Writing 2203

Writing 2203 is designed to accommodate a wide range of student interests and abilities. It offers students an opportunity to explore writing as a means of personal expression as well as a method of communication. The course provides opportunities for students to develop a portfolio of written products under the following categories: transactional writing, including electronic texts (e.g., essays, letters, editorials, e-mail, Web pages), poetic writing (e.g., poems, short stories, one-act or multi-act plays; radio, video or TV scripts), expressive writing (e.g., journals, letters).

Writing 2203 will provide opportunities for students to:  explore their creative expression, practice and refine their expository writing, enhance their precision with written expression.

The emphasis throughout the course is on the improvement and refinement of students’ writing through extended practice. Writing is viewed as a process involving a range of strategies. Students are expected to demonstrate a commitment to the crafting of a range of writing and to use technology to effectively serve their communication purposes.

Text – Reference Points

Student Portfolio----------70%          

ü  Expressive Writing:  diaries, response logs, friendly letters, etc. (20%)

ü  Transactional Writing: reports, reviews, letters, directions/instruction, biography, advertisements, commercials, essays, etc. [8-12 drafts; 5-8 final products] (40%)

ü  Poetic Writing: stories, poems, songs, scripts, narrative/descriptive essays, etc. [8-12 drafts; 5-8 final products] (40%).

ü  All of this work must be kept in order in a binder, duo tang or folder.  This portfolio will be assessed periodically for content and evaluated every term.

Journal Writing ----------10%                          

ü  This journal will be a completion of various self-reflections.

ü  All of this work must be kept in order in a binder, duo tang or folder.  This journal will be assessed periodically for content and evaluated every term.

On-Going Assignment----------10%            

ü  This will be an ongoing writing project which will require monthly updates (due on the 15^th of every month).

ü  This assessment can range from maintaining a blog to issuing a monthly school newspaper.  Parameters of this assignment will be discusses and agreed upon in class; on an individual basis.

Other----------10% 

ü  This will include:  participation, self-assessments, student-teacher conferences, and attempts at publication.

*There will be no tests/exams in this course; Writing 2203.