Quarter Description:

With the new year begun, we will move from our study of persuasive communication towards a deeper understanding of narrative writing. We will begin by studying Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey. As we read J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, we will observe the narrative structure and archetypes therein. As we end the quarter, we will read fables, short stories, and biographies to expand our understanding of narrative possibilities.

Not only will we be an attentive audience to amazing story tellers, we will also write stories of our own. We will study descriptive technique, dialog, foreshadowing, and characterization with an eye towards using those skills ourselves. We will practice purposeful poetry that captures mood and feeling, and finally compete in a poetry slam to decide who is the best poet among us.

Grading:

This is not a class you can pass simply through attendance. Each and every assessment is intended to reflect preparation and ability; a grade will never be assigned based purely on participation. Because there is no extra credit in this class, the completion of assignments and the revision of work will be the key to your success. The following percentages/points reflect my projections for the quarter and therefore are subject to change.

Classwork -- 40%

With the exception of quizzes, classwork activities can not be redone for additional credit.

• Weekly grammar activities and biweekly quizzes:
• Book club activities: 10 points possible
• Socratic seminar participation:
• Written warm ups:
• Partner grading: 20 points possible
• Poetry Slam participation: 20 points possible

Writing -- 60%

It is possible to redo any written activity for an improved score. Your assignment revisions must be submitted by March 1st to be considered for credit.

Weekly Themes

• Week 20: Winter Break
• Week 21: Winter Break
• Week 22: Hero's Journey through Lion King
• Week 23: Using description to show a experience
• Week 24: Using dialogue to tell a story
• Week 25: Using foreshadowing to create tension
• Week 26: What The Hobbit has to tell us about characterization
• Week 27: Poetry slam competition
• Week 28: Organize and completion of short fiction write
• Week 29: Organize personal biography
• Week 30: Complete personal biography