EXPO

SITO

RY R

EADI

NG

&W

RITI

NG

COU

RSE

Room – A31

Spring 2017

Mr. Alfera

Reseda High School

tma1563@gmail.com

The Expository Reading and Writing Course (ERWC), is a full-year college preparatory English course for high school seniors taken in place of the traditional British Literature or Advanced

The ERWC addresses critical reading and writing problems identified by the CSU English Placement Test Committee, and prepares students to meet the expectations of college and university faculty.

Over 77% of the incoming freshmen in the CSU system alone are currently required to take remedial English courses. The ERWC is intended to prepare students for reading and writing at the college level.

Course Description and Objectives

How to take this course

It’s not what you “get” in this course, it’s how deep you go. People take the ERWC in 12th grade because they are forced to, “it is required.”

Think about why someone has decided that learning this material might be essential to his life, and what that means for him personally. It is entirely possible to do well in the class without

Waders Snorkelers Scuba Divers

You need this class to get a diploma. You do not necessarily enjoy English class, but you are willing to be here and do what you must

There is nothing wrong with walking along the shore; this may likely be the last English class you will

Snorkelers like to get below the surface and dig around a bit.

Perhaps you have enjoyed an English class in the past or are open to some new ideas.

Snorkelers understand the depth and

Scuba divers wish to dive deeper and use the cognitive tools and equipment of critical thinking.

Deep divers recognize the variety of perspective because they see it all around them.

That which can be presented without evidence must be dismissed without

consideration.1st Semester 2nd Semester What’s Next? Value of Life Rhetoric of the

Op-Ed Page

Bring a Text to Class

Juvenile Justice

Racial Profiling

Language-Gender-Culture

Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk

Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned by Walter Mosely

How to take this course

It’s not what you “get” in this course, it’s how deep you go. People take the ERWC in 12th grade because they are forced to, “it is required.”

Think about why someone has decided that learning this material might be essential to his life, and what that means for him personally. It is entirely possible to do well in the class without

You need this class to get a diploma. You do not necessarily enjoy English class, but you are willing to be here and do what you must

There is nothing wrong with walking along the shore; this may likely be the last English class you will

Snorkelers like to get below the surface and dig around a bit.

Perhaps you have enjoyed an English class in the past or are open to some new ideas.

Snorkelers understand the depth and

Scuba divers wish to dive deeper and use the cognitive tools and equipment of critical thinking.

Deep divers recognize the variety of perspective because they see it all around them.

I think, therefore I am

.

You will need to keep a portfolio of your work in

order to make the argument that you have achieved the

objectives of the ERWC.Elements of your portfolio

Best Practices Reflecting on process Detail the revisions you've

made and the improvements and changes that you want readers to notice.

Outline the process you went through to produce one or more of your entries.

Reflection and action

are necessary

for all individuals who wish to

become whole and

I think, therefore I am

.

Demonstrate what this portfolio illustrates about you as a writer, student, researcher, or critical thinker.

Acknowledge your weaknesses, but show how you've worked to overcome them.

Reflect on what you've learned about writing, reading, or other topics of the course.

Discuss each piece of writing you've included, touching on its strengths.

A three-ring binder for all units with dividers

Composition Book for journaling

Highlighters (3-4 of varying colors)

Blue/Black/Red or other color pens

College-ruled paper Sticky notes (post-it, or any

like brand)

Stuff and Things

You Need

Empathy and compassion are necessities, not luxuries; without them humanity cannot survive.

Grading Policy: Student’s grade will be based upon a cumulative point system. The final grade for the semester is determined by computing a percentage of a student’s points. A passing grade on the final exam will NOT guarantee a passing grade in the class.

*** Participation will contribute to your success; thus, good

attendance is mandatory. ***

100%-90.0%=A89.9%-80.0%=B79.9%-70.0%=C69.9%-60.0%=D

59.9 and below=F