“A Search for Self”
Syllabus
Instructor: Ms. Kelly O
Phone: (718) 260-2300
Mobile phone: (516) 428-8136
Course Overview:
Welcome to the second semester of your College Preparatory Writing Class. I am thrilled to work with you again as you are beginning to prepare for the next phase of your education. I look forward to helping you discover your strengths and interests. Over the course of the semester we will work together to develop a powerful college essay that demonstrates your unique capabilities and personal goals.
Our semester together will cover many aspect of the writing process and we will write on a variety of topics, mostly drawn from actual college entrance prompts. We will also delve into other examples of personal narrative in order to identify commonalities of powerful story-telling.
Materials Required:
o (1) notebook—please create two sections:
§ Journaling
§ Vocabulary
o Folder
You are responsible for bringing your notebook and a pen or pencil to class every day.
Grading:
Your grade is comprised of the following elements:
40% Personal writing—due to the personal nature of these tasks this writing is graded according to a pass/fail guideline based on demonstrated effort and completeness of the task
25% Graded writing—an opportunity to illuminate strengths and areas for improvement in your writing
25% Quizzes—you will have a weekly vocabulary quiz comprised of common SAT words
(total of 15 new words/week plus 5 additional bonus words. Words from previous weeks may also appear on new quizzes).
10% Homework—short assignments aside from writing projects
Assignments:
Your personal writing assignments are due on the day of the deadline (also posted online). Doing so will earn you a grade of “Outstanding (95).” If you turn your work in on time but it is incomplete, your grade will be a “Incomplete (65).” If you turn in your work late within one week but it is complete, you will get a “Satisfactory (70).” If you turn your work in late within one week and incomplete, you will get a grade of “Unsatisfactory (60).” Any work turned in after a week will be given a grade of “F (55).” If you are absent the day an assignment is due, you must turn in the work the day you return to school to be considered “on time.”
For example, a homework was due on Monday.
| Complete | Incomplete |
On Time | Oustanding | Incomplete |
Late within one week | Satisfactory | Unsatisfactory |
Late past a week or not turned in at all | Missing/Failing | Missing/Failing |
Class Contact Information & Resources:
You should exchange phone numbers with at least one other person in the class. If you have any questions about the coursework, assignments or quizzes please try calling that classmate first. You should also call a classmate when you are absent to find out what work you missed during the day and make an attempt to complete the homework for that evening.
You may also check the UA website (http://echalk.uainstitute.com) for vocabulary words and assignment documents. You are encouraged to meet with me to discuss and review missing assignments, or anything you do not understand. I am also happy to conference with you about any of your writing. Please see me after class, or email me to make an appointment. Please encourage your families to contact me either by email or phone with any questions, concerns or thoughts.
Classroom Expectations:
Arrive to class on time with all your materials
Always put forth your best effort and keep a positive attitude
Actively participate in classroom activities and discussions
Take responsibility for your work and deadlines
Strive for honesty in your written and spoken words, and respect your fellow students, your teacher, and yourself
This is an incredibly amazing time in your life and I am excited to read the work you create. Considering the personal nature of our writing in this class, we will not focus heavily on peer review, however on the rare occasion of peer review you may choose to abstain from the process and continue to edit your own work without any negative consequences. With that in mind, please help us to develop a community of integrity by not sharing any personal details we learn about each other outside of the classroom.
* * *
I truly look forward to a positive and productive semester and I am excited for the amazing writing you will complete. I am so thrilled to work with you as you continue to grow into beautiful, college-bound young women!
