Resources

Writing Center

OWL

Course Description: The study of English as a formal field, including composition principles, language conventions, and literary genres.  

Objectives and Content:

This course has two primary objectives:  (1) to provide an opportunity to articulate your vision of yourself as an English teacher and the implications of that vision and (2) to engage you in exploring and developing instructional theories and practices that will help you to enact that vision.  We will explore what it means to be a teacher of literary in the 21^st century, not only the practical concerns, but also the ethical and theoretical considerations.  

This course will take theory into account and is predicated on the assumption that all teaching is based on theory—that practice reveals theory.  English teachers reveal what they believe about the way language is best learned and the way knowledge is best constructed by the things they choose to do and choose to have students do.  During this semester, you will have the opportunity to develop and articulate a theory (why) of teaching language in particular ways and develop strategies (what and how) consistent with what you believe in the following areas:

1.      language;

2.      writing;

3.      reading; and

4.      literature.

Texts and Materials:

Absences: Regular attendance is critical; therefore, I expect you to be here and on time for each class meeting.  Although you may accumulate two absences without penalty, I urge you to use these days only when absolutely necessary.  For each absence over two, five points will be deducted from your semester grade.  If you must be absent, please contact me or another class member regarding assignments or in-class activities.

Conferences: An essential part of any classroom is ongoing conferencing between the students and the instructor.  Individual conferences will be required during the preparation of your mini lesson and major project.  I also welcome the opportunity to talk to you about your assignments or ideas that we discuss in class, as well as any other concerns you might have.

Assignments:
1.      Midterm Examination (20%)—Format includes identifications, short-answer essays, and major essay covering both theoretical concepts and practical applications presented in class discussion, handouts, and texts. 

2.   Journal Article and Presentation (11%)—This assignment requires a written summary of an article of special interest from the English Journal, the most important professional journal for teachers of English.  Additionally, you will present your findings in a very brief (5 minute) presentation to the class accompanied by a copy of your summary for each class member.

3.      A “Mini” Teaching Unit and Presentation (27%)—This assignment requires the design of a before-the-unit activity/lesson, a during-the-unit activity/lesson, or an after-the-unit activity chosen from the secondary SAISD Secondary English Curriculum Guide.  The written portion of your unit must follow the required format distributed in class.  A brief (10-12 minute) presentation is also required during which you will teach the class your mini lesson.  Your presentation must be supplemented by handouts and must utilize technology.  Peer assessment is required.  Your presentation will be videotaped and a formal self-assessment is required, written after viewing the videotape of your presentation.  Conferences are required during the planning of your min lesson. 

4.      Collaborative Annotated Bibliography (15%)—A minimum of 40 primary and secondary entries that identify useful texts, including hardcopy and web sites appropriate for secondary English.  The bibliography, prepared collaboratively with another member of the class, should include at least 10 sources in each of the following categories: literature, writing, and language.  A copy of each article, a copy of the title page with call number for each text, and the first page of any web site are required as an appendix to the bibliography.   MLA Stylesheet should be used for bibliographical entries.  Peer and self-assessment are required.

5.      Teaching Portfolio (27%)—This portfolio includes a literature lesson, a writing lesson, and a grammar lesson.  Each lesson must follow the format distributed in class, including the identification of objectives, detailed execution of the lesson, and immediate and long range plans for evaluating students’ progress.  Each lesson must be accompanied by appropriate handouts/exercises. Additionally, you must include computer-based technology in at least two of the lessons and must provide examples of assessment tools for all three lessons.  Self-assessment and conferences are required.  A 5 to 7 minute presentation following guidelines provided in class is required for the final exam.

A few reminders about prose style on written assignments:  As teachers, you will require writing assignments for which you expect your students to observe the conventions of standard English as well as a prescribed format in the same way that I will require you to do so this semester. While I don’t expect you to be a master of English prose, I do expect your written work to demonstrate your expertise in your chosen teaching field by your ability to follow the guidelines, including format, of the assignment and reflect careful drafting and editing to eliminate grammatical and mechanical errors.  Because you are a pre-service teacher of English, how well you express your ideas does matter.

Grade Determination:

Your semester grade will be determined by totaling the percentage earned for each of the following assignments:

1.  Midterm examination                                     20% 
2.  Journal Article and Presentation                     11% 
3.  “Mini” Teaching Lesson and Presentation       27% 
4.  Collaborative Annotated Bibliography            15% 
5.  Teaching Portfolio and Presentation                27%

Note:  All work must be submitted in the order assigned for you to be eligible to pass this class.

Academic Honesty:

Disabilities:  

If you have a disability that might affect your performance in this course, you should see me privately as soon as possible.

Computer Classroom Policies:

The Department of English has established the following policies for the computer classroom:

1. Food, drinks, and tobacco products are prohibited.  Please leave all food and drink containers outside the classroom.

2. Be aware that "a person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly displays or distributes an obscene photograph, drawing, or similar visual representation or other obscene material and is reckless about whether a person is present who will be offended or alarmed by the display or distribution" (Penal Code: Title 9, Ch. 43, Subch. B, Sec. 22).

3. Authorized software can be found on the Start/Programs menu and on the desktop.  The use of unauthorized software is prohibited.

4. Exit all programs before leaving class and retrieve disk(s) from the computer.

Electronic Devices:

Withdrawals:  

As of Fall 2002, the last day to drop a course or to totally withdraw from the University will be Monday, November 4.  Withdrawal grades will be indicated by W.  WP and/or WF grades will no longer be given during the latter portion of the semester.  For the first eight-week session in fall of 2002, the last day to withdraw will be Tuesday, October 1.  For the second eight-week session the deadline is Tuesday, November 20.

Last Revised: September 04, 2002 
E-Mail: Nancy.Allen@angelo.edu