Honors Written and Oral Communications, 15-16
Mrs. Liz Kirby
liz.kirby@d214.org & kirbyrmhs.weebly.com
>Course description:
This course introduces the fundamental skills of effective written and oral communication including style, structure, and language
appropriate for various purposes and audiences. Students will learn the basics of writing, speaking, and research methodology. As part of
the course work, students will review&/OR learn grammar and usage, study vocabulary, read selected fiction and nonfiction texts, and
utilize technology to augment classroom lessons, to enhance inter-learner school-related communication, and to create study tools and
presentations. To prepare honors students for the rigor of AP classes, HWOC will also delve into text analysis via critical theory methods
that exercise CRS applied to classic and contemporary issues. Grammar, reading, and composition lessons and activities, therefore, will
entail “AP-lite” experiences as students step towards the more complex, in-depth study language at its most effective and efficient
presentation.
>District-owned iPads will be used for reading, homework, and study. STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR JOINING
SCHOOLOGY and other assigned apps to access homework and notifications.
>Texts used in the course (see course guidelines for extended list):
Speech for Effective Communications (Holt, Rinehart and Winston)
District 214 WREN workbooks and iBook
Word Within The Word and The Magic Lens (Royal Fireworks Press)
50 Essays (college anthology of critical essays) (Aaron)
Titles from AP list = independent reading
ALL NOVELS MUST BE PURCHASED BY STUDENT FOR ANNOTATION PURPOSES; on line texts may suffice.
1st Quarter
-SEL: WE Circles* application of cooperative learning,
“choice”theory, and Socrative method.
-OC: Communication Theory, the Communication
Model, Intro Speech #1
-CRS/Cornell notes, outlining, & annotation
-Introduce expository writing/MEL & CER-con
- MLA rules for formatting and publishing researched
writing
- Magic Lens: English grammar
- Word Within the Word: Units 1-2
- Academic vocabulary: List 1
- Non-fiction w/note-taking & grammar analysis.
- introduction to learning with iPad (apps)
3rd Quarter
-i
-SEL(*)/WE
Circles & Socratic Seminars
-- choice novel reading
- Persuasive speech #3: Book Review
- Cornell notes/outlining/annotation
- Grammar: WREN24-27
- Word Within the Word: Units 6-8
- Academic vocabulary/lit terms: List 3
- Vocabulary from literature
- Nonfiction: news/articles, America Now
- To Kill a Mockingbird (Lee)
- OC: QUEST Social Issues action research w/multimedia
presentation
- Independent Reading: A Raisin In The Sun
(Hansberry)
2nd Quarter
- SEL (*)WE Circles & Socratic Seminars
- AP “lite” Poetry: reading/analysis
- Continue Cornell notes/outlining and annotation for reading
and lecture
- Vocal techniques; Oral Interpretation Speech #2
- MLA format/internal citation for lit analysis essay
- Grammar: WREN, 20-23 booklet/exercises
- Word Within the Word: Units 3-5
- Academic vocabulary/lit terms: List 2
- Non-fiction w/note-taking & grammar analysis.
- Literature: Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck)
-Independent reading: The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet
(Shakespeare)
4 Quarter
- Prepare for Final
-SEL(*)/WE Circles & Socratic Seminars
- WTL’s for reflection and exposition practice
- Cornell notes/outlining/annotation
- Grammar: WREN 24-27
- Bio/HG Forum: Nature vs. Nurture
- Bio/HG Forum synthesis w/perspective essay
- Word Within the Word: Units 9&10
- Academic vocabulary/lit terms: List 4
- Nonfiction: CICI and 50 Essays readings
- Fiction: Sci-Fi (short stories) & Inherit the Wind (Lawrence &
Lee) drama
- Independent Reading: The House on Mango Street
(Cisneros)
th
* Each quarter students are assigned to a “new”/different WE Circle for cooperative learning/group work .
“Should you or your parents/guardians have a question regarding course expectations, media, or textbooks, or wish to request an
alternative assignment for curricula containing potentially objectionable material, please contact the Division Head to discuss your
concerns. The Division Head will serve as the liaison between the student and parent and the teacher.”
“Should you or your parents/guardians have a question regarding course expectations, media, or textbooks, or wish to request an
alternative assignment for curricula containing potentially objectionable material, please contact the Division Head to discuss your
concerns. The Division Head will serve as the liaison between the student and parent and the teacher.”