Course Outline
LA 30
Semester 2 2015
Barbara London
Email
barbaralondon@gpcsd.ca
Website http://londonbridgehome.weebly.com
“Language shapes the way we think, and determines what we can think about.”
Benjamin Lee Whorf
English 30 combines skills in all of the language arts – reading and writing, listening and speaking, and viewing and representing.
Students will study and create texts in a variety of genres and forms.
General Outcomes as set by Alberta Learning
Students will Listen, Speak, Read, Write, View and Represent To:
General Outcome 1: Explore thoughts, ideas, feelings and experiences.
1.1
Discover possibilities
1.2
Extend awareness
General Outcome 2: Comprehend literature and other texts in oral, print, visual and multimedia forms, and respond personally,
critically and creatively.
2.1
Construct meaning from text and context
2.2
Understand and appreciate textual forms elements and techniques.
2.3
Respond to a variety of print and nonprint texts
General Outcome 3: Manage ideas and information
3.1
Determine inquiry or research requirements
3.2
Follow a plan of inquiry
General Outcome 4: Create oral, print, visual and multimedia texts, and enhance the clarity and artistry of communication.
4.1
Develop and present a variety of print and nonprint texts
4.2
Improve thoughtfulness, effectiveness and correctness of communication
General Outcome 5: Respect, support and collaborate with others
5.1
Respect others and strengthen community
5.2
Work within a group
RESOURCES – provided by school:

Echoes anthology and literature from other sources

Hamlet NO FEAR SHAKESPEARE text

The Kite Runner novel

Death of a Salesman
Students are encouraged to use their own computer and/or idevice for school work. The school will provide ipads to high
school students who do not use their own at school. Students need the following reference tools: dictionary, thesaurus; these
can be a print or app on idevice.
Students also require a binder or notebook and folder to keep handouts for course materials.
ELA 30 Diploma Exam Dates:

Part A Writing Friday, June 12, 2015

Part B Reading Multiple Choice Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Course Evaluation
Course mark:
50%
Process:
Product:
Unit Evaluation
20%
30%
50%
Diploma Exam
50%
Final Exam (Part A written)
Final Exam (Part B Multiple Choice)
25%
25%
What do the categories (Process, Product, Unit Evaluation) mean and what type of assignments is included in each?
Process =
typically assignments which focus on the learning of the material. These assignments are designed to
help you get the terms and basic concepts under control. These include fast writes, in class
assignments, note-taking tasks, homework reading/viewing, self-evaluation, group work evaluation,
etc.
Product =
culminating type of assignments where output is evaluated. These include creative project
assignments and presentations as well as:
30-1 Personal Response to Texts and CARL (Critical Analytical Response to Literature) essays.
30-2 Visual Reflection, Literary Exploration, Persuasive Writing in Context
Unit Evaluation =
end of unit, proof of learning/understanding. These help students prepare for the final exam. Unit
Evaluation includes genre tests, tests on literary texts studied and writing assignments. Exams will
attempt to have you use the information you have learned by applying your new knowledge and skills
to new situations and unfamiliar literature. In addition, exams will require you to show that you
have a good understanding of the literary work(s) studied.
Additional information related to earning grades:

Students will be given the opportunity to improve marks on assignments and tests if they request a resubmission and if
the student provides proof of preparation or completes an assignment as requested by the teacher.

A course website will be used to provide materials to support learning and also to record weekly class work and
assignments. Students are expected to visit the course page each day.
Tentative Time line
Week 1 Feb 2 – 6
Week 2
Feb 9 - 13
Week 3
Feb 16 - 20
Week 4
Feb 23 - 27
Topics and Literature Studied
Discussion& Notes – key areas reading & writing (e.g. writing traits, genres, writing techniques,
reading strategies, literary devices, analyzing literature & poetry)
Review Blog and Website
POETRY – a variety studied - How can we appreciate, understand, analyze poetry?
Film - Dead Poet’s Society
PIV (Poetry in Voice) Project - Celebration Day in May or June
Visual Literacy – reading and responding to visuals
Moral Choices
SHORT STORY - On the Rainy River, selection of war poems & songs
Socratic Seminars – Essential Questions
Moral Choices
FILM STUDY – Schindler’s List
Film Marathon – Student Project and Presentation
Week 5
Mar 2 - 6
ESSAY – Reading and Writing
Week 6
Mar 9 - 13
Week 7
Mar 16 - 20
NOVEL STUDY – The Kite Runner Reading Workshop and blog responses
Research Report writing
The Kite Runner continue
Week 8
Mar 23 - 27
Complete novel study – comprehension test and CARL and Literary Exploration Writing Workshop
Week 9
Mar 30 – Apr 3
Creative Writing Marathon
Week 10
Apr 6 - 10
EASTER BREAK
Week 11
Apr 13 - 17
Death of a Salesman PLAY
Week 12
Apr 20 - 24
Complete DOASM - Project and Test
Week 13
Apr 27 – May 1
Hamlet SHAKESPEARE PLAY
Week 14
May 4 – 8
Hamlet - continue
Week 15
May 11 - 15
Hamlet - Project and Test
Week 16
May 18 - 22
VISUAL & MEDIA TEXT
Week 17
May 25– 29
POPULAR NON-FICTION
Week 18
June 1 - 5
Week 19
June 8 - 12
Week 20
June 15 – 19
SHORT STORY Marathon
Reading & Writing Workshop
PIV (Poetry in Voice Event)
Diploma Exam Prep
DIP LA 30 Part A Friday, June 12
DIP LA 30 Part B Wed, June 17
Week 21
June 22 - 26
Last week
Diploma Essay Examination Preparation
Students will prepare for their three-hour essay examination administered by the provincial government (worth 25% of their
English grade).
Diploma Multiple-Choice Exam Preparation
Students will prepare for the two and one half-hour multiple-choice examination administered by the provincial government
(worth 25% of their English grade). They will use released multiple-choice exams and will complete the questions section-by
section and discuss selections and questions in small groups and in whole class situations.
Classroom Expectations and Goals:
Students are expected to attend class and use the materials and information provided on the class website for in class work and
work done outside of class time. Students will have some form of homework each night so managing time is important.
Procrastinating is not a good idea. If absent, students are expected to use the class website to keep informed about class
activities and time-lines and due dates for assignments and tests. Late submissions will be addressed individually with teacher
and student and be referred to administration if deemed necessary by the teacher. Requests for extensions need to made
before assignment due dates.
Students will create, maintain and reflect in a writer’s portfolio through the course of the semester. A portfolio is a tool for
developing writing skills and maintaining all written work. It should include a selection of student work to demonstrate student
achievement, talent and improvement. The portfolio will be used for both summative and formative assessment.
Please come to class prepared with necessary materials and work completed. Please be responsible with the use of personal
electronic devices. Use for learning in the classroom and not for social or personal use.
Everyone in our class has a right to learn and work in a positive, productive and cooperative atmosphere. Respectful and
constructive comments and criticism are appreciated.
Notes on Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a very serious offence. Plagiarism on assignments will not be accepted and administration will be informed if
plagiarism occurs. It is the student’s responsibility to properly cite referenced materials for all assignments and to ask for
clarification and/or help with this expectation if needed.
Ultimately each student's learning directly corresponds to that student's effort and attitude. By taking ownership and pride in
one's work, each student will achieve personal success. Please indicate that you have read and understand the expectations,
assessment strategies and classroom policies for this course. Student Signature __________________________________________ Parent Signature _________________________________