Poetry 
Course description: Students who enjoy experimenting with the written word will get a kick out of this one trimester elective. In this course, students will be encouraged to express themselves in a variety of poetic forms, as well as read and analyze great verse from past to present. From odes and narrative poems to sonnets and sestinas, students will explore one of our oldest and most cherished forms.
What to expect:
• Students can expect to write 2 or more poems per day.
• Students will study over 30 famous poets and their work.
• Students are expected to read their own poetry aloud.
• Students will choose three of their best poems to take through the revision
process, with the final product being a polished, publishable poem.
• Students will learn, identify, and employ over 25 literary techniques.
• Students will explicate and memorize one poem.
Essentials for the class:
1. An open mind.
2. A willingness to write. Often.
3. Paper: preferably college-lined.
4. A pencil or pen: blue or black ink only, please.
5. A binder – 1 1/2” to 2” preferred.
My Expectations:
Basic Class Rules/Philosophy:
1. No student has the right to insult or otherwise interfere with the work
of anyone else in the class.
2. Students in this classroom have permission to think differently, to take
risks with their thinking; therefore, anyone who criticizes another’s
ideas is undermining the class community.
3. I expect everyone in this class to show respect toward each other, the classroom,
and themselves. I often ask students to share their work or speak in class.
Students are simply expected to listen when others are speaking. I do not expect
that every individual in this room with agree with every opinion expressed.
If a student wishes to voice his/her disagreement, I expect that it will be
handled in a mature manner. I will not put up with an absence of respect.
4. All work you submit for a grade should be your own. All writing must be
original.
5. Hate language is not tolerated.
Late Work Policy: There should never be a time when students turn in work later than the due date. Late work should be completed for the learning objective and writing practice; some late work will be eligible for half credit.
Grading:
Students will be graded on creativity, progress, effort, and attitude.
Writing is a process. No written piece is ever perfect, nor is it complete.
You may continue to revise and resubmit pieces throughout the trimester. Students
with the diligence to improve will be rewarded with high marks.
Students will be graded with a standard scale used by all Saline High School.
There will be no curve.
Participation:
In addition to writing, you are expected to share your writing both in small
groups and for the class as a whole. There will be many opportunities for
you to share your written work. You must read your written work to the class
at least twelve times over the course of the trimester.
Website:
I update my website daily with the day’s agenda, homework, and links
to assignments. The address is http://www.salineschools.com/users/kreplec;
you can also navigate to it through the Saline Schools & Saline High School
homepages. I expect you to use this resource.
Things to remember:
• Students are expected to come to class prepared to work. This means bringing
all materials needed. Do not ask me for a pen or pencil. You will not be
permitted to go to your locker for forgotten homework or book.
• If you are absent, it is your responsibility to look at the website for
any make up work. If you still have questions after looking on the website, please
see me before or after class. I will not remind you to make up work.
• When you are absent, you have as many days as you were gone from class
to turn in the assignments you missed. I will NOT ask you for them. It is up
to you to turn these in promptly.
• Individual extra credit is not given. There may be a few opportunities
for extra credit throughout the semester.
• The phone and computer are not for student use.
• No food. Drinks must have a lid.
• No electronic equipment, i.e. cell phone, iPod, portable CD player, etc.
• Disrespect will not be tolerated.
I LOOK FORWARD TO A GREAT TRIMESTER!
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