Overview

Syllabus

HOPES AND EXPECTATIONS FOR NATURE WRITING ‘06

Mr. Buddy Hendershot

Robert Frost's Poems , by Robert Frost

American Primitive , by Mary Oliver

Collected Poems , by Wendell Berry

The Geography of Home , eds, Christopher Buckley and Gary Young

“We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake. . . by an infinite expectation of the dawn.” -Henry David Thoreau

Welcome to class. September 13 is the dawn of our school year. As Thoreau suggests, we need to “reawaken” and to “keep ourselves awake” by expecting much of ourselves and the “dawn” of a new day. I have wonderful expectations that my new students, the dawn of my school year, will take me on a journey to new insights, inspirations, feelings, and connections.

I want my students to:

1. read, understand, and appreciate a wide range of literature
2. improve analytic and creative thinking and writing
3. write poetry, nature descriptions and personal essays
4. have varied learning experiences
5. have fun
6. express thoughts and feelings confidently
7. feel relaxed and comfortable in class
8. become kind and supportive listeners
9. learn more about nature and the Shady Side landscape
10. appreciate nature and the Shady Side landscape

My best classes have been special because my students and I have shared our thoughts and feelings, and we have respected the thoughts and feelings of others. Over the course of the year, we have learned more than what we have been studying.

We are going to read a lot of great literature, written by a range of authors. Writing personal/analytic essays, poetry, and descriptions, we are going to share our thoughts and feelings. We will be observing nature, analyzing philosophies of nature, and hearing some “nature music.” Through all of the above, we will be discussing universal themes and archetypes. The possibilities are endless.

LET'S AWAKEN, STAY AWAKE, AND MAKE THIS CLASS SPECIAL!

PROCEDURES AND EXPECTATIONS—Your performance in the following categories will determine your grade.

MAJOR WRITING PROJECTS-You will write one or two finished projects. I will give requirements for these essays. Also, I encourage you to commit yourself to a writing process, that is, using rough drafts, peer tutors, the Writing Center , and coming to me for extra help.

SHORTER WRITINGS-You will write some formal journal entries and poems.

CLASS PARTICIPATION-This element of the class is worth 20% of your grade. Our class depends on students being prepared and being willing to contribute to class discussions. We also need to listen respectfully to one another, so we can learn to trust and to be comfortable in class. Your base grade will be a “B-“. To improve this grade, participate often and insightfully; be positive, cooperative, and prepared. Listen to others.

NOTEBOOK, HOMEWORK, AND TESTS-Your notebooks should have 4 separate sections. ALSO, YOU MUST BE PREPARED FOR UNANNOUNCED CHECKS. I will often ask for notebooks at the beginning of classes. You can earn an “A” in this category be being diligent, organized, prepared, and by following directions.

1. Works Read -Once you have finished a reading assignment, number, put title of work, and initial. By doing this you are saying, on your honor, that you have completed the assignment. If you complete all your assignments, you will get an “A-“ for this part of the notebook.
2. Practice Writing -Your practice writing will vary from paragraphs, to essays, to poems. Some of this practice writing you will collect in your notebook. Date and number practice notebook writing.
3. Nature Observations -When we go outside, I will often ask you to write images that express your physical impressions of the landscape. Number and date your observations. These images will help you with writing poetry.
4. I advise you to keep notes, for they will help you with tests and with essays.

EXTRA CREDIT

You can get extra credit by reading extra poems. Depending on what you do, I may increase your notebook grade or your grade for shorter writings. To get extra credit, you must write a response to your extra writing. We can talk about what you need to write.

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR FUTURE EFFORT.

AssignmentsNURTURED BY NATURE PEOPLE, TERM I, ‘2006

SOME ASSIGNMENTS

1. 9/8-Summer Reading Essays (700 words typed)

1. 9/18 Rough draft of Wildflower Poem (will announce time for final draft)

1. 9/25 Personal/Analytic essay

1. 10/6 Test on course terms

1. 10/19-Poem and Description based on Field Trip; Field Trip is 10/11

1. 10/25-Personal/Analytic essay

1. 11/6-Possible Test on Terms

1. 11/15-Major Writing Project (Final Exam)

Nature People:

Today you need to walk out to the outer fields, pick the wildflower that will be the metaphor for your poem, and you need to make a list of literal and maybe figurative images. (About 10)

For homework on Monday, write a rough draft for your wildflower poem. The poem should be typed, 15 lines, and it should be concrete (physical). Through its literal and figurative images, it should convey a tone and impression. What is your voice?

WHEN I GRADE YOUR FINAL ESSAY, I WILL BE KIND. FOLLOW MY INSTRUCTIONS AND YOU WILL GET AT LEAST A B+.

THANKS.

• 

Announcements

Links

Privacy Statement