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 * __ WELCOME TO PREPARATORY WRITTEN AND ORAL INSTRUCTION

____Instructors and Contact Information____ __** Mrs. Elizabeth Joiner Room 235 847-718-5542 elizabeth.beer@d214.org Mr. John Hardey Room 235 847-718-5585 john.hardey@d214.org Preparatory Introduction to Writing, and Oral Communication is designed to introduce you to the foundations of excellent written expression, speaking, and analytical reading. During the course of the year you will read a variety of genres including nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and plays. You will also be expected to learn how to communicate and present effectively by giving both formal and informal presentations. Finally, we will focus on improving your writing skills throughout the year by participating in the writing process: brainstorming, drafting, editing, and revising. In addition to participating in the writing process, we will work to develop your written organizational skills and the development of your ideas and arguments. This course will be both fun and challenging. It will require some hard work at times, but we know that this diligence will pay off as you continue your high school career. Both Mr. Hardey and I will work with you closely in order to ensure your success. Please be proactive about your questions and concerns! We look forward to getting to know you and having a great year together! Below is an overview of the topics and skills we will be working on over the course of the year. Please note that this schedule is subject to change if the instructor deems modification necessary. ** Quarter 1 ** || ** Quarter 2 ** || Summer Reading (book talk, possible review) Short Stories Non-fiction Types of Opinions ||
 * __ Course Description and Philosophy __**
 * __ Course Organization and Major Texts __**
 * Grammar**: Level 1 / Parts of Speech
 * Vocabulary**: Units 1-3
 * Writing**: Introduction to MeatCon
 * Reading Skills / Texts**: VIVA CAPS / MILT Van So?
 * Reading Skills / Texts**: VIVA CAPS / MILT Van So?
 * Grammar**: Level 2 / Parts of the Sentence
 * Vocabulary**: Units 4-5
 * Writing**: Continued MeatCon practice and first formal essay

Skeptical Investigation Research and Essay //Inherit the Wind// Poetry Continue practice of non-fiction and fiction reading skills
 * Reading Skills / Texts**:
 * Oral Communication:** The communication model / first formal speech

|| ** Quarter 3 ** || ** Quarter 4 ** || //Romeo and Juliet// (VIVA CAPS) Non-fiction (MILT Van So?) || //To Kill a Mockingbird// essay Research / Literary Analysis //To Kill a Mockingbird// (and supplemental non-fiction)
 * Grammar**: Levels 1 and 2 / continued practice
 * Vocabulary**: Units 5-7
 * Writing**//: Romeo and Juliet// based personal or research writing / continued development of MeatCon
 * Reading Skills / Texts:**
 * Reading Skills / Texts:**
 * Grammar**: Levels 1,2, prep phrases, and clauses
 * Vocabulary**: Units 8-10
 * Writing:**
 * Reading Skills / Texts:**

|| // Should you or your parents/guardian find a required text objectionable, see me to discuss your concerns. // Organization is an important part of our class. You will be required to keep an organized binder for all of the work we do in this class. This binder will be graded and checked in at several points during the year. You may come to see the teacher if you need help keeping organized. Please make sure to bring the following materials with you **__every day__** for class: Three ring binder with dividers. I will explain organization of the materials in class. You will be graded on your organization throughout the year. Pen, Pencil, and highlighters Post-it notes Index cards Notebook paper to be kept in your binder Assignment notebook Suggested Material: a jump drive. This can be very helpful for all of your classes as you may sometimes type here at school, and then want to continue at home! Any text that we are currently working with in class Any materials that the instructors have requested you have for class Your final grades will be determined according to the following grading criteria: 5% Bell work and Organization 25% Homework / Class work / Projects / Presentations 30% Tests and Quizzes 30% Writing (All writing must be submitted through [|www.turnitin.com]) 10% Vocabulary Quizzes // Final Exams will be weighted at 15% of your final grade // All assignments are due at the beginning of class. Do not ask to go to your locker to get an assignment. If assignments are required to be typed and printed, they are expected to be in this format at the start of class. Do not ask if you can go to print it, or email it to me. This will not be permitted. If you do not have your homework on the day that it is due, you may bring it to class the next day for ½ credit. I do not take late work for full credit unless you are legitimately absent. If you have an excused absence, you have the same amount of days to make up your work as you were absent. If you know that you are going to be absent on the day of a test or an essay turn-in date, you must let me know so that we can arrangements. Please make it your habit to ask me for make-up work. It is your responsibility to approach me for this work. An essay will lose a letter grade for each day it is late. **Tardies and Attendance policies are as stated in the school handbook and will be enforced accordingly.** R-E-S-P-E-C-T…for each other, for me, and for the school Please arrive on time and with an open mind Please be on task Remember to respect the atmosphere of the classroom…talk when it’s appropriate, keep quiet when appropriate. Do your personal best Turn homework in on time Ask questions if you have them Bring all materials to class Bathroom for emergencies only. YOU MUST USE YOUR GOLDEN TICKET No food or drink is permitted in the classroom. Do not draw on the desks…I know who sits in them! Plagiarism and cheating of any kind is unacceptable and will result in failure of the assignment. Copying somebody’s homework, or letting somebody copy yours IS cheating! Plagiarism and cheating of any kind will be reported to the administration and to your parents. We are more than happy to help out any student! You can find us before and after school in room 235, the English office, or the IR office. Please try to make an appointment to see us so that we can be ready to help you the best we can. However, you are always welcome to stop by J.
 * __ Required Materials __**
 * __ Grading Policy __**
 * __ Late Work Policy __**
 * __ Classroom Policies __**
 * __ Where to Find Us __**
 * TURNITIN.COM – It is required that all major writing assignments are submitted through turnitin.com. This is a policy of Prospect High School. Papers that are not submitted through turnitin.com will not be graded and will not receive credit.**
 * __ Homework Assignment #1: __**** Please bring this syllabus home and share it with your parents/guardians. After both you and your parents/guardians have read the syllabus and discussed the expectations for the upcoming year, please sign below! This assignment is worth 10 points. **
 * // We have read and understand the requirements and expectations of Preparatory Writing and Oral Communication. //**
 * Student signature:__________________________________________________________ **
 * Parent / Guardian signature:_________________________________________________ **