English 12 Composition & Capstone

English 12: Composition & Capstone

Evergreen High School

Teacher: Mr. Corbo

E-mail: ccorbo@jeffcoschools.us


Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.

~Leo Tolstoy


English 12: Composition & Capstone blends argument and rhetoric study, novel study, and a semester of self-directed study, project creation, professional mentoring, and service learning. 


Our first semester composition focus examines and critiques a writer’s purpose, patterns of argument, and multiple genres in writing while incorporating research and rhetorical techniques. Collaboration and critical thinking lead to more complex presentations and products, with students honing their comprehension skills while reading more complicated literary and non-fiction texts. Oral discussion and presentation are integral to student learning. This course is designed to prepare students for post-secondary endeavors. Reinforcing the logic and critical-thinking skills that accompany good writing, this course provides continued and advanced instruction in writing for a variety of purposes and audiences.


The Capstone Project during our second semester is an opportunity for seniors to discover more about themselves as they create their own career explorations, engage in a passion project, or develop a service project that benefits a community of people. This is a project that puts the student in a position to design and implement a learning moment. It is self-directed, but follows guidelines and deadlines set by the instructors. Students are held accountable for multiple steps including finding a professional mentor in the community, producing professional communications, scheduling, blogging, research, shadowing a professional outside of the school during school hours, implementing a clear professional plan, writing about their experiences, and producing a professional presentation which shares their new experience and knowledge with their peers and outside professionals.


Our philosophy supports diverse learners by allowing them some freedom in guiding their own learning. Senior Composition is dedicated to reading, writing, critical thinking, and verbal communication.  We will study variant texts – commercials, non-fiction essays, and novels - which will shed light on a range of writing purposes and styles.  Writing progress will be facilitated through direct instruction in effective writing techniques and the writing process.  Fluency and comprehension will be the focus points of reading instruction.  Students should expect rigor, challenge, tests, quizzes, daily reading assignments, and extensive writing assignments.  This is a challenging class created with an eye on Colorado State standards and requirements.


Course Information

Google Classroom will be used as a primary communication tool for daily assignments and our calendar which tells you what is due and when and as a way to electronically reach all students with assignments, updates, and other important information.  Enrollment codes will be provided. Learn it!


Basic Expectations:

I believe that if we, as a group, show mutual respect for one another, and embrace the idea of team work, we will all benefit. I also value honest communication. Please come to me and let me know if something isn’t working for you. We can work together to make your experience more rewarding. Lastly, if you work hard and apply yourself, you will accomplish great things. You have an opportunity to earn your grade every day!

Electronic Devices 

Please turn off and store your phone during class in the pockets at the front of the room, including taking ear buds OUT. You may have opportunities to use your devices for class activities, and you will be prompted to bring them and use them at those times.  E-readers are acceptable during class reading time, and you may use a laptop, electronic notebook, or tablet to take notes. You may not use a phone to take notes and/or read books. 

If I see an electronic device at an unacceptable time, even if it’s just sitting on your desk, then I will take the device, and I will keep it for the class period.  If I see an electronic device during an assessment that does not require an electronic device, then I will take the device, I will give it to your administrator, I will write you up, and you will earn a zero on the assessment. Multiple offences will result in administrative write up.

Food

Please limit food and drinks to only water or snacks when necessary (like you have a medical condition or you missed breakfast).  You may not spread out and eat an entire meal.  It is distracting and rude.

Grading

Grades will be be calculated through a total point system and categorized by the type and scope of the work being assessed. Jeffco policy states that there will be NO ROUNDING UP – an 89.999 is a B. Period. The last week of school is NOT the time to beg for points as your opportunities for success happen every day. You earn your grade. I do not typically give extra-credit assignments. 

The grading scale is as follows:

A = 100-90% (exceeding Standards)

B = 89-80%   (meeting Standards)

C = 79-70%   (approaching Standards)

D = 69-60%   (below Standards)

F = 59% - really? 


General Categories of Assessments:

I will not be using “weighted grading” this year. All work is considered in a total point system. That said, I do my best to fairly grant points on assignments according to the importance or difficulty of the task, so for example, major writing is worth more than a vocabulary quiz.


Late Work/Make-up Work Clarification:

Please understand that the late policy applies to when the work was assigned, not when it is due. If you have an excused absence during an assignment process, you get 2 days to make-up that time; however, if you are absent on the day the assignment is due, the assignment is expected on the day you return. My rights as your instructor are: 1 day late = 10% deduction of earnable points, 2 days late = 20% deduction, 3 days late = 30% deduction, and after this I don’t have to accept it or grade it, but let’s not go there. I do have a heart. I just don’t like it to be stepped on.


It is your responsibility to come to me and inquire about what you missed when absent, or check the calendars and websites to see if you can accomplish it on your own! I get it. Stuff happens to all of us. But please be proactive (honest communication)! Daily assignments and assessments and copies of all handouts are posted on my Eng. 12 Google Classroom.  If you miss an assessment because of an EXCUSED absence, then you must SEE ME within two days of your return to schedule a time to make it up.  If you are present on the day that an assignment is due or that you have an exam, then you are expected to be prepared to turn in your work or to take the exam regardless of past absences. If you need to turn something in late because you are not prepared or you have an unexcused absence, then you will have one week from the original due date to make it up for half credit. Yeah, that means that you can only earn up to 50% on an unexcused late assignment.  Ouch. Stuff happens. Also note if you are UNEXCUSED on the day of an assessment, there will be no exceptions to the two-day make-up policy.  0’s will be given for that assessment if not made up within two days.  See me in advance if you think you may need an extension on an assignment.  I will work with you because I will be so impressed that you planned ahead.  The day before something is due is not planning ahead. PLEASE COMMUNICATE with me!! Show me you care about your education, otherwise why should I?



English 12 Texts 

We will provide you with a copy of each of the following required texts.  If you would like to write in your books (And I encourage this as a critical skill for college readiness), then you are welcome to purchase your own copies. 

Subjects and Strategies: A Writer’s Reader by Paul Eschholz & Alfred Rosa - Essays

1984 by George Orwell

Optional Second Texts: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey or Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Non-Fiction (self selected) for Capstone Research

You may also read a variety of short stories, poems, essays, songs, and films. 

Supplies:

Have a productive, fun senior year!

Mr. Christopher Corbo

Email: ccorbo@jeffcoschools.us Email is the best way to contact me.      Voicemail: 303-982-5108   

EHS Senior Composition & Capstone

Syllabus

2023-2024



Semester 1: College Composition


Semester 1 will largely focus on the study of rhetoric and compositional modes of writing as they pertain to argument and analysis. We will also engage in literature study as well.


Introduction to Rhetoric

Advertisements and Commercials – The idea of creating a compelling message. Understanding ethos, pathos, and logos.


Study of Narrative

SOAPSTone as a method for understanding text. Narrative examples


Subject and Strategy: A Writer’s Reader by Paul Eschholz and Alfred Rosa (2014)

Novel 

1984 by George Orwell is used to introduce and reinforce active reading strategies, critical thinking, and literary relevance. Students will create a Critical Essay. 

Semester 2: Capstone Project


Capstone incorporates many facets of curriculum. It is a self-created, self-designed, and self-implemented project based on personal choice and interest. Students may explore a passion, explore a career of interest (before they spend thousands of dollars on something they aren’t REALLY interested in), or create a service project that benefits others in a community (all funds earned in this regard are required to be donated to a charity of their choice). ALL Capstone students MUST participate in the final Capstone Showcase in May.


Please Note: We expect that students will be able to travel as needed to meet mentors, act professionally, and not violate any school policies at ANY time. Alternate assignment can be made available, and your instructors reserve the right to pull you from this assignment if violations occur or if your grades prevent it. This will jeopardize your final grade. We ask for the support of all stakeholders in this regard.