September 2015

ELA Literary Focus

40S
Mrs. Ramsden
Room 225
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COURSE AIM: The basis of this course is to experience and create texts for
aesthetic purposes. The Literary Focus emphasizes the aesthetic uses of
language: language that enlightens, fosters understanding and empathy, reflects
culture, expresses feelings and experience, and brings enjoyment. As listeners,
readers, and viewers, students move imaginatively into the worlds created by
texts and deepen their appreciation of language. As poets, fiction writers,
playwrights, actors, and visual artists, they explore the aesthetic properties of
language to convey experience, ideas, and perspectives.
You will learn about a wide variety of genres and forms of fiction and non-fiction
literature. Various texts will be analyzed to explore and explain ideas, respond
creatively, and share our opinions.
GENERAL LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Explore thoughts, feelings, ideas and experiences

Comprehend and respond personally and critically to oral, print, and other media
texts.

Manage ideas and information

Enhance the clarity and artistry of communication.

Celebrate and build community

EVALUATION:
Assignments
Journals
Projects/Tests
Provincial Standards Exam

lramsden@srsd.ca

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30%
10%
30%
30%

Ste. Anne Collegiate

September 2015

COURSE TOPICS:
All or most of the following topics will be covered in this course:
Poetry Close Reading
Rhetorical Devices & Story Elements
Genre Study: Dystopian Fiction
Literary Devices in William Shakespeares Julius Caesar
Genre Study: The Narrative Essay
Preparing for the Provincial Standards Exam
PROVINCIAL STANDARDS EXAM:
All students enrolled in a 40S English class will write the provincial exam. If you
have already written a provincial exam in a previous semester, you will be writing
another provincial exam this semester as the topic will be new. If you are taking
two 40S ELA courses in the same semester, you will write one provincial
standards exam which will apply as your final exam mark for both courses.
INCOMPLETE PROJECTS:
Projects in this course are major assessments that cover multiple outcomes. All
of the assessments in this category must be completed in order to receive a
credit in this course. If you do not complete one of these assessments, your
progress reports and report cards will show a mark of incomplete.
SUPPLIES:
1-2 binder with loose leaf and dividers
Scribbler/notebook for journal
blue/black pens, pencils, erasers, pencil crayons, scissors, stick glue
PLAGIARISM: (unaccredited use of others work/copying) is a serious offence and will
result in a 0% on the assignment/project.
ATTENDANCE/LATENESS:
10 unexcused absences may mean no course credit (see student handbook), If
you know you are going to be absent, please notify me in advance.
3 lates equal 1 unexcused absence (If the bell has rung, you are officially late.)
KEYS TO SUCCESS:
All assignments must be completed clearly and neatly. Use black/blue ink or type
your work (12 point font). If I cant read it, I wont mark it!

lramsden@srsd.ca

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Ste. Anne Collegiate

September 2015

Regardless of the reason, you are responsible for the work you missed.
RESPECT yourself, your teachers, each other and the materials in this room.
Remember, I am here to help you. If you have any questions or concerns, please
come and talk to me.

lramsden@srsd.ca

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Ste. Anne Collegiate