Course Syllabus

CREATIVE WRITING

Mrs. Hepler

heplero@mlbgsd.k12.pa.us

717-692-2108

Course Description: 

This course focuses on developing creative writing skills as defined by the PA Core Standards for English Language Arts. These skills include:

• Skills for narrative writing such as: description, sensory language, dialogue, pacing, organization, flash backs, conflict development, and figurative language.
• Skills for informative writing such as: definitions, quotations, examples, graphics, organization, and transitions
• Skills for argumentative writing including: claims, counterclaims, evidence, and organization.
• Writing or a specific purpose and audience and maintaining an appropriate tone.
• Using grammar appropriately and effectively.
• Revising effectively in a small group or independently.

This course will allow students to learn and practice these skills through examples presented in class, partner writing, reflective writing, larger writing assignments, and shorter assignments in writing journals. The assignments will provide students the opportunity to practice different types of writing and experiment with varying styles, audiences, and contexts as well as express creativity.

 

 

Attendance and Missed Work: 

Students are expected to attend class on a daily basis with all necessary materials. Tardiness and absences will negatively affect student progress as discussion and instruction will be missed. If an absence occurs, STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL MISSED WORK. Mrs. Hepler will abide strictly by the rule detailed in the student handbook in regards to legal absences. Students will have five days to complete assignments, projects, quizzes, or tests after returning to school. However, if a due date for an assignment is announced well in advance, and the student is absent only on the due date, then that assignment is due upon the student’s return. The student is responsible for getting and completing missed work without reminders from Mrs. Hepler. Likewise, if a student is in the building the day an assignment is due, they must hand in the assignment, even if they are not in class.  As per the Millersburg Area School District attendance policy, excessive tardiness and unexcused absences may result in disciplinary action. 

 

Grades: 

Students will be graded on participation in discussion, homework completion, quizzes, tests, essays, projects, and other individual or small group assignments. The grading scale will fall under the Millersburg School District policy:  A=93-100, B=85-92, c=75-84, D=65-74, F=64 and below. Poor attendance and lack of participation will hinder student’s progress and this will be reflected in their final grade. All assignments have due dates and are expected to be turned in accordingly (unless otherwise discussed ahead of time). Failure to turn in assignments on the due date will result in a maximum of half credit.  Some assignments will not be accepted at all if turned in past the due date. Assignments are due at the beginning of the class period.

 

Classroom Expectations: 

• Students are expected to be seated in their assigned seat by the time the bell rings.
• Students are responsible for all missed work. If an absence occurs, the student is responsible for making arrangements to make up the work.
• Students participating in extracurricular activities are responsible for monitoring their eligibility.
• Students are expected to hand in original work that is their own; cheating and plagiarism will result in an immediate zero for the assignment and disciplinary action.
• Students need a hall pass to be excused from the room. Excessive use of the pass will result in limited opportunities to leave the room and parent contact.
• Students are expected to respect all people, ideas, and materials in the room.

 

Plagiarism:

Plagiarized work will not be tolerated or accepted. Any plagiarized work will result in a zero in Powerschool, and students will not be given the chance to redo the assignment. Please see the attached sheet on plagiarism guidelines.

 

Curriculum:

• Daily Warm-Ups in Writing Journals
• Narrative Writing Unit
• Informative Writing Unit
• Persuasive Writing Unit
• Poetry Writing Unit
• Revised Portfolio (in lieu of midterm)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Curriculum, assignments, notes, and due dates will be available through Mrs. Hepler’s CANVAS page, which can be accessed through the following link or from Mrs. Hepler’s web page.  http://www.mlbgsd.k12.pa.us/Domain/34

 

 

PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN

 

PARENT:  I have read the Creative Writing syllabus and understand what is required of my son/daughter.  I also understand that he/she is responsible and accountable for his/her actions and assignments.  If I have any comments or questions I know how to reach Mrs. Hepler.

 

STUDENT NAME___________________________________________

 

GUARDIAN NAME____________________________________________

 

GUARDIAN SIGNATURE_______________________________________

 

GUARDIAN PHONE NUMBER______________  -  ________________ - _____________________________

 

GUARDIAN EMAIL (if available)____________________________________________

 

 

 

 

STUDENT:  I have read the Creative Writing syllabus and understand what is required of me. I also understand that I am responsible and accountable for my actions and assignments. If I have any questions or concerns, I know I must ask Mrs. Hepler.

 

 

STUDENT SIGNATURE______________________________________

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/CONCERNS: