Course Description: Critical Writing

Mr. Hauser
 

Course Description and Purpose:
Critical Writing is a one-semester Honors-level course designed for the student who has mastered the basic techniques of effective writing and is now ready to apply those techniques to the type of reading, writing, and thinking which will be required of students planning to attend college. Students will be taught how to critically read, analyze and evaluate the logic of a writer’s argument and how to recognize the correlation between a writer’s style and the meaning of a given work. This course is specifically designed to help students develop the study skills and self-discipline needed for success in college.
 

Teacher Expectations:
Because this is an Honors-level course, students are expected to be internally motivated, mature learners who are willing to do a great deal of independent work outside of class. Class participation is important, and it is essential that all students actively participate in class discussions. At least one outside reading text will be assigned each marking period, and students are expected to read the Hartford Courant on a daily basis. Students are expected to work to the best of their abilities, participate in writing conferences outside of class, and complete all class assignments.
 

Required Materials:
 Please remember to have all of these supplies with you in class every day:

Grading:
 Grades will be based on a combination of the student’s effort and participation (as determined by teacher evaluation as well as homework and classwork assignments), consistent work on writing projects, and the overall quality of the student’s finished work. Students will need to demonstrate consistent growth in their ability as writers to do well in this course.