Writer’s Workshop, sometimes still called Writing for Publication
Mr. James Cook
WritForPub.blogspot.com
TheElicitor.blogspot.com
Term One: Exploration of genres
- Students read examples of literature written in a particular genre.
- Students (guided by the teacher) create writing exercises based on the examples.
- Students write their own literature using the exercises.
- Students turn in a sample of each exercise and a revised draft of one exercise.
- Students give feedback to each other in peer review sessions called “workshops”.
- Students then use the feedback to revise their work of literature.
- We move on to a new genre and begin the process again.
Genres:
Fiction
Microfiction/Flash fiction/Sudden
fiction/short short story
Poetry
Narrative verse
Lyrical verse
Formal
Free verse
Experimental
Poetic Journal
Non-fiction prose
Journalism: articles, features, profiles, reviews,
columns, etc.
Personal
essay/memoir
Dramatic Scripts
Plays, screenplays, teleplays, etc.
Grades:
- Unedited “first” drafts (usually done in your notebook during class) 30%
- Edited “second” drafts (polished up at home) and revised “third” drafts (completed after feedback from teacher & peers) 50%
- Constructive participation in workshops and metacognitive reflection on writing process 20%
Term Two: Project portfolio
- Students will design a project to complete by the end of the course.
- In the past students have produced collections of poetry and short stories, novellas, film scripts, and memoirs. Other projects are possible.
Grades
- Proposal letter (& if necessary revision of letter), Meeting deadlines, & Quality of work along the way 20%
- Response to related reading along the way 10%
- Constructive participation in workshops and metacognitive reflection on writing process 20%
- Completion & quality of final project 50%
EXAM GRADE: Final project, reflection,
& “coffeehouse” reading.
1. Know the policies that are in the Compass.
2. Respect
This
is a college-level class. If you act like a young adult I will treat you that
way, at least as much as I am able to do so within the confines of a high
school. Show respect for yourself, each other, Mr. Cook, other teachers,
administrators, staff members, the room (including desks, floors, walls, etc.),
and the equipment (books, etc.)
3. Staying organized
You
will need something to write with everyday.
You
will need an assignment notebook.
You
will need a writer’s notebook in which you will write directions, metacognitive
responses, writing exercise drafts, etc. I will check your notebook
occasionally.
You
will need a folder in which to keep readings and other handouts.
4. Late work
·
If
you are between one and five school days late with a major assignment (a
processed paper or project for example) your grade on that paper or project
will be reduced by ten points.
·
If
you are more than five school days late with a major assignment (processed
paper or project) you may receive a passing grade (65) on that paper or project
if you discuss the lateness with me , you turn the assignment in a
week or more before the end of the term, and the work meets requirements.
·
Not doing a major
assignment is not an option.
5. Tardiness and Truancy from Class
·
If
you are late to class (meaning you arrive at your desk after the bell and after
Mr. Cook has begun the day’s lesson) you may lose unit-work credit.
·
If
you are late by more than seven minutes you will be marked sent to the
attendance office. This is school policy as set forth in the Compass.
·
If
you are discovered to have skipped class you will receive a unit-work zero for
the day. You will not be able to make up any work missed on the day you
skipped.
6. Absences and make-up work
·
Work
missed due to absences is your responsibility. The absence policy for
GHS is outlined in the Compass.
·
On
the day you return to class, you will be expected to take tests, quizzes, participate,
and turn in any assignments that are due on the day of return or had been due
during your absence, so long as the due date was announced or posted before
your absence.
Note: These policies are subject to change. All changes will be announced in class. Students will cross out the changed language
and write in the new.
