11th & 12th Grade Composition (2019-2020)

Composition – 11^th & 12^th

2019-2020

Course Description

We will begin this course by learning how to write a fantastic college admissions essay. The application of this knowledge will be evidenced in the composition of a complete college admission essay and various exercises. Following this study we will delve into the realm of The Writer’s Practice in order to better understand the format and organization of different types of essays. Weekly writing exercises will be required, and we will put these concepts to work in the writing of two essays. Finally, we will complete a comprehensive research project. This process will be based on the skills learned from The Writer’s Practice and will require a thesis, notecards, an outline, a researched argument essay, and a project presentation.

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 date due. 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

College Essay Essentials                                             978-1-4926-3512-3

MLA: The Easy Way                                                   978-1935356523               

The Writer’s Practice                                                         978-0-14-313315-5

Grading

College Essay Essentials                                                         Total Points

          Quizzes (5)                      20 points each                           100

          Exercises/Drafts (6)           20 points each                           120

          Final Essay (1)                  100 points each                         100

The Writer’s Practice

          Assignments (9)                20 points each                           180

          Essay/Drafts (2)                20 points each                           40

          Final Essay (1)                  100 points each                         100

Research Project

          Topic and 4 Sources                   50 points                                   50

          8 Sources & Notecards      50 points                                   50

          Thesis                              10 points                                   10

          Outline                            10 points                                   10

          Rough Drafts (2)               20 points each                           40

          Final Draft                       150 points                                 150

          Presentation                     50 points                                   50

                                                                                       1000 possible points

Because I know life happens, you start out with 20 “My Teacher Loves Me Points” to use for failed or missing Exercises or Quizzes. (I know! Isn’t that outstandingly generous of me?!) Please note that the essays and research project requirements are NOT eligible for the MTLM Points. If you finish the year with Points still in your possession, you will receive those Points as extra credit! (You’re welcome.)