Helix Charter High School
English 5/6 C
Mr. Eric Ginsberg
Email address: eginsbe@helixcharter.net; Office
number: 644-8200 Ext 330; Room 1310
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course has been designed to invoke your critical thinking abilities
and to enhance your expository writing skills. We will read exciting novels,
poetry and essays, listen to each other’s thoughts, speak skillfully
about our readings, and write well-developed essays. As a result, you
can expect a fair amount of reading and writing throughout the year as
we discover good academic writing and investigate some important questions
- - What is literature? Why read? What is the author’s intent in
writing the text? What benefits come from studying literature? How can
we most effectively construct an argument verbally and through essay writing?
COURSE OBJECTIVES
- To engage critically with texts, discussing what questions the writer
wants us to answer.
- To generate interest by discovering the purpose that literature serves
in humanity.
- To communicate effectively in a thoughtful and organized manner.
- To develop a personal speaking voice through the practice of discussions,
reader responses, and speeches.
EXPOSITORY ESSAYS . . .40% of grade
l
HOMEWORK . . .25% of grade
Meaningless homework will NOT be given, only homework that will challenge
you and strengthen language art skills. I expect homework to be typed
or in ink, turned in on smooth-edged paper with the correct style manual
heading. You can expect homework five nights a week.
You are required, once each term, to meet with me during tutorial
or after school to discuss your writing, your fear of speeches, your love
for timed writings, etc. (50 points).
TIMED WRITINGS . . . 25% of grade
9 timed writings, every other Wednesday unless otherwise noted.
SPEECHES . . . 20% of grade
4-6 MINUTE SPEECH
5-7 MINUTE RESEARCH BASED SPEECH
GRADE BREAKDOWN
Grading will be computed as follows:
Formal Essays 40% of grade
Homework/Class work 25% of grade
Timed Writings 25% of grade
Speeches 10% of grade
TARDINESS
Please be on time to this class. We will begin class the minute the bell
rings. Thoroughly acquaint yourself with the all school tardy and truancy
policies in your student packet.
ABSENCES
You are responsible for finding out about, as well as making up, all missed
work. Keep in contact with your classmates in order to stay current on
all assignments. I would suggest exchanging numbers with another student
in the class.
Student’s Name __________________________________________________Phone
# ____________________
If you are absent due to lockout or truancy, you are not allowed to make
up work missed or turn in any work (see late policy).
CLASS DISCUSSION
In order to freely exchange our ideas, thoughts, and interpretations of
literature, we will at all times maintain a high level of respect for
the opinions and feelings of others. Blatant or subtle examples of disrespect
or discrimination will not be tolerated.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS
Please familiarize yourself with the late work policy. Late homework assignments
may be turned in with a late coupon (careful, you only receive 2 per quarter).
Plagiarism/Copying is unacceptable and involves serious consequences.
Return
to Ginsberg's Teacher Page
|
