Expository Composition Syllabus
Fall 2010 Ms. Cusolito
Objective: This course is designed to rigorously advance your writing and speaking skills to a level appropriate for a “real world” setting. All students will need to address any issues concerning laziness and/or shyness during this class. Plagiarism is regarded as a serious offense and will result in a failing grade.
The Senior Project acts as a bridge between high school and college and/or a career. Each student will write a research paper on a chosen topic and apply the knowledge they gain in a 20-hour independent project. At the end of the semester, students present what they learned to a panel of judges and turn in a portfolio of work to their teacher.
SEPTEMBER READING RHETORICALLY
Sept. 13-17 Review syllabus, peer edit and revise summer assignment. Homework: Read and annotate The University of Planet Earth
Socratic Seminar on The University of Planet Earth,
Sept. 20-24 Introduction to strategies for reading rhetorically, Read the unit Fast Food: Who’s to Blame?
Sept. 27-Oct. 1 Essay test: Sept. 27
Homework: Read assigned chapter from Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser.
Discuss chapter in groups and answer questions. Each group presents their section to the class.
OCTOBER ETHOS, PATHOS, LOGOS/RESEARCH
Oct.4-8 Complete the unit Rhetoric of the Op-Ed Page.
Homework: Write a letter to the editor. Peer edit in class. Essay test: Oct. 8.
Begin exercises in the Pathfinder Senior Project book. Homework: Choose a topic for your Senior Project and write five questions that you’d like your research to answer.
Oct. 11-15 Write your letter of intent, a business letter outlining your plans for the Senior Project. Watch video on avoiding plagiarism.
Oct.18-22 Read a general article about your topic. Write your thesis statement. Make a temporary outline.
Oct. 25-29 Learn the format for source cards. Do research in the school library. Turn in 10 source cards, the basis of your Work Cited page.
NOVEMBER WRITING THE RESEARCH PAPER
Nov. 1-5 Learn the format for taking notes on index cards. Go to the library and take notes. Turn in 40 note cards. Revise the temporary outline.
Nov. 8-12 Write 10 questions for the person you will interview for your research paper. Write the rough draft. Turn in rough draft of research paper, including Work Cited page Nov. 12
Nov. 15-19 Revise and type final draft of research paper. Complete interview and add to the paper. Complete Work Cited page. Turn in late rough drafts for a lower grade. Turn in final draft of research paper on or before Nov. 19.
Nov. 22-26 Furlough days/No School/Thanksgiving Holiday
DECEMBER PHYSICAL PRODUCT
Nov. 29-Dec.3 Turn in late final drafts for a lower grade. Complete task analysis for physical product in Pathfinder (38-39). Work on physical product.
Dec. 6-10 Work on PowerPoint presentation (library or laptop cart).
Dec. 13-17 Read speech preparation in Pathfinder (52-53). Homework: Read Going for the Look module in textbook. Turn in 20-hour log for your physical product by Dec. 17.
Dec. 20-Jan. 10 Winter Recess
JANUARY REHEARSE FOR PRESENTATIONS
Jan. 10-14 Turn in late 20-hour logs for a lower grade. Rehearse in small groups for presentations. Rehearse in front of your advisory.
Jan. 17 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday
Jan. 18-28 Watch video on public speaking. Rehearse before the class.
FEBRUARY PRESENTATIONS
Feb. 4 Panel review: presentations to judges.
Reflect on your project, Pathfinder (61).
Feb. 8-10 Turn in final portfolio for this class.
