Grade 12 English: Rhetoric and Literature Course Syllabus
Mrs. Jean A. Bomeisl
Contact information
· Phone: 520-209- 8466
· Email:
· Website: www.bomedia.pbworks.com
· Please note: School policy: Students must use their CFHS email to communicate with teacher.
This course emphasizes the skills required to navigate a rapidly changing media environment: to make meaning from numerous, often-disparate sources; to communicate with new and recent technologies (for example: blog, video, multimedia); and to read and write non-print tests, like advertisements. Students will also explore the social and political implications of various media: how media messages can shape notions of reality, perpetuate or alter stereotypes, and reinforce or undermine cultural barriers. In this course, students are expected to think critically about arguments, synthesize ideas from various texts, write with an effective style and voice, undertake independent research, and use a variety of strategies to communicate with others.
Students who consistently perform at the honors level in their coursework and assessments may be awarded honors credit/distinction for the class.
Essential Concepts: A media literate person analyzes media through the construction (writing) and intent (reading) of the rhetoric.
Key Concepts of Media Literacy and applicable ELA 12 Standards:
§ All media messages are “constructed”. (ELA 12 Standards: Strategies to Guide and Monitor Comprehension; Main Idea and Supporting Details; Functional Writing)
§ Each medium has different characteristics, strengths, and a unique "language" of construction. (ELA 12 Standard: Writing Process; Writing Style; Textual Relationships; Text Structures, Elements & Techniques; Language Conventions; Functional Writing)
§ Different people interpret the same media message in different ways. (ELA 12 Standard: Author’s Approach; Main Idea and Supporting Details; Persuasive/Expository Writing – rhetorical analysis)
§ Media messages are produced for particular purposes, including profit, persuasion, education, and artistic expression. (ELA 12 Standard: Expository/Persuasive Writing; Author’s Approach; Research; Interactive Communication: Visual and Written Applications, Interactive Communication: Speaking and Listening)
§ Media have embedded values and points of view. (ELA 12 Standard: Expository/Persuasive Writing; Author’s Approach; Main Idea & Supporting Detail)
Questions about Any Media: (As seen through the Rhetorical Triangle: Author, Audience, Purpose)
1. Authorship: Who made - and who sponsored - this message, and for what purpose?
2. Audience: Who is the target audience, and how is the message specifically tailored to them?
3. Format: What are the different techniques used to inform, persuade, entertain, and attract attention?
4. Content: What messages are communicated (and/or implied) about certain people, places, events, behaviors, lifestyles, etc.?
5. Purpose: Why is this message being sent? What is the author trying to make the audience believe? What might have been left out?
Research Project: The students will begin research for a yearlong project. The project will require that the students identify a need or problem in society (IE: global warming, water shortages, alternative fuels, animal experimentation/cruelty, domestic violence, education). The students will then create various media throughout the year as part of a Public Relations campaign in order to persuade or argue for a change in policy or cultural attitude regarding that topic.
Writing Projects: Students will write for various media through the creation of
· Print ads (50 words of copy required)
· Newspaper Articles
· Editorials
· Photo Essay
· Persuasive Speech
· Podcast/Public Service Announcement
· Media PowerPoint Presentations
· Graphic Novel
· Documentary Scripts
· Film Analysis
· Rhetorical Analysis of various media
· Synthesis Essays
Readings: Here is a list of possible readings:
· Kosinski, Jerzy. Being There. New York: Grove Press, 1999. Print.
· Being There Screenplay by Jerzy Kosinski and Robert C. Jones, January 10, 1979.
· Folkerts, Jean, Stephen Lacy, and Ann Larabee. The Media in Your Life: An Introduction to Mass Communication (4th Edition). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon, 2007.
· Stovall, James G.. Writing for the Mass Media (7th Edition). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon, 2008.
· Triumph of the Will: A Film by Leni Riefenstahl. Screenplay. 1936.
Possible Literature Circle Readings:
· "1984 by George Orwell. Search, Read, Study, Discuss.." The Literature Network: Online classic literature, poems, and quotes. Essays & Summaries. N.p., n.d. Web. http://www.online-literature.com/orwell/1984/
· "Long Beach Reads One Book - Fahrenheit 451 - OnLine E-Book." Center for Educational Technology and learning. N.p., n.d. Web. http://cetl.edtech.csulb.edu/f451/
Graphic Novels:
· Moore, Alan. Watchmen. New York: DC Comics, 2008. Print.
· Satrapi, Marjane. Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood. New York: Pantheon, 2004. Print.
· Satrapi, Marjane. Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return. New York: Pantheon, 2005. Print.
· Spiegelman, Art. The Complete Maus: A Survivor's Tale. New York: Pantheon, 1996. Print.
Non-fiction articles and texts
· non fiction texts pertaining to media. (See Internet articles below).
Internet Articles:
Alderman, Lesley. "Does Technology Cause ADHD? - ADHD Center - EverydayHealth.com." Health Information, Resources, Tools & News Online - EverydayHealth.com. 31 Aug. 2010. Web. 09 Aug. 2011. <http://www.everydayhealth.com/adhd-awareness/does-technology-cause-adhd.aspx>.
"Bummer: Facebook Can Cause Depression | Tweentribune.com." Peanut Butter and Jelly as Punishment? | Tweentribune.com. Web. 18 May 2011. <http://www.tweentribune.com/content/bummer-facebook-can-cause-depression>.
Dovarganes, Damian. "Scientists Ask: Is Technology Rewiring Our Brains? - USATODAY.com." News, Travel, Weather, Entertainment, Sports, Technology, U.S. & World - USATODAY.com. Web. 18 May 2011. <http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2008-12-03-digital-brain_N.htm>.
Elias, Marilyn. "USATODAY.com - Short attention span linked to TV." News, Travel, Weather, Entertainment, Sports, Technology, U.S. & World - USATODAY.com. 4 Feb. 2009 http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2004-04-05-tv-bottomstrip_x.htm
Hamilton, John. "Think You're Multitasking? Think Again : NPR." NPR. 02 Oct. 2008. Web. 10 Aug. 2011. <http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95256794>.
"HealthWatch: Teen Texting Addiction « CBS New York." CBS New York - News, Sports, Weather, Traffic and the Best of NY. Web. 09 Aug. 2011. <http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2010/08/31/healthwatch-teen-texting-addiction/>.
"Lots of TV during teens linked to depression in young adulthood." MEDICAL NEWS | Medical Condition News. 4 Feb. 2009. http://www.news-medical.net/?id=45489
Lotus, Jean. "It's Official: TV Linked to Attention Deficit." whitedot.org. 1 Feb. 2009
http://www.whitedot.org/issue/iss_story.asp?slug=ADHD%20Toddlers
McGinn, Daniel. "Guilt Free TV | Newsweek Culture | Newsweek.com." Newsweek - National News, World News, Health, Technology, Entertainment and more... | Newsweek.com. 12 Mar. 2009 http://www.newsweek.com/id/66361
"Online Social Networking - Cons." Open Computing Facility at University of California, Berkeley. Web. 18 May 2011. <http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~stellal/Cons.htm>.
Pellegrino, Evan. "Study: Educational TV for kids often lacking." Tucson Region. 14 Nov. 2008. 1 Feb. 2009.
Springen, Karen. "Why We Tuned Out | Newsweek Culture | Newsweek.com." Newsweek - National News, World News, Health, Technology, Entertainment and more... | Newsweek.com. 12 Mar. 2009 http://www.newsweek.com/id/66362
Sprinkle, Nicole. "The Truth About TV & ADHD." ADDitude. 1 Feb. 2009.
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/826.html
"Too Much TV Linked To Future Fast-food Intake." Science Daily. 1 Feb. 2009. 1 Feb. 2009 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090129213436.htm
Richtell, Matt. "Growing Up Digital, Wired for Distraction - NYTimes.com." The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. The New York Time Company, 21 Nov. 2010. Web. 25 May 2011. <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/21/technology/21brain.html?pagewanted=all>.
Vosloo, Steve. "The Effects of Texting on Literacy: Modern Scourge or Opportunity? | Innovating Education." Innovating Education | Youth, Games, Mobile Tech, Communication, Analytical Thinking, and so Much More …. Web. 10 Aug. 2011. <http://innovatingeducation.wordpress.com/2009/04/21/the-effects-of-texting-on-literacy-modern-scourge-or-opportunity/>.
"When Texting Becomes an Addiction - CBS News." Breaking News Headlines: Business, Entertainment & World News - CBS News. 01 Sept. 2010. Web. 10 Aug. 2011. <http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/09/01/earlyshow/living/parenting/main6825771.shtml>.
Some of the Possible Films: Not all will be viewed. (See complete listing posted on website)
· Who Killed the Electric Car?
· Bowling for Columbine
· Sicko
· Outfoxed
· Supersize Me
· The Devil’s Playground
· Inside Job
· Born into Brothels
· Network
· All the President’s Men
· Shattered Glass
· Being There
· The Truman Show
Some of the Television Shows reflecting Family & Media:
· Ozzie & Harriet
· Andy Griffith
· Dick Van Dyke
· All in the Family
· Roseanne
· Family Guy and/or The Simpson
Units of Study
• Unit 1: History of Media, Media Awareness, and Research Project
• Unit 2: Public Relations: Advertising and Propaganda
• Unit 3: Journalism & Print: Books, Newspapers and Magazines
• Unit 4: Broadcast Media: Music, Radio, Television and Film
• Unit 5: Learning Rhetoric Through Documentary Film
• Unit 6: Media & Culture
Outside Learning Experience: During Spring Break, students are invited to join the Media Production and Theater classes on a field trip to Los Angeles. This 3-day trip usually includes a live theater show (IE: Wicked), Universal Studios, MGM studios, Sony Studios, visiting a PBS television station, and attending a television taping among other activities. In addition, students are given the opportunity to meet and speak with professionals in the film and television industry such as editors, writers, production assistants, art directors, etc.
Grading
· The following CFSD Standards and Benchmarks will be assessed using CFHS 4 Point Rubrics:
o Strategies to Guide and Monitor Comprehension
o Main Idea and Supporting Details
o Textual Relationships
o Author’s Approach
o Text Structures, Elements, and Techniques
o Research
o Writing Process
o Writing Style
o Language Conventions
o Functional Writing
o Expository/Persuasive Writing
o Interactive Communication: Visual and Writing Applications
o Interactive Communication: Speaking and Listening Applications
· 3.5-4=Honors A; 3=Standard A; 2.5=B; 2.0=C; 0-1.5=F
· Students who receive 3.5 and 4 consistently will automatically be considered honors candidacy.
Assignments are due on the due date; markdowns will be given for late work. If a student has circumstances that are affecting performance, please see me to discuss the possibility of alternate due dates or alternate assignments. I will sometimes offer an alternative due to a student’s ability, learning style, or situation at my discretion.
If a student fails a project/assignment, additional project/assignments may be assigned at the discretion of the teacher in order to demonstrate competency. The original project grade will stand, and the additional assignment will be averaged in. A student may not decide to skip a project and ask for a different one instead. It is MUCH easier to complete the work assigned than to take on additional tasks.
Additional Requirement: Students will need to bring a flash drive/jump drive to class every day in order to save their work.
A student’s success is, ultimately, the personal responsibility of that student. Feel free to meet with me before a due date for help. I am available during Academic Assistance 8:00 – 9:00 AM on Thursday or by appointment 3rd period Monday, 7th & 8th period Wednesday, 3rd & 4th Thursday, and 7th period Friday.
Please note: Food and drink may be consumed in the classroom away from the computers. Since students are seated at table rather than individual desks, this will be a problem when working on the laptops. Students may put their food and beverages on the countertops and consume them in that area. This year we are not allowed to have food or drink in the hallways.