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New School of Northern Virginia, 2008/2009 Roots of English Objectives and Overview: Using Latin as a backdrop, this course aims at providing native and non-native English speakers with a firmer understanding of their language, from vocabulary building through familiarization with common Latin and Greek roots in most European languages (one of which each student in the class is most likely studying at this point) to key elements of English grammar. Some students may want to take this course because English is not their native language. For those students just entering or struggling with a foreign language, this course should prove a valuable structuring experience, given the similarity of linguistic patterns between Latin and foreign languages taught at the New School. The course will involve daily in-class writing (keeping a journal—which could be a great portfolio item) and regular writing homework (from writing outlines of material read to writing more typical essays). Focus Skills: Organizing time and materials; making connections; understanding different perspectives INTRODUCTION: In this class, students will be adequately challenged if they are enthusiastic, self-motivated, and take FULL ADVANTAGE of the opportunities we all will make available. The only real mistake you can make is not speaking up and not truly trying. Don’t ever feel intimidated: we are all here in this together and the classroom atmosphere will reflect this. (Disrespect toward one another and acts of unkindness undermine the entire philosophy of the cooperative learning experience and constitute, with minimal warning, a sure ticket out of class. An opportunity for re-admittance requires a written apology and an acceptable written statement regarding one’s mission in our classroom community.) GRADING: 30% CLASS PARTICIPATION (discussion contributions, in-class writing, punctuality: (Although the teacher specifies the general activities in order to balance and accommodate the use of all of the multiple intelligences in the curriculum, the manner and extent of student participation is chiefly student-directed and requires serious initiative for maximum gain and credit.) Prepare--Arrive on Time--Listen--Speak-up—take part in discussion--Cooperate = Full credit Lateness will be strictly deducted from your participation grade on a percentage basis. It is crucial that you present yourself in class on time and ready to learn. For the number of absences permitted before automatic withdrawal consult the Student Handbook. The essential skills emphasized in classroom participation: the ability to collaborate, to communicate effectively orally, to work creatively, to accomplish goals, to solve problems, to understand different perspectives, to think and act ethically, to persist in achieving quality, and to act for the benefit of the community. 20% HOMEWORK: Type (1): GENERAL DAILY STUDY is entirely student-directed. There will always be some form of homework. If you do not understand what I mean by this, or you do not know how to study this way, you MUST see me immediately. Even if no specific assignment is given, I expect you to spend at least 10-15 minutes every day to browse through newspapers, magazines or get on the internet to look for material related to our subject.. This is the bare minimum. If you expect more than minimal progress, do more than this. The extent of progress is entirely up to the student. Our teaching style here assumes mature students and emphasizes the student-worker/teacher-coach relationship. Student-directed homework also assumes the student will read or review handouts, texts, and class notes. This step cannot be habitually skipped or crammed. Type (2): SPECIFIC HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS are generally short and most always prepare for or reinforce a classroom experience. These must be prepared and turned in on time. I will not accept late homework for full credit. You need to be prepared to fully participate and make our interactive classroom experience go. I will be contacting the advisor/parents of any student who demonstrates chronic deficiencies in homework. This is defined as anything other than an occasional missed assignment. Homework is NOT busy-work; rather, the opportunity for preparation, repetition, and reinforcement that it provides is essential to progress. Work missed for illness or necessary absences will be negotiated with me on an individual basis; it is usually due on the day you return. The essential skills emphasized in homework preparation: the ability to work independently, to accomplish goals, to apply effective research methods, to solve problems, to work creatively, to persist in achieving quality and to communicate effectively orally and in writing. 30% ASSESSMENTS: Tests and Quizzes (although teacher-directed in nature, students receive considerable credit for demonstrating progress achieved through student-directed study): Your progress toward your exhibition goals will be evaluated in the form of short tests and quizzes. The essential skills emphasized in assessments: the ability to work independently, and to collaborate (as in group assessments), the ability to solve problems, to contextualize information and make connections, to think and act ethically, to work creatively, and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. 20% EXIT PROJECT Mostly student-directed: a tutor, parent, or guardian may help you, but, in the end, the work presented must be your own): We will discuss this in class. Students choose a topic to investigate and have lots of freedom to express their interests. Basically, we want you to investigate something you find interesting regarding the English language. There will be a presentation to the class with a question/answer session afterwards. To receive full credit, you must present on the day we agree upon. Practice the essential skills appropriate to the setting of an exhibition (Consult NS Exhibition Guide). This project would also make a good portfolio item. The essential skills emphasized in projects/exhibitions: the ability to work independently (and collaboratively in group projects), the ability to accomplish goals, to apply effective research methods, to solve problems, to appreciate and understand different perspectives, to contextualize information and make connections, to work creatively, and to communicate effectively. This grading system is deliberately weighted to give ample credit for active, constructive participation in class and gives students considerable personal control over their progress and the grade earned. The twelve essential skills generated by our faculty and staff will be routinely practiced in meeting the requirements of our class. Students who arrive on time and participate earnestly can take pride in their accomplishments and progress. Conversely, students arriving late, arriving without books, notebooks and writing implements, failing to take the initiative in student-directed study and arriving academically unprepared for the activities of the day will suffer considerably: first, by being aware of their lack of progress and second by earning minimal or poor grades. WHAT GRADE CAN I EXPECT? A Outstanding in all areas of consideration. Does more than assigned work, an independent thinker; is constantly reliable and responsible. B Above average in most areas. Does more than assigned work; often solves problems independently; is generally responsible. C Average in all or most areas. Does the assignments and meets basic requirements; is generally a consistent worker in class. D Below average expectations in most areas. Does not complete assignments; has not developed the ability for self-discipline. F Unsatisfactory in almost all areas of consideration. Please remember: At the New School, both Ds and Fs are to be considered failing grades, i.e. Ds won’t earn you any credit. ATTENDANCE: An interactive classroom pivots on your being there! We need you! Excessive absences disrupt the group learning process. Note: please remember to find out what you missed and complete missed assignments by the next day when you are ill (see above} or elect to go on field trips during class time. Students who are not achieving at least a "C" average are strongly discouraged from taking time out of class for field trips. Dr. Peter Werres, September 2008 Please feel free to contact me with your concerns. You can also leave a message with Valoria in the office or e-mail me: My e-mail address is pewerr@gwu.edu Student's signature_____________________________Date______________________ Parent's signature______________________________Date______________________ Please note: Reading and signing this (and having a parent sign this) is part of your entrance project for this course