SHORT FICTION
CLASSROOM AND COURSE EXPECTATIONS
All policies and rules outlined in the Student Handbook 1998-1999 will be followed, so it is essential that everyone concerned is familiar with its contents. A copy was given to each student; extra copies are always available. I would particularly stress p. 16-17, "Homework," and this statement from p. 18: The Attendance Policy states that, "A student will have a maximum of two weeks in which to complete make-up work."
I expect each student to strive for excellence and I will do my best to ensure that each student receives a top quality education. Extra help is available each day, by appointment, from 7:00 - 7:30 AM and from 1:15 - 4:30 PM so that all students have the opportunity to achieve success.
The two key words essential for success are attitude and organization. Students who arrive willing to "do the job" and to be respectful of others (attitude) and who are prepared for class with the proper tools (organization) will find a welcoming atmosphere and will see improvement in their skills. I will not allow the misbehavior of anyone to disrupt the right of everyone to an education; unruly or uncooperative students will be given Detention and guidance counselors and parents will be contacted.
Texts appropriate for this course will be distributed and will be used daily. Assignments will be given at least three days each week and may require from ten to sixty minutes' time outside of class. All tests are announced in advance.
When parents, teachers, and students work together there is NOTHING we cannot accomplish! I welcome the start of this course and stand ready to work with you. Never hesitate to contact me for assistance or for information.
Notes:
1. Here are some objectives for this course:
- to extend awareness and appreciation of literature by reading a variety of good stories by outstanding authors
- to involve the mind and emotions in the active experience of reading each story, visualizing characters, settings, and actions
- to increase understanding of human nature by relating the experiences of fictional people to individual experiences
- to recognize the elements of short stories, such as plot, characters, setting, point of view, tone, theme, and total effect, and to examine each authorÕs handling of these elements
- to participate in honest and thoughtful discussion of stories, using personal experience and insight
- to achieve personal growth in vocabulary knowledge, language and usage, and reading competence
2. Please do not make the academically fatal mistake of thinking that merely showing up each day equals a passing grade: this is not a "fluff" course!
3. Assignments have no value unless they are complete.
4. Assignments are due on specified dates. Assignments not submitted on time must
be submitted ("Late") the very next day to have any value at all.
5. Perhaps the best advice IÕve ever received or given:
"How high you go depends on how deeply you care!"