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)
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!
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.
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.
1. See me by appointment before or after school or
during periods 3 or 4.
2. Email me
at Tony_Maite@hboe.org.