Composition – 9^th & 10^th

2019-2020

Course Description

We will cover the three parts of stage six of the Progymnasmata during this course: Encomium, Invective, and Comparison. During the Encomium Stage (or “Praise Stage”), we will expound upon someone or something’s good attributes. The Invective Stage (or “Condemnation Stage”) takes the opposite approach and will focus only on the negative. The Comparison Stage will express contrast of two subjects. According to Selby, these Stages teach us to “learn to thoroughly praise, condemn, or compare.” The styles of each Stage will be practiced by completing several essays.

In November we will begin The Lively Art of Writing book. Through weekly reading and assignments, we will learn how to craft sentences, paragraphs, and essays. Please pay close attention to the weekly assignments listed on the syllabus.

Finally, we will complete a research paper including notecards, an outline, essay, and presentation. We will use College Paper Buddy as a guide for this.

Expectations & Guidelines

1.    You and your parent(s) are expected to read this syllabus in its entirety, sign it, and come to the first day of class with it signed and in your binder.

2.    We will foster a respectful learning environment and be kind to each other when commenting or peer reviewing work.

3.    You will bring your Composition binder, homework, and writing utensil to every class meeting.

4.    All handouts and returned essays must be kept in an organized manner in the Composition binder.

5.    You are required to write and submit your own original work. Paraphrasing, quoting, or summarizing other sources without proper MLA citations will not be tolerated. Duplication of your own work without prior instructor approval is also a form of academic dishonesty. Plagiarism or cheating will result in a zero for the assignment. More than one instance of plagiarism or cheating will result in a referral to the Board and may lead to expulsion from the course.

6.    Due dates are clearly stated on the syllabus. You are required to turn in paper copies of your work on the due date. I will not accept emailed copies without prior communication with your parent.

7.    Late work will be penalized one letter grade per week. Missing work without a parent’s verbal excuse will result in a zero for that assignment. Failing to turn in work more than 25% of the time will result in a referral to the Board.

8.    If we have a class cancellation or I miss a week, a revised syllabus will be emailed to you prior to the next week; otherwise, follow the attached schedule.

9.    If you have any questions during the week, please text or email me. I will respond as soon as my schedule allows.

Required Materials

Composition Binder

Classical Composition: Encomium, Invective, and Comparison Stages                      

The Lively Art of Writing

College Paper Buddy

Grading

Encomium, Invective, and Comparison Stages                                                              Total Points

            Quiz (1)                                        15 points                                                                           15

            Essays (9)                                 30 points each                                                             270

The Lively Art of Writing

            Weekly Questions (13)               10 points each                                                             130     

            Weekly Assignments (11)        25 points each                                                             275

            Weekly Vocab (9)                        10 points each                                                              90

            Quiz                                                     15 points                                                                          15

Research Paper

            Topic & 3 Sources                        10 points                                                                     10

            Notecards & 6 Sources            10 points                                                                     10       

            Thesis                                                10 points                                                                     10

            Outline                                               10 points                                                                     10

            Bare Bones Rough Draft          5 points                                                                       5

            Rough Draft                                    10 points                                                                     10       

            Final Draft                                        100 points                                                                   100

            Presentation                                   50 points                                                                     50

                                                                                                                                              1000 possible points

Because I know life happens, you start out with 10 “My Teacher Loves Me Points” to use for failed or missing Quizzes or Assignments. (I know! Isn’t that outstandingly generous of me?!) If you finish the year with Points still in your possession, you will receive those Points as extra credit! (You’re welcome.)

As a student in this course, I have read and understood the requirements, and I have agreed to abide by the expectations and guidelines of this syllabus.

_____________________________________________________                _______________

Student Name                                                                                                      Date

As a parent of a student in this course, I have read and understood the requirements, and I have agreed to hold my child accountable to the expectations and guidelines of this syllabus.

_____________________________________________________                _______________

Parent Name                                                                                                         Date