Advanced Creative Writing Class Policies

 

PHILOSOPHY AND FOCUS

There's nothing mystical about either the philosophy or the focus of this course. Simply put, you are here to write and write a lot! We'll write in a wide variety of genres, tones, and voices. You'll work with essays and critical writing, poetry and short story, personal writing and writing for a public audience. You'll also have the opportunity to work in cooperative writing environments and with technology for both writing production and publishing. Further, as you have probably already gathered from the text book you picked up, you will read extensively for the purposes of analyzing technique and using that technique as part of your own developing writing voice. In sum, come prepared to write every day.

 

COURSE MATERIALS

Ø       Words & Wit Website @ www.maitespace.com

Ø       your textbook

Ø       white, smooth-edged loose leaf paper

Ø       pencils and blue/black pens

Ø       a three ring binder with at least 5 section dividers

Ø       a spiral notebook for your journal & think pad (could just use loose leaf paper, if desired)

 

ESSENTIAL OUTCOMES FOR ALL CREATIVE WRITING STUDENTS AT HDvHS: 

 

GRADING AND WORK SUBMISSION POLICIES

Overview

Most of your work will be graded according to scoring guides that describe what is expected of your performance. (Those assignments without scoring guides are simply matters of accuracy, effort, and professional presentation.) All scoring guides are available at any time on this site and on paper in our classroom. Please refer to them often during the writing process because meeting the criteria therein is essential to receiving a desired grade!

 

Feedback on Writing

It has always seemed strange to me that we teachers make comments all over your final copies, after you have a chance to do something about it. Therefore, I will make every attempt to make comments on your drafts instead, so that you can make your writing better before you turn it in. This means you absolutely must get your drafts done on time -- this is even more important than getting the final copy done on time. Further, feedback from peer readers and even The Write Place may be required for grades.

 

Nine Weeks' Grades (subject to revision as needs dictate)

Your nine weeks' grade is determined by a combination of the following areas:

            MASTERY WORK (Final Copies, Projects, Tests) = 60% of your total grade.

            PRACTICE WORK (Classroom Productivity, Quizzes, Drafts, and Exercises) = 40% of your total grade.

    

Due Dates, Make Up Work, & Late Work

1. Due dates for drafts, exercises, and other work are specific and binding.

2. Written works and projects may be due in "windows," meaning you will be given a period of time in which to turn them in rather than a singular due date. For example, a piece may be due the week of October 6, rather than just on October 6. This gives you a great amount of flexibility with your time and creative processes. It also allows for individual differences in writing speed, extra curricular activities, and inspiration. Remember, though, that drafts must be done on time so that I have an chance to help you! (Remember, too, that drafts are simply given credit for completion -- no one cares if they are good or bad!)

3. Late written works and projects graded at a penalty of 10% reduction per day late with a lowest score of 50% after two days.  If the teacher finishes grading such work before you submit yours, you cannot receive any credit for it. Other work is graded at 50% off for one day late, no credit after that.

4. Late or make up work due to any type of excused absence has no late penalty if you turn it in within the same number of days as your excused absence.

5. Late work due to unexcused absence is graded as regular late work.

6. If you miss work due to cutting class, I will not accept it -- if it's due when you cut, you get a zero; if it's assigned when you cut, you can't make it up.

7. If you are absent, there is a procedure for getting assignments and notes. First, with this website, you should probably already know what we did. Second, ask a classmate. Then, if all this still leaves you with questions, see me before school. Do not take up class time with such requests.

8. One extension per nine weeks is allowed with prior consent. Do not ask me the day something is due for an extension.

9. I will not accept cyberscuses for late work.

10. You may not take a zero on any major work. These must be completed or an Incomplete will be assigned for the course.

 

STANDARDS FOR WRITTEN WORK: All final copies are to be in MLA style.

1. Double space all drafts and final copies for easy commentary and revision.

2. Paper lengths are negotiable. The only requirement is that the writing meet the standards set by the scoring guide for that type of writing. Think: Long enough to be good; short enough not to bore.

3. Typed (font 12) is preferred, but handwritten in blue or black ink is acceptable.

4. Write on one side of the paper only for final copies.

5. Submit only white, smooth-edged paper for final copies.

6. Have a good title.

7. Staple in the top, left corner only.

8. Use NO cover pages, title pages, or report covers. (Special Projects excluded.)

9. Paper may have no more than 4 mechanical errors; when the 5th is reached, the paper receives a "U" (unacceptable) and will be returned to you. You have TWO days to fix and return to avoid a late score.  You will only be held responsible for those errors you should know. Failure to comply will result in resubmission for a late score.

10. Any paper involving research must be properly documented in MLA style.

 

GETTING HELP

1. See me by appointment before or after school or during periods 3 or 4.

2. Email me at Tony_Maite@hboe.org.