Multicultural Literature and Composition PM
Multicultural Literature and Composition* Learn about
"Honors" option at www.MargaretShuman.com *Class may serve as or be adapted to World Lit, Ninth Grade
Lit, or other standards. Instructor can work with parents on requirements to
fit transcript needs. Grades: 9-12 One 90-min class meets weekly
This is a great class for students who think they don't like
English classes, and/or students who are up for
learning a variety of college and life skills in addition to traditional writing
and reading. ML is an active class that takes
place in an encouraging environment. The skills of literary analysis, writing,
and speech are taught simultaneously since much of the structure and style of
oral and written communication are complementary. Units of literature focus
on short stories, poetry, visual media, and plays. Students are taught the
rhetorical framework of fiction and nonfiction, investigating literary analysis
skills one can build on for future college/AP classwork if desired. Optional,
extra-credit summer reading contributes to literature requirements and may
cover August classwork if parents desire to start the course before Labor Day. The composition aspect
of the course covers organization and editing skills needed for ACT and SAT
essays, college/scholarship applications, discussion/exam-style essays, speaker
analyses, resumes, and other practical writing. Targeted grammar study is
included in editing workshops, useful for those who have a mind for grammar
and/or those with an ear for error correction. Teacher feedback in writing and
speaking focuses on encouragement and "next steps" rather than
punitive or negative assessment. Having said that, there is accountability for
each student to grow and work toward his or her writing being able to match up
with standard written English. Students often turn in writing assignments
during the week via email, making this a part-online/part-classroom experience.
Students practice meeting deadlines and assignment details, with penalties (and
rewards!) increasing over the semesters. Graded work is promptly sent home for
parent perusal. Spring projects include an MLA-style research paper on a career
chosen by the student and a formal, persuasive speech. The oral communication aspect of ML starts with non-intimidating assignments in order for students to build basic communication skills with a group, and comfort for themselves. The class progresses through stages until basic solo speeches found in Speech 101 in most universities are presented, and life skills such as persuasive speaking and communicating in group settings are practiced. We also practice job interview skills, non-verbal communication, small group consensus, and impromptu speaking. Students practice design and use of various visual aids such as PowerPoint, posters, white board, and demonstration tools. Optional
summer reading can add extra credit and cover
August classwork if parents desire to start the course before Labor Day. See
list and plan at MargaretShuman.com. Required
Texts: Perrine's Literature:
Structure, Sound, and Sense (ISBN 0155511084) and Outcasts United (ISBN 97803855222045)
Take $5 off
per month per student for families with multiple students enrolled in Shuman
courses in a current year. Would you like to meet
up and talk about this class? Contact
Margaret at shumanhw@gmail.com or text at 678-772-1644. We can meet for a walk
or for coffee/tea at a location that works for us both! You can also visit any
Shuman class with or without your student, any time. See current teaching
schedule at MargaretShuman.com Find more information at www.MargaretShuman.com.
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