English Language Arts B30/B31: World Voices and Perspectives Ms. Baudu Semester Two, 2011; Room 101
COURSE DESCRIPTION: ELA B30 examines global perspectives using traditional and modern world literature. The course is organized around two issues:
The Human Condition (Subthemes - Identity and Sense of Self; Qualities and Ideals; Human Relationships; Joys, Doubts and Fears)
The Social Experience (Subthemes - Individual and Societal Responsibility; Social Criticism; Truth and Justice; Causes and Crusades; Ambition, Power and the Common Good)
OBJECTIVES: ELA B30 is composed of four integrated language strands: listening, speaking, reading, and writing (as well as representing and viewing).
Speaking: express understanding share thoughts and opinions use oral presentation techniques effectively review oral presentations function as a group member and leader inform or persuade debate participate in the rules and procedures which govern business or community meetings participate in a panel discussion
Listening: make connections make inferences confirm predictions interpret and summarize evaluate and analyze critically respond personally, critically, and creatively recognize tone and bias evaluate the logical development of an argument
Writing: use appropriate prewriting and planning strategies revise compositions share/publish compositions develop themes with explicit thesis statements incorporate research material smoothly and effectively into compositions analyze and evaluate own and others' writing confer with peers and teachers analyze a work of literature experiment with a variety of writing genres
Reading: respond personally, critically, and creatively recognize major literary forms and techniques demonstrate an increased ability to interpret symbols recognize satire paraphrase locate, assess, and summarize information from a variety of sources explore human experiences and values broaden cultural knowledge make and defend an informed critical response compare, contrast, and evaluate texts cite appropriate evidence to support responses
What will we do?
We will do writing, reading, speaking, viewing, representing, and listening activities associated with a variety of genres within our two themes.
How will I be evaluated?
Evaluation in English is continuous. This means that everything you do in the semester counts. You will be working individually, in pairs, in small groups, and as a whole class. You will be evaluated not only on what you produce in class, but on how you produce it, your learning processes, and your attitude. I will provide you with specific guidelines for assignments, as well as let you know exactly what you will be evaluated on. You will also participate in assessing yourself and others.
Course Evaluation Process 40% Product 40% Final Comprehensive Exam: 20%
Any assignments handed in late will lose 10% per day at my discretion.
What are the expectations in this class?
1. Expectations for behaviour are basic. Respect yourself, your classmates, and your teacher. In return, I will treat you with respect.
2. You are expected to come to class on time, and prepared every day. You will lose marks if you are late and unprepared. Bring your binder, paper, journal, pen, a book for supplementary reading, and any class texts, every day. You will do Silent Reading to begin every class. You will not receive Silent Reading marks if you are late, absent, do not read, or have no book. You will receive a Silent Reading mark on each Integrade.
3. Missed assignments: Assignments missed because of an unexplained absence (skip) on the due date will not be accepted or will result in a zero.
4. Missed exams: Missed exams will be written as soon as possible after you return to class, at our mutual convenience. If you skip an exam, you will receive a zero.
5. Absences: When you miss class, it is your responsibility to come to me to find out what you missed. You can always phone the office and request that homework be sent home, if you are ill or unable to attend class.