Creative Writing Syllabus

Mr. Sabel Room C116 Voice Mail: (623) 376-3116 Creative Writing Dan.Sabel@dvusd.org dsabel.myteacher.dvusd.org

Course Description: This course provides students with an opportunity to expand their writing styles and content awareness in order to meet a broader audience; rewriting, tight writing, and real writing will be emphasized. The end goal is to compose publishable material. This course is aligned with district and state standards and supports the school wide efforts in increasing student achievement.

Course Objectives: By the time the students complete this course of study, the student will know or be able to: -Write a variety of poetry using a variety of poetic devices. -Write and understand two additional genres of writing. -Understand and practice editing. -Submit work for publishing.

Materials: Pen, a spiral notebook used for rough drafts.

Classroom Rules and Consequences:

1. Give and receive criticism in a professional manner. 2. Respect peers, guests, teacher, and school property. 3. Participate. 4. Write. Do not ever say „I‚ll write it at home.‰ Display effort.

Examples of Negative Consequences:

1. Verbal Warning 2. Lunch detention 3. Parent contact 4. Referral

Grading: 100-90% = A 20% Final 89-80% = B 55% Portfolio 79-70% = C 10% Miscellaneous Writing 69-60% = D 15% Participation 59-0% = F

A grade report (gradebuster) will be sent home every 3 weeks with your current percentage listed. Students with less than a 70% or students who have a dramatic grade drop will need to get a parent signature on their gradebuster. Otherwise, parents will be notified.

Makeup Policy and Long Term Project Policy: As stated in the MRHS student handbook, students will have 1 day for each day absent to complete make-up work. If a student will be absent for a significant period of time, a parent may call in for a homework request. Please note: being in sweep is not an absence. It is the student's responsibility to obtain make-up work from his/her instructor. Long-term projects are due on the due date, NO EXCEPTIONS! This supersedes the make-up policy above. If a student is absent or in sweep, the project is still due by the end of the day.

Excused and Unexcused Absences: Make-up work will only be offered to students with an excused absence. Students with an unexcused absence will automatically receive a zero for the work missed that day.

Retake Policy: The MRHS Language Arts Department does not offer retakes on any quizzes, tests, or exams.

Please feel free to call or email whenever a concern arises. I am available to help on Tuesdays after school if the student should require