High School Academic Writing 1

Course Description

View Course Syllabus (note syllabus shows both semesters)

This course may be combined with High School Academic Writing 2 (second semester) for a full English credit and a discounted price. See High School Academic Writing to register.

High School Academic Writing 1 will help students unearth their opinions and will give students the tools they need to express their ideas in clear academic writing. At the start of the semester, students will spend time developing vivid voice while writing a variety of short pieces according to the three modes of writing—narrative, informative/explanatory, and opinion/argument. Shorter pieces will allow students to focus on the six-traits of writing on a detailed level. Students will gain important skills for prewriting, drafting, and revising.

In the second half of the semester, students will journey through the essay-writing process with support from their instructor and feedback from their peers. Students will master basic essay structure and build confidence throughout the writing process all the way from thesis development to editing.

Reading and revising are essential to strong writing, so this class will provide mentor texts for students to study together as well as ample time for revision.

Students will learn how to do the following:

• Brainstorm and outline
• Narrate with creativity
• Incorporate research
• Analyze a text
• Develop a thesis
• Persuade an audience
• Take an essay through the writing process

Course Structure

We will meet weekly for interactive live classes. Students may expect the following elements in Canvas:

• Mentor texts including sample academic pieces as well as short stories and poetry
• Editing assignments to practice conventions
• Discussion boards
• Prewriting submissions due as prerequisites for formal writing assignments
• Writing projects (paragraphs and a complete essay)
• Videos to watch

Who should enroll?

This course is designed for 9th–10th graders (8th graders with instructor approval) who want to develop their voices through academic writing and build confidence in every part of the writing process.

Technology Requirements

• High speed, broadband Internet
• Web cam, sound card, and microphone (for live sessions)
• Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures
• A word processor and the ability to convert Pages documents to Word documents or PDFs

Evaluation and Feedback

Students will receive feedback on the first draft of each major writing assignment, and students will be able to revise and edit their writing before receiving a final grade according to the course rubrics. The rubrics show students how their work will be evaluated, and students will not be graded on something that is not covered a rubric. Discussion boards are graded according to simple rubrics. Prewriting and brainstorming assignments are graded for completion. Grammar and editing quizzes are automatically graded in Canvas.

Students will also have opportunities to workshop their writing and receive feedback from their classmates.

Communication

Parents are welcome to email me with any questions they have about the course at [email protected]. Students will receive a welcome email and syllabus with important course information before the semester begins. I appreciate questions from students, and I respond to emails within 24-48 hours. Students will also receive guidance from me in Announcements throughout the semester.

Required Texts

Required text:

• The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition, by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White. ISBN-13 979-8353269588
  • available: https://www.amazon.com/Elements-Style-Fourth-William-strunk/dp/B0BF38216C/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=