Dr.

Folkins Community School

English 20-1 / 20-2 Course Syllabus

Fall 2017

Teacher: Ms. Dickson

Rationale:
The aim of English language arts is to encourage understanding and appreciation of the
significance and artistry of literature. A second aim is to enable each student to
understand and appreciate language and to use it confidently and competently for a
variety of purposes.

General Outcomes:
While exploring a variety of texts, students will listen, speak, read, write, view and
represent to:
explore thoughts, ideas, feelings and experiences.
comprehend literature and other texts in oral, print, visual and
multimedia forms, and respond personally, critically and creatively.
manage ideas and information.
create oral, print, visual and multimedia texts, and enhance the clarity and
artistry of communication.
respect, support and collaborate with others.

Course Content:
Students will have a variety of assignments that include:
writing personal responses to texts
writing persuasive analytical responses to literary texts and to other print
and non-print texts (emphasized)
writing narrative, descriptive and persuasive pieces
writing poetry
reading comprehension exercises
oral, visual, and multimedia presentations
script creation assignment
activities to practice the proper usage of grammar, language usage,
spelling, punctuation and capitalization

Texts and Materials Required:

Textbooks: Literary Experiences I, Inside Stories II
Novel Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Play - Macbeth
Materials: Pen, Pencil, Binder, Notepaper
Scope and Sequence

Value Unit Dates

15% Introductory Unit September 5th September 22nd
- review of key terms, review organization of an
essay
- technical writing a how-to essay
- poetry
-personal and visual responses

15% Novel Study: Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy September 25th October 27th
- parody & social commentary
- form & style
- theme & authors philosophy
- elements of plot
- film study and film review
15% Human Nature, Conflict, & Relationships October 30th November 17th
- non-fiction texts, short stories, poetry
- essay
- creative writing
15% Trust & Betrayal (Macbeth) November 20th December 22nd
- essay and project
- persuasive writing
10% Mystery and Adventure / Review for Final January 8th January 19th
Exams
- personal and critical response
- photo essay
- English in occupations
30% Final Exam
Part A In class essay Dates TBA
Part B Multiple Choice

Marks:
Marks will be posted frequently Parent Portal. I am more than willing to discuss your
grades with you. Please feel free to e-mail me at alison.dickson@btps.ca. All students are
encouraged to discuss the grading processes of their work with me please be sure that
you are clear on what is expected of you and work towards continual improvement.
Remember, I am here to help you be successful!

Expectations:

1. Students are expected to attend class regularly and to be on time and prepared.
2. Students are expected to complete assignments for the day they are due. Late
assignments will be accepted provided that they are handed in before the marked
copies are returned. It is the students responsibility to determine what was done in
a class for which he or she was absent I will always help if you ask!
3. Students requiring assistance are encouraged to see me prior to the class in which the
material will be discussed or marked. It is important that a student who is having
difficulty takes the time to see me as soon as possible.
4. Show respect to the rights and property of others, the school, and yourself.
5. Do your own work. Plagiarism will not be tolerated.

I am looking forward to a fantastic semester of learning with you! Dont forget to work
hard and ask questions!