Course Description:
Building on various units and skills covered in the 9th grade year, students will continue to develop their writing skills while examining the discipline of journalism and media studies. This course focuses on the content, history, artistry, and philosophical issues the discipline encounters. Students will be asked to write creatively in a variety of genres (including journalism, creative non-fiction, film, graphic novels/cartoons, photography, television, new media, etc.). Students will study, learn, and critically think, discuss, and write about the role of Media in our lives and culture, while continuing to develop their writer's voice in a variety of original writing projects to build a creative writing portfolio.
Course Objectives:
• To understand and explore the characteristics of effective writing
• To learn successful writing techniques for non-fiction and script writing
• To explore and develop each writer’s own authentic voice
• To practice the writing process (from brainstorming through publication) in a variety of writing projects
• To communicate effectively in class and small-group discussions
• To read and research a variety of different texts as models, inspiration, and for a better understanding of the topics central to the academic fields of Communications, Media Studies, and Journalism.
Course Requirements:
• Participate in class assignments and projects
• Read, read, read; write, write, write!
• Engage in the complete writing process
• Keep a folder for handouts/work in progress/writing exercises
• Keep a writer’s portfolio of all work in progress and completed/revised work
• Keep a journal or writing notebook for writing assignments and practices
• Adhere to standard written English language conventions and grammar
• Communicate regularly with the teacher and peers through conference and discussions
• Attend school events and author’s nights (extra credit available*)
• Respect and follow the rules and procedures of the school and classroom
Course Evaluation:
25% Attendance, behavior, participation, homework, discussions
25% Portfolio (graded each term), classwork
25% Writing practices, writing projects
25% Tests/quizzes
Curricular material for this course meets the New York State Standards in English/Language Arts and the Common Core Literacy/Reading, Writing, Language, and Listening/Speaking standards
(see www.engageny.org for further details)
Long Range Curriculum
1st quarter: Introduction to media studies; Representation; Journalism
2nd quarter: media issues; photography; graphic novels; journalism (con't).
3rd quarter: media issues (con't).; internet, podcasting; introduction to film & television
4th quarter: internet, film & television (con't); video & games
Requirements:
1. Students need to bring pencils/pens, paper (loose leaf), a class folder, and journal or notebook to class every day for writing exercises and note taking.
2. Students will find it useful to keep a portable device (jumpdrive, flashdrive, etc.) to save documents & work in the computer labs. Students will have access to word processors in writing labs but may also find it useful to have access to the internet and word processors at home. A Google account and/or an email address is encouraged. Students may be asked to use Google Docs to workshop and share their writing with peers. If you do not know how to set this up, please ask.
3. All texts that are currently assigned must be brought to class every day and returned to the library in a timely fashion. Students are responsible for keeping their texts in good condition. Lost or damaged books will result in library fines.
4. Students are expected to follow the rules of the classroom and the school, to respect all other students, participate in their own learning, and behave in a mature fashion. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in academic failure, administrative intervention and/or discipline, or the need for additional parent-teacher-guidance conferences.
5. Students are expected to keep up with the reading and writing requirements for this class. All work must be turned in by scheduled deadlines or be subject to grade penalties, or academic failure. This course is a requirement for graduation from the Creative Writing Department.
6. I am available for individual conferences to discuss your progress and writing. Parents wishing to reach me may do so by contacting me by email through the district website: (bradley.craddock@rcsdk12.org) and parent connect (https://parentconnect.rcsdk12.org).
Attendance & Behavior Policy:
Your attendance to this class is mandatory. Students entering tardy will lose participation credit (25% of your overall grade). Work and deadlines will be posted on our classroom blog: http://sotamediastudies.blogspot.com.
IT IS THE STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK THE BLOG FOR MISSING WORK. Additionally, many of the assignments in this class are designed to be submitted electronically. Students will have access to submit work online at home or from our school lab(s). Student conduct should follow the Student Handbook in regard to rules and regulations for the school.
NOTE: Creative writing stresses the importance of individualism and the freedom to create; however, writers must understand the balance between free expression and artistic merit. Excessive or gratuitous use of profanity, violence and lewd subject matter will not be acceptable.
Our creative writing curriculum meets the New York State Standards in English/Language Arts and the Common Core.
Class rules:
Respect all NOUNS (persons, places, things, conditions, ideas)
Participate in your education
Be prepared for a successful class
Cell phone use & distractions: Cell phones (as adhering to our school policy) should not be turned on or taken out during class—they should be left at home or in lockers, at best. All electronic devices other than our creative lab equipment should not be in use during class. Headphones are preferable ONLY when instructed by the teacher for classroom use. Surfing the internet, sleeping in class, or doing work for another class is rude, as is being disruptive. For success in this class, please adhere and follow these simple and courteous requests. Some media projects, however, may use cell phones and/or headphones. Please be mature about the use of such equipment. We move at a very fast pace in this class. Distractions will only prevent you from doing your best.
Classroom Plan
Be on time, Be prepared, Be engaged.
Early is on time! ☺ On time is late! ☹
Engage in class and curriculum work!
Complete class and homework as required!
Please be prepared for class every day!
Cell phones and all Electronics are prohibited in ALL classrooms.
To include but not limited to: ear buds, headphones, IPODS.
The Dress code will be strictly enforced.
To include but not limited to: clothing/articles prohibited: Hats, hoodies and bandanas as well as what is prescribed
by the school handbook.
Disrespect/Disruption to the educational process is prohibited.
To include but not limited to: bullying, profanity, food consumption and personal grooming, disrespect of other students, teachers, staff.
Do not stop, prevent, or sabotage a teacher’s lesson.
POSITIVES: Teacher discretion
Incentives include (but are not limited to): extra credit, homework passes, game days, fieldtrips, courtyard sessions, verbal praise, snacks, parties, kindness, etc.
CONSEQUENCES: To include but not limited to:
Verbal/non-verbal warning/contact log
Move a student’s seat
Parent contact
Lunch detention
After school detention
Conference with administrator
NON-NEGOTIABLES – Immediate removal from classroom
To include but not limited to: Fighting; both physical and verbal, vandalism, theft, chronic disruption, insubordination, and suspicion of being under the influence of illegal substances.
SEVERE CONSEQUENCES: To be determined by administration
