1. Course Philosophy
The Alberta English Language Arts Program emphasizes lifelong applications of Language Arts skills. Language use reflects the inter-relatedness of the processes of listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and representing. Language is used to communicate understandings, ideas and feelings, to assist social and personal development, and to mediate thought processes. Language expansion occurs primarily through active involvement in language situations. Through writing the student can learn to clarify thought, emotion, and experience, and to share ideas, emotion and experiences with others. Literature is an integrated part of language learning.
2. General Outcomes/Themes:
The study of English language arts enables each student to understand and appreciate the significance and artistry of literature. As well, it enables each student to understand and appreciate language and to use it confidently and competently for a variety of purposes, with a variety of audiences and in a variety of situations for communication, personal satisfaction, and learning.
Students will listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to
- explore thoughts, ideas, feelings and experiences.
- comprehend literature and other texts in oral, print, visual and multimedia forms, and respond personally, critically and creatively.
- manage ideas and information.
- create oral, print, visual and multimedia texts, and enhance the clarity and artistry of communication.
- respect, support and collaborate with others.
The learning outcomes are interrelated and interdependent; each is to be achieved through a variety of listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing and representing experiences. Senior high school students engage all six language arts as they study texts and as they create their own texts in relevant situations for a variety of purposes and audiences. The classroom community, available resources, peer assistance, cooperation, individual motivation and teacher leadership will all assist growth. The application of computer technology in the writing process is essential for success.
Themes:
Decisions--Action or Apathy
The Human Condition--In Search of Self
World Perspectives--The Social Experience
Equality--Pain and Pride
Environment and Technology--Reality and Responsibility
3. Assessment
Assessment in all classes will occur on a regular basis. Marks taken during assessments and evaluations will contribute toward the final grade. Each unit of study uses various types of evaluation such as exams, assignments, collaborations, presentations. The weighting of each mark contributes to the unit total while the weighting of each unit contributes to the overall course grade. Late assignments will not be accepted after the end of unit due dates. Refer to student handbook for appeals procedures.
4. Course Work and Evaluation
Unit 1 37.5% Marks collected from course beginning to 1st report card cut-off
Unit 2 37.5% Marks collected from 1st report card cut-off to final exam.
School Final Exam 25% (Date TBA)
5. Primary Resources
Students will receive only one copy of each text according to the rental agreement. Additional/replacement texts may be purchased through the school office.
Reading List
