Course Syllabus

Course Description / Overview: Writing For High School Success

This course uses a systematic approach to address students’ needs to acquire knowledge and skills in written communication. It covers a full range of basic concerns in writing, going from its processes to its forms, to the popular techniques writers have used to make their works outstanding. With this course, students will learn to write as well as write to learn. By the end of the course, the students should be able to use grammar and punctuation correctly and to write effective essays in high school academic settings.

 

Class Goals/Outcomes:

  • Students are also expected to write accurately, persuasively and with proper grammar and spelling. Students will complete 12 essays by the completion of this class. Each essay will range between 250 to 400 words.
  • CLO #1: Write academic essays using various genres (such as description, narration, cause and effect, classification, comparison/contrast, and persuasion
  • CLO #2: Write organized essays with progressive idea development
  • CLO #3: Use straightforward language that conveys meaning with clarity.

 

Course Outline:

Day 1

First Day Orientation

  • Daily schedule (time for class periods, breaks, etc.)
  • Important locations on campus (office, bathrooms, eating areas)
  • OFK Monitors: Who they are and how they can help
  • Review class syllabus

Introduction to Class
Activity: Write an essay on the expository prompt “How to…”
Day 2

Topic: Expository Writing
Activity:  Write a compare/contrast expository essay.
Day 3

Topic: Literary Writing
Activity: Write an essay about your favorite protagonist and antagonist
Day 4

Topic: Literary Writing
Activity: Write an essay using all five sensory details
Day 5

Topic: Persuasive Writing
Activity: Write two persuasive essays on selected topics
Day 6

Topic: Persuasive Writing
Activity: Class Debate on a selected topic
Day 7

Topic: Poetry
Activity: Write Sonnets, Limericks and Haikus
Day 8

Topic: Poetry
Activity: Critique poetry of Maya Angelou, Emily Dickinson, Bob Dylan and other great poets

 

Student Expectations / Classroom Policies:

  • All medicines must be left in the Ohlone for Kids office with a release on file.
  • No electronic equipment (iPods, cell phones, and video games), weapons, skateboards, scooters, toys or inappropriate items are allowed on campus.
  • Eating is not allowed inside the classrooms. Students may drink water only (no juice, sodas, or sports drinks) while inside the classrooms.
  • For the safety of all students, parking regulations will be enforced, and students must be picked up within 15 minutes of their last class.
  • Disruptive and inappropriate behavior will result in disciplinary action. Continued misbehavior may result in program dismissal.

 

What Should I bring to Class?

  • Bring a notebook and at least two pens/pencils.  A dictionary and thesaurus would be helpful but is not required.