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English Language Arts is about communication:
reading, viewing, and listening in order to gain knowledge and insight and then writing, speaking and representing to demonstrate ideas and comprehension. This course focuses heavily on developing analytical writing skills, while still offering plenty of student choice in regards to texts, topics, and assignments. COURSE OBJECTIVES: (from Alberta Learning Curriculum Guide) Students will listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to: 1. explore thoughts, ideas, feelings and experiences. 2. comprehend and respond personally, critically and creatively to literature and to other texts in oral, print, visual and multimedia forms. 3. manage ideas and information. 4. enhance the clarity and artistry of communication. 5. respect, support and collaborate with others. (Detailed curricular outcomes can be found at the bottom of this page) COURSE WORK: Tasks are broken into Activities and Assignments Activities: Guided Learning - These include (but are not limited to): assigned text readings, assigned video/film viewings, questions based on assigned readings and viewings, assigned research and terminology review. Assignments: Assessment of Learning - These include (but are not limited to): literary analysis paragraphs, reflective journals, essays, a variety of creative projects, and a multi-media video project TESTS / QUIZZES: Assessment of Learning - These come in a variety of formats including: multiple choice, short answer, long answer, and in-class essays - Tests/ quizzes are designed to be completed in class under teacher supervision UNITS OF STUDY: *** See below for a brief description and page link for each module |
EVALUATION:
*** Whenever possible, student writing will be assessed using The English Language Arts Personal/Reflective Response to Text and Literary Exploration, and Persuasive Writing marking rubrics as developed by (OR ADAPTED FROM) Alberta Education OR any other appropriately categorized rubric to ensure students understand the criteria by which their work is being graded. RECCOMMENDED WEIGHTINGS: (SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY TEACHER ADMINISTERING COURSE) M1: Intro and Vocab 5% M2: Functional Writing 6% M3: Poetry and Visual Text 15% M4: Drama 14% M5: Short Story 9% M6: Novel Study 13% M6: Film Study 13% M7: Independent Novel Study 5% FINAL EXAM: PART A- Written Response 10% PART B- M/C Reading Comp 10% For more details on the ELA Program of Studies, view the document below. |
Module 1 - Introduction and Vocabulary
Introduction, permission forms, and a course-spanning vocabulary assignment designed to expand student vocabulary organically and promote comprehension-improving active reading skills.
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Module 2 - Functional Writing
This module covers the two basic writing formats that every person should be familiar with: letter and resume.
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Module 3 - Poetry and Visual Text
Students explore poetry, sharpen their knowledge of rhetorical devices and symbolism, then create a multimedia poetry project.
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Module 4 - Drama: The Taming of The Shrew OR 12 Angry Men
Student CHOICE! A slapstick Shakespearian Drama about relationship gender roles OR a modern drama about prejudice, perception vs reality, and justice.
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Module 5 - Short Story
To make a long story short: Students will read and respond to short stories.
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Module 6 - Novel Study: Of Mice and Men
Students explore the societal realities of the 1930's before engaging in exploration and reflection on prejudice, discrimination and loneliness.
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Module 7 - Film Study: Cast Away
An intriguing study of physical, intellectual and emotional struggle and the personal growth that such challenges facilitate.
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Module 8 - Independent Novel Study: Student Choice
What's not to love here!?! Students CHOOSE their novel then choose from a variety of unique projects to demonstrate their comprehension and creative abilities.
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