Lawrence High School 2012-2013
Composition
Ms. Vaughn
Email:
Phone: (609) 671-5500, ext. 6472
Get it down. Take chances. It may be bad, but it's the only way you can do anything really good.
- William Faulkner
Most of the basic material a writer works with is acquired before the age of fifteen.
- Willa Cather
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Course Description
Composition is a required course for all juniors who are not in English Honors III. This course emphasizes the skills necessary to write effectively in a variety of modes with special emphasis on expository writing. After reviewing the important elements of good writing, students write longer compositions and essays employing the principles of good writing while developing skills in mechanics, organization, unity, and coherence. In lieu of a final examination, students complete a research paper, demonstrating ability to research and discuss topics effectively in an extended period of writing.
It is my pleasure to work beside you this year as your teacher and to be your guide on your writing journey. Ultimately, it is my goal to cultivate a culture of learning and appreciation for the written word. We learn to write for many audiences and purposes – no matter what you choose to do in your future, writing and communicating your thoughts effectively will always serve you well.
Course Texts
Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe (summer reading)
Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch Albom
Various teacher-chosen selections/excerpts
Course Outline
HSPA/SAT Preparation: expository, descriptive, narrative, and persuasive essays
Creative Writing: crafting narrative structure, voice, image, dialogue, and poetic devices; media literacy and etiquette in desktop publishing applications
Critical Reading, Thinking, and Writing: essays, editorials, visual images, advertisements and propaganda, news articles, and periodicals
Research/Literary Analysis: process, evaluating sources, collecting and organizing information, formal academic writing
College Process: research and evaluation of suitable colleges, application process, resume writing, and the college essay
Extra Credit
Don’t count on it.
Classroom Rules
All classroom rules are the same as the school rules. No exceptions.
Guidelines & Procedures
1. Before Class: Be prepared (pen/pencil, binder/notebook, books, assignments)
2. Entering the Classroom: Be on time; have a seat, and by the bell be ready to work.
3. When I need your attention I will raise my hand.
4. During Class: Listen at all times and raise your hand if you have something to say.
5. During Class Discussions: active participation is encouraged; off-topic questions should be written down and saved for later.
6. Moving Around the Room: Get permission
7. When you are Tardy: Walk in quietly and have a seat. Respect your peers who are already at work.
8. After an Excused Absence: It is your responsibility to get all missed work.
9. When you are Finished Early: If you complete class work early, you may work on other English work, which includes reading, vocabulary or assignments.
10. Paper Format: MLA
11. Class Dismissal: The teacher dismisses the class, not the bell.
Not Following Procedures
From time to time, we all forget things. However, consistently forgetting our school rules and classroom procedures is disrespectful to all and will lead to the following actions:
· If after a simple verbal warning the student continues to disregard rule or procedure, teacher to student warning and discussion.
· If after this step it continues, action plan and parent contact will happen.
· If it persists, disciplinary action.
Grading Policy
Grades are based on a point system. All performance has a point value from 5 – 100 points, depending on the scope and complexity of the work. The marking period grade is a total of all points earned and divided by the total possible points. I do not give extra credit assignments, so it is critical that you complete the work assigned. All assignments should be turned in neat, legible, and on time. Projects and essays will lose 10 points for each day they are late. The work will not be accepted after the score has gone below 50% of the total grade. Homework assignments handed in one day late will receive half credit if the homework has not been reviewed in class. In the event that you are absent, you will have the same number of days to complete your work and turn it in to me; afterwards, the regular late policy applies. If the student has advanced notice of a major assignment, then work is to be submitted electronically on the day it is due (unless advised of special and extenuating circumstances that have prohibited from completing work during his/her absence).
A Note on Plagiarism
Students must not adopt or reproduce ideas, words, or statements of another person without appropriate acknowledgment. A student must give credit to the originality of others and acknowledge their indebtedness whenever he or she does any of the following: (1) quotes another person's actual words, either oral or written; (2) paraphrases another person's words, either oral or written; (3) uses another person's idea, opinion, or theory; (4) Borrows facts, statistics, or other illustrative material, unless the information is common knowledge. Any student who plagiarizes will receive a zero for that work. Please see the student handbook for further information on the plagiarism policy.
Message from the Teacher
For a successful and productive year, RESPECT is paramount. I have always found that when respect is exercised, all else falls into place. I ask that you respect me as your teacher, your classmates and peers as fellow learners, and most importantly yourselves by behaving as the mature young adults that you are. The classroom is a place for learning and the best kind of learning happens with mature, responsive, and respectful people.
Please do not hesitate to ask for help whenever it is needed. I would be glad to stay after school or meet with a student at another available time should assistance be required. I simply ask that you schedule with me in advance so that I can be sure of a time and place to meet with you.
Remember, I truly believe in your potential and I want you to believe in it, too. I know that we are going to have an amazing year!
Thanks,
Ms. Vaughn
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Please sign and date, and then return the form below. Due by the end of the first full week of school.
Ms. Vaughn / Composition Date ______
Student Name ______Period______
***I have read and reviewed the Syllabus for Ms. Vaughn’s Composition class.***
Parent/Guardian Signature______
***I promise to abide by the rules and procedures established in Ms. Vaughn’s Composition Course Syllabus.***
Student Signature______
Vaughn Composition Syllabus / Page 1 of 3