Course Description

August, 2008 – June, 2009

Instructor:  Ryan Devine

Email:  ryan@orindaacademy.org

This course covers a broad survey of relevant works from major movements in European Literature and our contemporary American movement of non-fiction. This course, however, puts a greater focus on the students’ compositions in the various forms of non-fiction.  Students will read and write several essays in various styles.

All work that you submit for this class must be your own, and it must be written exclusively for this course.  Also, any sources for your writing must be properly documented.  For the consequences of disregarding this warning, refer to the Orinda Academy policy.  In the least, you will be expected to rewrite the assignment with 25% already taken off the grade prior to grading.

See the Parent-Student Handbook for attendance at Orinda Academy.  Other than your eligibility for the credits of this course, absences limit your participation grade and are not an excuse for missing assignments.  There is no time to fall behind.  Lateness to class also counts against your participation grade.  See the Parent-Student Handbook for the school’s policy on lateness to class.

If an assignment is not turned in at the required time, but later in the day instead, an automatic 5% will be taken off the assignment.  After that, each day the assignment is late, an additional 10% is taken off.

-    2-4 essays of at least 2-3 pgs.

-    Written responses to assigned readings

-    Reading, grammar, and vocabulary quizzes and tests

-    In-class writings, comprehension tests, discussions and participation

-    A binder that will contain all of the materials from the quarter: notes, assignments, tests, quizzes, essays, etc.

Individual students are required to bring their own paper, pens, and books.  The books you will need for class are determined by your homework.  All students must have a binder, or a large portion of a binder for English only.  In this binder, there are to be sections divided for Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading, Writing, and Research.  All notes, rewrite of notes, assignments, and handouts are to be kept in this binder. 

Each essay must be typed, double-spaced, 12 pt. font in Times or Times New Roman.  Essays must have quotations and satisfy any additional requirements for each essay.  In the upper right hand corner indicate your name in the first line, the class “Advanced Composition” on the next line, and the due date on the third line.  These three lines in the upper right hand corner should be single-spaced.  The title must be 12 pt. font like the rest of the text or your paper will not be accepted. 

Essays – 40%

Quizzes/Tests (Reading, Grammar, Vocabulary) – 15% each – total 45%

Homework – 5%

Participation/Discussions and Attendance – 10%

Qtr 1 = 40%,  Qtr 2 = 40%, Final Exam 20% of your Semester Grade

-You will fail the course if you do not turn in any one essay.  By the numbers you would be able to pass.  But the essays are requirements of the class, for without your learning would be sacrificed, and I could not justify giving a passing grade.

- You will struggle in the class if you repeatedly miss test/quiz days.  Habitual absences are easy to recognize and will only hurt your chances of success in any class.  The student is expected to make up the exam on that day of returning if an absence caused the student to miss an exam. 

-The itinerary and the syllabus are subject to changes and additions.  You are required to bring these sheets to class every day and to make the changes when they are announced.  Points will be taken off of your participation grade if you fail to bring these papers.  Changes will also be made on the website when they are made in class.