

-Marianne Moore

Objective

One of the main objectives in this course will be to realize, define, vocalize and question our opinions – and to understand who we are as an individual. However, we are part of a classroom, in a school, in a city, in our country, and part of the global community. This year’s theme is The Individual in Society.

We will use the six language arts – reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing and representing – to explore this subject. We will work to expand our critical thinking skills, expand our understanding of the human condition, and push our imaginations and creative abilities.

Units

The main areas of study for this year will be:

  • Persuasive Speaking / structure of an argument
  • Shakespeare / play study ( Romeo and Juliet)
  • Poetry – writing and study of (participation in Poetry in Voice)
  • Novel Study (TBD)

Assignments

There will be one major assignment per unit – including one essay – and smaller assignments more frequently. Homework will be updated weekly on the website. It is very important not to fall behind on assignments, as they are most meaningful when they are assigned, and lose their effect if left until later. If left too long the assignment will be changed to suit what the class is currently studying.

Extensions may be granted for major projects, but only if the student sees me well in advance of the due date, and with good reason.Regular class participation is extremely important! Arrive on time, listen and contribute, and you’ll do just fine!

Exams

There are no exemptions in English. The final exam is a process essay, reflecting the writing, revising, close reading, and argumentation skills developed over the semester. It is worth 20% of the final mark.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is taking someone else’s ideas, words, phrasing, research, data, art, etc. and passing it off as your own.

Using other’s work means citing your sources (giving credit where credit is due). Plagiarism = cheating. University students are expelled for it. Here, you can receive a zero for it at the very least, and it goes on your student record. If you are unsure of what constitutes cheating, you can see me in confidence, or seek out someone else’s opinion that you trust.

Phones

As a rule, phones will be dropped in a secure location once inside the classroom, unless it is a day when we will be using them for our learning. Students can pick them up and check them upon leaving the classroom.

Let’s have a fabulous year together in English class.

Yay!

Mrs. Martin