9th & 10th Grade Composition

Composition – 9^th & 10^th

2018-2019

Course Description

We will cover the final three stages of the Progymnasmata during this course: Characterization, Description, and Thesis and Law. During the Characterization Stage we will learn to imitate the character of a given person and develop a writing style that is clear and concise yet rich in its delivery. Subsequently, we will study the Description Stage. The object of this Stage is to acquire the skill of vividly communicating descriptions of people, things, times, and places. From here we will progress to the final Thesis and Law Stage. According to Selby, this Stage teaches us two new skills: how to write a “logical investigation” and how to “compose an advocacy for legislation and an opposition to legislation.” The styles of each Stage will be practiced by completing several Characterization, Description, Thesis, and Law essays. Advanced application of the concepts will be accomplished by responding to college application essay prompts in each writing style. Finally, we will complete a comprehensive research project including a research proposal, annotated bibliography, outline, essay, and 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 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: Characterization Stage           9781615383740            

Classical Composition: Description Stage                   9781615383764            

Classical Composition: Thesis and Law Stage              9781615383788            

MLA: The Easy Way                                                      978-1935356523