Creative Composition 2 with Literature

Course Description

This live online literature and writing class for middle school students uses high-interest assignments to show students how to increase their confidence and skills. This class will serve as a writer’s community with instruction and feedback on each stage of the writing process. It will equip students to grow further in becoming authentic writers, critical thinkers, and excellent peer reviewers.  During this course, students will write a research paper, an argumentative paper, and poetry and create their own short stories.

We will also read two books during the year: The Giver by Lois Lowry in the first semester and The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart in the second semester. Each book will be analyzed for setting, plot, characterization, and theme.

Course Structure

Assignments for the week are posted each Monday on our course page, with weekly homework given. Students should plan on spending approximately 45 minutes per day on homework.

A highly recommended but optional add-on to this class has been created to assist students with writing, grammar, and vocabulary skills. Students should register separately to participate in this extra learning opportunity. See Language Arts Lab CC2 for details and to register.

Who should enroll?

Students who want to focus on the art of writing well become critical readers and study the craft of expert writers. Students willing to do some risk-taking and experimentation in writing to discover one’s voice.

Class limited to 15 students

Technology Requirements

• High-speed, broadband Internet
• Sound card, microphone, and webcam (for live sessions)
• Streaming video capabilities for viewing recorded lectures

Evaluation and Feedback

Students will receive specific feedback on their work each week before class. They will also receive letter grades and a numbered score provided on the reviewer’s rubric for each final draft of projects.

I will provide specific instruction and guidance and give targeted feedback on each stage of the writing assignments, utilizing the rubrics in the course text and ensuring each student’s work is completed to mastery for their individual skill level. The final result will be a strong writing portfolio containing diverse writing projects.

Communication

I will confirm registration with parents and send a welcome email. Parents are welcome to join us in Canvas as observers, and I will respond to parents’ communication via email or Canvas.

Required Texts

All course content will be provided by the instructor. A PDF will be emailed for printing.

Novels:

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart