ELA A30 Class Outline-3
ELA A30
Mrs. McLellan
September 2017
Welcome to ELA A30!
Our course will be broken up into the following two themes over the course of this semester:
- Canadian Landscapes: Diverse and Dynamic
(Approximately mid November-January)
Questions to consider within this theme:
How does our geographical location influence our thinking, ways of being, and our interactions with others? How has the vast landscape of Canada shaped the people within it? Why is our understanding of landscape ever changing?
Central novel for this theme:
"Yesterday's Dead" by: Pat Bourke
- Canadian Perspectives: Distinct and Rich
(Approximately September- mid November)
Questions to consider within this theme:
What does it mean to be Canadian? How can we have a collective identity with such a diverse population? How do our differences benefit us?
Central novel for this theme:
TBA
As we examine these two central themes through a wide variety of texts, you will be asked to complete three major assignments for each unit. In total this will be six major assignments by the end of the course. Although the format of these assignment will "sometimes" be pre-determined (as per the demands of the Saskatchewan Curriculum), you will receive a wide variety of choice when it comes to the topic and content of your major assignments. My hope is that you will get the chance to grow your creativity, explore areas that interest you, and become more proficient in reading and writing as you complete these projects.
A general breakdown of the six major assignments are as followed:
Canadian Landscapes Unit:
- Compose a piece of creative writing
- Create and present a multimedia presentation
- Write a literary essay
Canadian Perspectives Unit:
- Use oral language to express a range of ideas (oral presentation)
- Write a research paper
- Compose an editorial
In addition to these required assignments, practice assignments will also be given throughout each unit to help prepare you for the major assignments. These small practice assignments will be very closely related to the major assignments. Although they will not be graded, the feedback that I give on these practice assignments will be very helpful when you go to complete your major assignments. I would encourage you to work hard on both the small assignments as well as the major assignments if you wish to reach your maximum potential in this course.
All of the assignments will be assessed based on the following three categories:
Comprehend and Respond: This will include your thoughts, your explanations, and the content in your assignments. I will be looking for originality, accurate information and higher level thinking.
Compose and Create: This will include your ability to communicate your ideas. In an oral presentation I will be looking for clarity in your voice, tone, pronunciation, etc. I will also be looking at the quality of your presentation props and accompaniments. In a written project I will be looking for clarity in how you organize your thoughts and I will also be looking for correct grammar and spelling.
Assess and Reflect: This will include your ability to self-reflect on your work and on the process of creating your work. This area will also include your ability to acknowledge what you did well and where you can approve. (**Please note, this category may not appear on every assignment)
In addition to the assignments in this course, I will also be administering a midterm exam as well as a final exam. Although I am expecting to see the most growth in the projects that you will be creating, it is mandatory to write final exams in Saskatchewan. As such, my hope is that the midterm will help prepare and give you a good idea of what to expect on the final. The midterm will take place flowing the first unit and the final will take place at the end of Quarter 2.
Break Down of Marks
Thinking and Inquiry: 25%
Includes research and analysis in major assignment.
Communication: 25%
Includes your ability to effectively communicate your ideas both in writing and speech. For written assignments this will include grammar and in oral assignments this will include volume and clarity of speech.
Application: 20%
Includes your creativity and overall quality of work. Does it relate back to course themes? Does it apply the skills that the assignment is asking for?
Knowledge & Understanding: 30%
Includes Mid Term and Final Exam
I look forward to working with each and every one of you this semester. I hope that as we share ideas and explore these topics you will be inspired to learn and create meaningful assignments. My door is always open if you have questions or ideas to share. I wish you a successful semester!
Sincerely,
Mrs. McLellan