Creative Writing 2nd Semester 2013 Syllabus

Course Description:

This one-semester course will explore the elements of good writing through the Six Trait Assessment Model. (See below for text.)  The six traits we will refer to are:  ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions.  We will learn to distinguish between different genre’s including, non-fiction: personal essay, memoir, historical fiction, science fiction, fiction, short story, plays, and poetry. Elements to be studied include: characterization, dialogue, premise, viewpoint, hero's journey, pacing, plot, and poetic forms. Attention to basic conventions; i.e. grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc. will be inherent in all writing. Specific readings (handouts by me) will be used for modeling and analysis.
Sharing and Peer Editing: 
Although writing can be therapeutic, that is not the purpose of this class. Our purpose is to learn how to write as effectively as possible with a specific audience in mind. Most good writers work in critique groups where they share their work and benefit from the group's suggestions. Each assignment will be shared with a 'writing buddy'. Peer editing will be a valuable component of the writing process.  Good writing takes time and requires many revisions. Extra points will be given for each piece of writing that has been revised and shared either in a small group or with the class. Final work will be submitted and shared as Google Docs. Instructions will be given.

Schedule: 
January: Review 6 Trait Writing Skill through writing prompts

February/March: Learn to recognize the elements of writing in short assignments, including characterization, dialogue, premise, viewpoint, pacing, hero's journey, plot, and poetic forms, as they relate to student’s individual projects and various genres. Identify and write in a few of the common genres in the creative writing venue: Essays, historical fiction, science fiction, memoir, fiction, plays, poetry. Appropriate readings will be provided.

April: Poetry. Students will write a minimum of three poems using specific poetic forms such as Folk Ballad, Epigraph, Apostrophe poem, Limerick, Sonnet, Sestina
May: Documentary using i-movie. Scripts will be developed and presented to class.
Final Portfolios assembled for printing, binding, and sharing.

Materials to Bring to Class:

Bring daily:

• 3-ring binder with dividers: Current Work; Vocabulary; Graded Work; Procedures
• journal: a composition book or dedicated spiral notebook
• planner
• notebook paper
• pens—blue or black ink only
• texts/handouts as assigned

We will write in our journals regularly to a variety of prompts that will inspire us to utilize the writing elements studied. The guidelines for journaling include filling the time, filling the page, and writing beyond the point where we think we have nothing left to say. Please note above under 'sharing and peer-editing' for final work.

Proper Format for Papers:

We will use MLA (Modern Language Association) format for headings, essays and documentation of research sources. Completed work must be typed in 12-point Times New Roman font and double spaced. All work will be shared through Google docs.

Heading—in upper left-hand corner of the paper:

            Student’s first and last name

            Instructor’s name: Ms. Boochever

            Class name: Honors/American Literature

            Date: 

In-Class/Out-of-Class Assigned Work: Most of the writing will be done in-class, however; some will be assigned to be done outside of class. It is extremely important that you keep up with the assignments. We have a limited amount of time to cover a lot of material. We can't possibly do it all in-class. If you get behind, it will be difficult to catch up. STAY ON TOP OF YOUR ASSIGNMENTS, and engage in the class discussions, and your reward will be a fun and interesting class AND a good grade.

Alaska State Standards

English/Language Arts

This course will be taught to district standards which are available for review using the Juneau School District website under the District Information: Core Content Standards menu item: http://www.jsd.k12.ak.us

Assessment:

Peer editing will be utilized along with one-on-one-conferencing with instructor. Students will create a ‘blog’ that will serve as a sharing venue. Please note that grades are cumulative throughout the semester, per Juneau School District Board of Education Policy (#5420R).

For grading purposes, assessments will be based on the 6-Traits Writing Rubric with corresponding points assigned to each trait.

A = 90%-100%

B = 80% - 89%

C = 70% - 79%

B = 80% - 89%

C = 70% - 79%

D = 60% - 69%

F = 0% - 59%

“INC” = Incomplete

Assignment categories are weighted: Every assignment serves a significant and specific purpose. While the point value of a homework assignment or activity may seem negligible, the practice is essential to develop skills.

40% - Unit assessments, including final writing projects, essays, writing process activities.

35% - Homework, in-class skills practice and revisions

25% - Participation, notes, presentations and cooperative learning activities (peer editing).