Los Angeles Center for Enriched StudiesMr. Ronkin

5931 W. 18th StreetRoom 162

Los Angeles, CA

(323) 549-5900

COURSE SYLLABUS: WRITERS SEMINAR (2014-2015)

Standards/Curriculum

This elective course will address the district-approved English/Language Arts instructional standards as we explore the creative world of creative writing. It is a rigorous and intensive writing workshop. Students will be expected to produce both creative and analytical writing throughout the year; read and discuss published fiction and poetry; and regularly perform original work in class for peer review and revision advice.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

A workshop environment demands that all students focus diligently on their work and manage their time well. Classroom activities will include individual and partnered writing assignments of various lengths; written and oral response to critical and informational texts; participation in a collaborative critique process of student work; and exams. Homework will be assigned throughout the course. IN ORDER FOR US ALL TO HAVE THE BEST POSSIBLE EXPERIENCE, STUDENTS MUST SUPPLY CREATIVITY AND DISCIPLINE IN EQUAL MEASURE.

TEXTS/SUPPLIES

Students will be issued support materials as required. Students may also be required to supply their own texts, either by purchasing them or borrowing from the library. Additionally, students may be required to access and print texts from specified internet sites. Supplies that students must bring to class every day include an ample supply of paper, pen and pencil, imagination and positive energy. The required supplies list will be amended as necessary.

GRADES

Course grades are based on the total accumulation of points earned throughout the semester from in-class work, assignments and participation. The total number of points per semester will be determined by the volume of work we accomplish. Parents can access current grade information through the ISIS system. All assignments are expected to be turned in and, if applicable, performed on the due-date. Writing assignments turned in or performed after the due date will receive a grade penalty of D. Absent students working in group projects are expected to make prior arrangements to assure that work is turned in on-time and complete. The grading scale is as follows:

90 % – 100 % of total points earned = A

80 % – 89 % of total points earned = B

70 % – 79 % of total points earned = C

60 % – 69 % of total points earned = D

0 % - 59 % of total points earned = F

CLASS RULES

This course is an elective. As such, it should be enjoyable for all participants – including the instructor. Discipline should not be required. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you cannot conduct yourself appropriately, if you are not motivated to work consistently, if you are not inclined to share your work with other writers…you will be strongly encouraged to find a course better suited to your talents and interests.

All state laws, district rules and LACES school rules will be followed, including those relating to dress codes, possession of cellphones and other electronic devices, and plagiarism. Policy details can be found on the LACES website. No eating of food or chewing gum is allowed in class. If you do eat or chew gum, I will ask you to throw the entire package away. (See instructor to discuss specific exemptions from this rule.) Failure to follow class rules or failure to promptly and properly respond to teacher’s remedial instructions will be considered defiance. Students are expected to exercise courtesy, kindness and respect in everything they do and say.

PARENT CONFERENCES

Parents are always welcome to e-mail me or make an appointment for a personal conference. I can also be contacted through the LACES main office.

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Please sign below to acknowledge agreement with this syllabus and have your child return the bottom section to me. I look forward to helping your child experience a productive and enjoyable year in Writers Seminar.

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PeriodStudent Name (please print)Student Signature Parent Signature Date