Syllabus
2019-2020 ERWC SYLLABUS
Instructor: Lisa Collins
Email: lcollins@guhsd.net
Phone: 619-593-5425
Website: Accessed through the Valhalla website
Welcome to Senior English!
Although this English course is about reading, writing, and grammar, it focuses on real world applications. English is about giving you the skills you need not just to perform well on a test, but also to perform well in life outside of school. You will be learning about community and world issues as well as improving your reading, writing, public speaking, and critical thinking skills.
General Skill Overview:
Semester I: Resume Writing, Personal Writing and Rhetorical Reading/Writing
Semester II: Rhetorical Reading/Writing, Research Skills and Writing and Public Speaking
Course Objectives:
Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what a text says and implies.
Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text.
Analyze an author’s assumptions and appeals (ethos, pathos, logos).
Analyze the writer’s use of rhetorical devices and strategies.
Understand key rhetorical concepts such as audience, purpose, context, and genre through analysis of texts.
Write reading-based arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
Incorporate the texts of others effectively and use documentation styles suitable to the task, genre, and discipline.
Edit for clarity and for standard written English grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Produce clear and coherent writing in which development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose and audience.
Demonstrate the ability to observe, evaluate, and regulate one’s development as a writer of expository texts, including the identification of areas needing further growth.
Demonstrate a logical progression of ideas when speaking.
Persuasively speak to an audience with confidence.
Checking Grades Online:
Grades are posted through Infinite Campus. You MUST regularly monitor your grade online. My expectation is that students will know their own progress at all times. I encourage you to check your grades weekly.
Categories and Grade Weights:
60% Exit Tasks: Measure Multiple Standards and Skills
30% Rhetorical Activities/ Skills Practice
10% Listening and Speaking
Make-Up
1. Please note the posted weekly calendar in the classroom. Additionally, many assignments will be posted on my website and in Google Classroom; it is YOUR responsibility to stay on top of missing work.
2. Homework due on the day of an absence is due upon your return. To clarify: If something is due and you are not in class, it MUST be turned in on the day you come back. The exception to this rule is “Exit Tasks” – these are long term assignments and MUST be posted and delivered on time unless otherwise discussed with teacher prior to absence (no exceptions). If there is a serious problem that will not allow you to submit it when you return, please contact teacher ASAP. You must advocate for yourself!