Creative Writing Pleasantville High School
English Elective – ˝
Credit September 2007
Ms. Kathleen Ballantine
Course Description
This course is designed for students who enjoy writing personal narratives, journals, poems, short stories and one-act plays. Through creative writing students will develop a keener use of their senses, stretch their imaginations, utilize language, and develop individual writing styles. Oral sharing of writing and peer evaluation are essential to the success and enjoyment of the course.
New York State English Language Arts (ELA) Standards:
Students will read, write, listen and speak for:
 | information and understanding |
| critical analysis and evaluation |
| literary response and expression |
| social interaction |
Course Goals:
| By taking this course, students will: |
| develop their written communication skills |
| sharpen their listening skills |
| heighten awareness of their sensory world |
| assess their writing and that of their peers |
| identify the qualities of good creative writing |
Writing Experiences:
The students will explore these forms of writing:
| Short Story |
| Play |
| Screenplay |
| Poem |
| Autobiography |
| Memoir |
| Article |
| Letter |
Class Participation:
In this seminar style class, students are expected to actively engage in all classroom discussions. Each day their participation will be evaluated.
Major Assignments/Projects:
Students will be required to submit at least one work for publication in Reflections, the Pleasantville High School literary magazine.
Assessment:
Grades will be based on the student’s writing and class participation. In accordance with the English Department policy, there will be a grade point reduction for late assignments: five point per day to a maximum of twenty-five.
Final Evaluation:
At the end of the course, students will be required to submit a portfolio of writing with a work from each genre.
Progress Reports:
A report of your progress will be sent home after the first five weeks of each quarter.
Extra Help
If you need individualized assistance, schedule a conference with me during an activity period, lunch or an unscheduled period or after school. We can meet in my office, which is in the guidance department.
A Personal Note
You elected to take this course; therefore, enjoy the experience!