It would seem obvious that our focus in this course would be
creative writing, but there is much implied in that title. To the point,
creative is an ambiguous word at best, open to all sorts of interpretations and
applications -- what may seem creative to one person is old hat to another.
Then, we have the issue of originality that always seems to blur the definition
of what good creative writing is. With this in mind, my philosophy in teaching
this course is to allow each one of you to define what is creative for
yourselves through a wide range of choices in what you write, when you write
it, and how you are graded. Indeed, as you will see, you should prepare
yourself to engage in a lot of self-evaluation, reflection, and explanation.
Further, the focus of the course will not be simply on writing, though we will
certainly do plenty of that. Instead, we will engage in numerous exercises in
simple creativity -- a skill that can be learned but has sadly been lost in our
rush to meet proficiency standards and make sure all students are effectively
the same. Finally, writing is both personal and public, and you will engage in
both. But, in the end, our writing is
public in nature so be prepared to take pride in your work and yourself in a
very public way.
METHOD
Probably the most
important aspect of the way this course is taught and learned is the relative
lack of direct teacher instruction in the traditional sense. At most, I will
teach the entire class a lesson once a week; after all, writing is something
you do, not something you have someone tell you how to do. (I'd argue pretty
much everything is that way!) The activities you will engage in are both
individualized and cooperative. Often, you will be left to yourself to write,
revise, reflect, journal. Just as often you will be engaged with others,
whether it is the entire class, a small group, or just a peer reader. Finally, do
not be surprised if you are asked to read quite a bit. It would make no sense
to write without looking at examples of good writing. Overall, as you can
easily see, you will be given a great amount of freedom and time to explore
your creativity and hone your writing skills. Just make sure you use that time
well.
The required materials for this course are:
a one inch, three
ring binder (skip this if your portfolio is web-based)
five section
dividers
white, smooth-edged
paper
pencils and
blue/black pens
if a separate
journal is desired, a spiral notebook
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!
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:
25% Written Work, Drafts, and Practice Exercises
1. All written work must be complete or an
incomplete may result.
2. Grade definitions are quite literal; know the definitions
of excellent (A), good (B), average (C), and poor (D). To further clarify this,
consider that meeting the basic criteria for a rubric is technically a C.
3. All grades are rounded
up at .5, both in each category and overall.
4. You may not take a zero on any major work. These must be
completed or an Incomplete will be assigned for the course.
5. SUSPENDED due to unusually large class sizes:
If for some reason you score lower than 88% on a piece, you may revise it for
up to an 88% if all drafts were done on time and I observe that you have used
your time effectively. I reserve the right to require a revision if a piece
does not meet minimum standards. If this is the case, a zero will be assigned
until the piece is completed satisfactorily.
6.
Keep track of your own grades. I will not provide information on your grade for
any reason unless you bring me complete information yourself. You are expected
to keep track of that through the use of your portfolio and this web site. My
job is to help you be a better writer, not do your math for you. Besides, it
makes me sad to see another human being give control of his/her destiny to
another!
1. Due dates for drafts, exercises, and other work are
specific and binding.
2. Creative Pieces 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 opportunity to help you! (Remember, too, that drafts are
simply given credit for completion -- no one cares if they are good or bad!)
3. Late Major Work graded at a penalty of 10% reduction per
day late with a lowest score of 50% after five days. If the teacher finishes grading a Major 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. Enrichment and
Portfolios must be in on time or no credit will be given.
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. A cyberscuse
(thanks to Mr. Shepherd for that word!) is the claim that something -- anything
-- went wrong with your computer so you can't turn in your work. If your
printer breaks, bring your work in on disk and print it here or write it out by
hand. Save often and in at least two places in case of a crash (I have 3
backups of everything I have on computer!); better yet, print each page as you
finish it in case everything crashes. As you can see from this site, I am well
versed in computers, so I know there is absolutely no situation where computer
malfunction will keep you from doing your work.
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
unimportant. 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.
I strictly adhere to the school's attendance policy. Do not
ask me to "fudge" your attendance if you are close to 7 absences.
Once 8 unofficial excused and/or unexcused absences are reached, the game is
over. Further, be in your seat with materials ready when the bell rings;
otherwise, you are tardy - no questions asked. Four tardies = a referral.
There is no hidden
curriculum in here! Behavior is indeed a part of your ability to function in
the world and, as such, it will be assessed as part of your class participation
grade (See the Class Participation Scoring
Guide for more details.). Please do not underestimate the impact of your
behavior on others, especially in a class with so much freedom. Beyond that,
severe behavior problems will be addressed on a case-by-case basis with
parental and administrative involvement as needed. In addition, privileges may
be removed if our policies are abused. Below is our very simple list of rules
to follow.
1. Follow the rules of the school as described in your
student handbook to the letter.
2. Be in your seat at the bells and the beginning and ends
of the period.
3. Be respectful and courteous to others. (CAUTION: This is
my tightest rule.)
4. Use the pass once a week, if needed. Never ask to use the
phone.
The school's computer use policies are very well written,
and I intend to stick to hem much more closely than ever before. In fact, in
light of all the abuse of technology I've witnessed in the past couple years
and our growing reliance on that technology, I've even added a few touches of
my own.
1. You may not use computers to access personal email
accounts unless such access is necessary for the work we are doing (For
instance, you may want to email yourself a web link.) If you do need to use
email for such a purpose, it must be under my direct supervision. Violation of
this policy results in immediate removal of all internet privileges
indefinitely.
2. You may not use the computer for any sort of chat or
non-educational game playing. Violation of this rule results in immediate
removal of all computer privileges indefinitely.
3. All web usage must be limited
to topics easily justifiable in relation to class work. Further, all content
viewed from our computers must be reasonably acceptable by school standards.
Sites that glorify or normalize drug use, sexual promiscuity, and/or gratuitous
violence are not acceptable. Keep in mind that I am the judge of acceptability
since I am held responsible for what you do. Violation of this policy results
in immediate removal of all internet privileges indefinitely.
4. You may not change the settings, backgrounds, or any
other function or part of the computer without my direct supervision. Violation
of this rule results in immediate removal of all computer privileges
indefinitely.
In all cases of this behavior, you also risk negative impact
on your class participation grade as well as a possible zero on the work you
were supposed to be doing. Repeat offenses are an automatic referral.
I am more than happy to write a recommendation for you
provided you do the following:
1. Submit the request in a professionally written
letter.
2. Make your request at least 10 days in advance.
3. Provide all necessary information for me to write a
complete letter, including what the requesting organization wants to know, any
information about you I might need, complete addresses and addressees.
4. You follow up all your recommendations from any of your
teachers with a thank you note or card. (Yes, I know, I can't know this in
advance, but I will ask around. This is very important to me.)
Special notes: I will
decline to write a recommendation if I know I cannot write you a good one.
Please do not take this personally - I will be polite and simply say, "I
prefer not to." Remember, I really
do like you, but that doesn't always mean I can write you a glowing rec.
Indeed, I don't judge you personally anyway, but a recommendation is exactly
that: I am going to have to judge you in writing to a respected group of
people. Don't confuse my respect for you with my judgment of you. Also, I am
very hesitant to do recommendations that are not sealed. If you require that
you get to read your own rec, then I am probably not the person to ask for it.
There are several ways to meet with me or get other
individualized attention.
1. See me, preferably by appointment, before school; I am
usually in my room by 7:15 if not earlier.
2. Meet with me in The Write Place, period 2.
3. Make an appointment to see me during periods 7/8.
4. Use the small HAL 9000 CONTACT
ICON function on this website (there's one at the top of this page) to get
help immediately online in the evenings when I am at my computer or to email
me.