2010-2011 Writing Lab & American Dream

Mr. Weir

“We are called the nation of inventors. And we are. We could still claim that title and wear its loftiest
honors if we had stopped with the first thing we ever invented, which was human liberty.”

-Mark Twain, Foreign Critics Speech 1890

The Course

Our year together will be divided into two semesters. The Fall Semester, Writing Lab, will focus on
furthering our skills as writers and communicators, and better understanding the art, craft, and value
of writing. We will concentrate on specific styles of expository essay writing: the character analysis
essay, the theme analysis essay, the comparison/contrast essay, and the persuasive essay. Our focus will
remain fixed on essay writing, but coursework will continue our study of literature, including short
stories, poetry, and nonfiction.

The Spring Semester, American Dream, will focus on the study of particular American literature. We
will explore themes inherent to American culture and discuss their development and how we
interpret and value them today.

Expectations

Materials - The following materials are required for this course:

1. A pen. Work written in pencil will not be accepted.

2. A 3-Ring Binder, at least 1½ inches wide. This will be to keep your notes and handouts
organized.

3. A composition notebook. This will be for Do-Now activities and other in-class writing.
Spiral-bound notebooks are not allowed for this. If you’re unsure of what sort of notebook to
use, I will have spare notebooks for purchase in the classroom.

Grades - Grades will be given as percentage points, and will weighed as such: 40% Major Assignments
and Essays, 15% Tests/Quizzes, 15% Homework, 15% Notebook, 15% Participation. Unexcused late
homework will not be accepted; unexcused major assignments will lose 10% per day.

Attendance - Consistent attendance is essential for keeping up with coursework. Unexcused absences
will affect your participation grade, will be reported to the central office, and will result in a phone call
home. Three tardies will be equivalent to one unexcused absence.

Environment - Taking academic risks within the classroom is essential to furthering learning, and this
can only take place in a safe environment, where students feel comfortable. Mutual respect for one
another fosters a successful classroom, and that respect must be held between all students and
teachers. Our classroom will be a place to ask questions and share ideas in a comfortable, safe
environment.

Student Signature ___________________________ Parent Signature ____________________________

Writing Lab & American Dream - Mr. Weir 2010-2011