Creative Writing:
Tuesday: Exam 7:40-9:26 in the auditorium

Course Materials

English 11, 11A, and English 12 DE

• 3-ring binder with college rule paper and section dividers and one pocket folder or a college rule spiral notebook and two pocket folder.
• blue or black pens
• #2 pencils
• jump drive

Creative Writing

• spiral college rule notebook (70 pages)
• 2 folders
• jump drive
• 3-ring binder

Syllabus Letters for English 11 and 12

Dear English 11 Students and Parents,



Welcome back to Radford High School! The English Department wishes to provide you with an overview of the English 11 curriculum and the Virginia Standards of Learning. Two tests of these SOL's will be given to the student this year, one in March and one in April. Students must pass the English SOL to graduate.



The Virginia Standards of Learning include:



I. Oral Language. The student will make and analyze persuasive oral presentations, with attention to the accuracy of evidence and the effectiveness of delivery.



II. Reading/Literature. The student will read a variety of print material and will read prose, poetry, and drama from American literature in order to analyze the relationships among American literature, history, and culture.



III. Writing. The student will use the writing process to write in a variety of forms including personal and business correspondence. Writing instruction will emphasize persuasion.



IV. Research. The student will analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and organize information from a variety of sources into a documented paper dealing with a question, problem, or issue.



In addition to this state required course of study, Radford High eleventh grade students will also cover the following units:



V. Vocabulary Development: The student will be issued a supplementary vocabulary book. Weekly units will include homework and a quiz on spelling, definition, and usage.



VI. Grammar: The student will review specific units of correct grammar and usage. These include sentence formation and editing.



English homework will be given on a regular basis. Vocabulary quizzes or tests will be given every Friday. Students will write several in-class essays as well as complete smaller writing assignments in preparation for the written part of the SOL.



Parents are encouraged to contact their child's teacher regarding the program of study or their child's progress. The English Department looks forward to working with you to make this a challenging and rewarding year.



Sincerely,

Radford High School English Department









Dear English 12 Students and Parents:



Welcome to your senior year at Radford High School! The English Department would like to provide you with the following outline of the English 12 curriculum and the Virginia Standards of Learning.



The Virginia Standards of Learning include:



I. Oral Language: The student will make a 5-10 minute formal oral presentation which is logically developed and well supported with details or visual aids. Students will evaluate one another?s presentations.



II. Reading/Literature: The student will read and analyze a variety of British literature in the context of its social era. Units of study will be covered chronologically from Anglo Saxon Beowulf to contemporary Lord of the Flies.



III. Writing: The student will write a variety of assignments with emphasis on the well-constructed formal essay. Students will revise, edit, and critique their own writing and that of others.



IV. Research: The student will write a short documented research paper, using available technology.



In addition to this state-required course of study, students in English 12 will cover the following units:



V. Vocabulary Development: The student will review common Greek and Latin prefixes and roots to increase word attack skills and will be responsible for learning new vocabulary words related to the literature studied.



VI. Grammar: The student will be responsible for an adequate knowledge of correct grammar needed to edit and revise written work, and specific units of grammar may be reviewed as needed.



Homework in English 12 will be assigned on most nights, and usually one or more quizzes will be given each week. All tests and quizzes will be retained by the teacher after the class has had an opportunity to see them. These will not be returned before exams, so all notes and handouts should be filed systematically by the student to study for exams. Regular and make-up work not completed within the allotted number of days will be given a grade of zero. Good attendance has a high positive correlation with success in this course.



Parents are encouraged to contact their child?s teacher regarding the program of study or their child?s progress. The English Department looks forward to working with you to make this a challenging and rewarding year.







Sincerely,

Radford High School English Department





CREATIVE WRITING

GALLO

ZERO PERIOD



Creative writing will focus on the study and composition of short stories, plays, personal experience essays, and various types of poetry. Students will enhance their writing skills as they develop original works and take them through the writing process. Each student will build a portfolio of polished pieces suitable for publication or submission to colleges as writing samples. Students will be encouraged to submit their work for possible publication in literary journals and magazines and to enter contests such as the VHSL creative writing championships. They will also design and publish The Raven?s Nest, the high school literary magazine.



MATERIALS: For this course, you need a spiral college rule notebook for your journal and a three-ring binder for your portfolio. You will also need two folders: one for handouts, a second for handing in your work. You should also have access to a computer. Be sure to save all your revisions, etc.



ASSIGNMENTS



Journal: Journals are designed to allow students to explore ideas for their writing and to try different techniques or genres. Some journals will cover assigned topics; others will be free pages for students to experiment and practice. Students will be asked to write a minimum of 5 pages per six weeks in their journals. (50 points)



Short Stories: Published stories are generally 12-20 pages. For this course we will set a goal of 8-12. Final stories should be double-spaced in Courier New 12 point. Titles appear centered at the top of the first page of text. Your name and the page number should be in the upper right corner of every page. (100 points)



Reader Response: I will assign stories, essays, plays, and poems to read and discuss. After you read an assignment, you will be asked to write a 1-2 page response in which you consider the content and style of the piece. (25 points)



Essays: We will focus on writing narrative essays based on personal experience. Essays are generally 2-4 pages and should be set up in Courier 12 pt just like a story. (100 points)



Drama: We will write one-act plays and at least one screenplay. (100 points)



Poetry: We will experiment with several different types of poetry. Poems will be graded based on the length and difficulty of the assignment.



Raven?s Nest: Although we will choose an editor, the magazine should be a group effort. Everyone should submit at least one piece of writing and help put the book together or raise funds to have it printed. (100 points)



Portfolios: All your final stories, poems, etc., should be collected in your portfolio which I will evaluate at the end of each semester. (200 points)



Writers? Groups and Revisions: We will break into small groups to share our work and get advice for the next revision. (25 points)



Writers? Workshop: We will do in-class workshops where we share our writing and offer constructive criticism to others. This is a great way to hear audience response and to develop your writing. Everyone must participate. Don?t be shy. (25 points)



In-class and homework assignments will receive varying point values depending on the length and difficulty of the assignment.



Publications: I encourage you to submit your writing for publication and I will be happy to try to help you find a suitable magazine, journal, or contest. Anyone who gets published somewhere -- other than The Raven?s Nest -- will receive 50 bonus points for each publication. Just show me your acceptance letter.



Reminders: All work in this course should be your own and should be polished and clean ? with as few editing errors as possible. Although I hate to restrict creativity, remember this is a school environment and we must follow all school policies. Do not use profanity or topics that would be inappropriate for school.



Deadlines: Deadlines in writing are important! Missing one can cost you a chance at publication. In this class your work will be docked 5 points for each day you are late.