UNIVERSITY ENGLISH WRITER’S CRAFT GRADE 12 : EWC4U

Description of Course:

This course emphasizes knowledge and skills related to the craft of writing. Students analyse models of effective writing;use a workshop approach to produce a range of works; identify and use techniques required for specialized forms of writing; and identify effective ways to imporve the quality of their writing. They also complete a major paper, as part of a creative, or analytical, independent study project and investigate opportunities for publication and for writing careers.

Pre-Requisite or Co-Requisite: English, EWC3U Grade 11, University Preparation.

Policy Document Reference: The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12, English, 2000

Textbook(s): The Act of Writing

Unit Titles (With approximate time allotted per unit)

1.    Words, Words, Words

2.    The Writer and the Craft

3.    Writing for Media

4.    Writing for Young Adults

5.   Writing for Specialized Audiences

6.   The Magnum Opus

 2 1/2 weeks

 2 1/2 weeks

3 weeks

 4 weeks

 3 weeks

3 weeks

Assessment and Evaluation

According to Ministry policy, the primary purpose of assessment and evaluation is to improve student learning. It will be based upon the provincial curriculum expectations and the achievement levels outlined in the secondary curriculum policy documents.

Assessment is the process of gathering information from a variety of sources such as assignments, demonstrations, projects, learning skills, etc.

Evaluation is the process of judging the value of the student’s work on the basis of established criteria and assigning a value to represent that quality. The course evaluation is based on the DSBN Subject Council Consistency in Assessment and Evaluation Agreement, 2003-2004.

Learning Skills

These skills are supportive of student learning, marks serve another purpose. A student’s ability to work with others, to attend class regularly, to be punctual, and to keep up with the work and maintain an accurate and complete notebook is very important and has an impact on how well a student performs. The report card allows these skills to be recorded for the public record. Therefore, teachers will continue to record information on these skills and assign a value to them for the report card.

Types of Assessment, Evaluation and Activities

A strong workshop environment will be established: writer’s journals, work logs, and reading groups will provide ongoing development tools for students. Students will be encouraged to maintain a journal, both in and out of class, to record inspirations, observations, fragments of ideas, quotes from readings, images and any additional artifacts which may contribute to their personal development as writers. Language study includes grammar, syntax, punctuation, diction, oral language, style and literary devices. Writing assignments will include description, exposition, narration (1^st and 3^rd person), poetry, etc. Attitude, participation, attendance and preparation for class are an integral part of the English program, and will be evaluated on an ongoing basis.

Term Work Assessment 70%

 Summative Assessment 30%

The course is defined by expectations set by the Ministry of Education. The assignments of the course are meant to give you opportunities to demonstrate that you have achieved the learning goals they define. Your marks will fall into these 4 categories to make up a term mark worth 70% of your final grade:

1. Writing (Process and Products) (30%)

2. Journal Responses (10%)

3. Language/Style Study (10%)

4. Independent Learning

    (Includes Process, Written Product, and Oral Seminar

    Conferences 5%

     Presentation 5%

     Written 10%) (20%)

5. Summative Assessment (30%)            

The final 30% of your final term mark will be made up of:

·     Portfolio Interview

 (worth 10%)

·    Major Written Work

 (worth 20%)

Specific Course Expectations:

Students should have with them each day:

●3 ring binder containing lined paper, dividers, and journal

●2 pocket writing folder

●pencil, pen, and eraser

●A. N. Myer Student Planner

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is theft and is unacceptable. All sources of information must be acknowledged through the use of appropriate referencing. A plagiarized assignment will receive a mark of zero.