Course+Description

I am available for conferencing during periods 3, 4, 5 and after school (every day but Tuesdays).
===__**Course description:**__ This course introduces mature students to the movements, themes, and styles developed in recent literature, including written stories, spoken-word pieces, graphic texts, and film. Students read daily and participate in analytical discussions and written reflections. Topics explore the “big-picture” issues facing our world today, such as poverty, globalization, disabilities, and acts of heroism, where students connect what they’ve read to what they already know or wonder about. The key focus of the course is on the ELEMENTS OF NARRATIVE (story-telling). ===



**Other: online news sources and a variety of other short pieces and poems**
===__Class Materials__**:** Students are to have a folder for handouts and paper or a notebook (spiral or binder) for note-taking and in-class work. Students will also need their ipads to be charged and ready in class most days.===

===__**Class Work and Grading:**__ Students will be reading daily and will be graded on frequent short responses or journal writing and rough draft checks. After each unit, students will complete an essay, a portfolio of writing, or a multimedia presentation. Often, students will complete assignments with a partner or a small group.===

===__**Late work**__ is accepted for a 10% reduction every day, up to 5-10 days late and 50% credit. __After 2 weeks, late work will no longer be accepted__. Extended time is usually granted for excused, out-of-school absences. Work is typically done in class, so if the student cuts or has an unexcused absence, work done that day will be reduced to half credit and be due within 2 days. It is the responsibility of the __student__ to contact the teacher, face-to-face or via e-mail or phone, to discuss make-up work. If a student is absent and well enough to do work from home, he or she should check the Wikispace for assignments or e- mail the teacher for assignments before returning to school.===