K. Nichols' Classes: Gifted History of the English Language

Monday, July 23, 2007

Gifted History of the English Language

The title of this class makes it sound really boring, but it's actually a lot of fun and a real SAT booster. We learn about the crazier elements of the English language and how we got so many words with so many variations in spelling. We also look at how English got started and how it survived in spite of wild Vikings, deadly plagues, constant invasions, and much, much more. This class is great for gifted students 9 through 12. If you'd like more information or want to make a comment, please post it here.

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G. Mythology

Gifted Mythology
katherine.nichols@cobbk12.org
http://schoolnotes.com/30066/kathynichols.html
This survey course on mythology will include an emphasis on Greek and Roman mythology, but will also explore other world mythologies, including but not limited to, Norse, Celtic, Egyptian, and any others you want to tackle. This course will help you with literature, history, and Trivial Pursuit. The following is a very general outline for the class. Student interest, however, will help to determine the amount of time and the depth of each unit.

Unit 1
The Power of Myths
Hero as Archetype
Unit 2
Egypt
Unit 3
Mesopotamia
Unit 4
Greek and Roman
Unit 5
Celts
Unit 6
Norse Mythology
Unit 7
India
Unit 8
China & Japan
Unit 9
Americas
Unit 10
Africa

Daily Procedures
Each day we will study a myth to go with the culture we are investigating. You will need to keep a notebook to help you remember these stories. We will have frequent quizzes and tests, but you will be allowed to use your notes, so learn to take good ones.

The course will incorporate vocabulary development, written communication, research and presentation skills.

Grading Breakdown (approximations)

Projects and presentations 40%
Tests, quizzes, discussion 25%
In-class writing 25%
Final 10%

G. Creative Writing Syllabus

Creative writing
Fiction (poetry, short story, drama)
Critical reading
Requirements
Portfolio (digital and paper)
1. Each student will determine which of the following types of works will go into his personal portfolio.
Poetry
Short stories
Screen or stage play
2. Journal of Thoughts and Impressions both in and out of class including free writes
3. Workshop Activities (a collection of handouts from workshop exercises dated and in order)
4. Participation including silent reading in class - Students will read in class during
designated Silent Reading Time.

Units
Unit 1: Knowing Ourselves: Good authors have to know themselves before they begin to develop fictional characters. We also need to understand the nature of creativity.
Unit 2: Developing Dialogue
Unit 3: Developing Characters
Unit 4: Interaction of Plot and Character
Unit 5: Mystery Story
Unit 6: Historical Fiction Project
Unit 7: Writing Poetry
Unit 8: Drama
Unit 9: Portfolio

Grading
Grades will be based on the student’s creative output, engaging in the editing process, critical reading and discussion. The following are guidelines for point assignment.
Writing Journal 20 %
Writing Assignments 50%
Participation 20%
Final – Evaluation of Portfolio 10%

Expectations
Come to class and be engaged in discussion and writing. While we may discuss works from other classes, you may not use this class to work on assignments for other classes. When the class reviews student work, we will offer positive critical comments. This doesn’t mean we put everything “on the refrigerator,” but we should always help each other improve our writing – not discourage one another by being too harsh. Be considerate.

Gifted History of the English Language Syllabus

Course Overview
Gifted History of the English Language is a survey course of the origins of the English Language. With a title like that it’s hard to believe, but this class is FUN! We’ll study how our crazy language has changed and evolved over the years and how historical events have conspired to change the way we speak and think. More good news is that this course will help you with writing, vocabulary development, note-taking skills, and SAT strategies.

Ongoing Activities
Latin prefix/suffix
SAT QoD
Common Phrases
201 Ready to Use Word Games
Note taking activities

Texts/Videos
The Mother Tongue 16 chapters – one per week in class
Adventures of English – notes from teacher
History of English Language video series

Parallel Readings (most will be read in class)
Beowulf
Canterbury Tales
Everyman
London (selected chapters)

Grading Scale (Approximate only)
Projects – 30% of grade (May be done independently or in small groups)
Historical Connections
Regional Dialects
Tests and Final – 15% of grade
Quizzes and tests will be open note
Participation – 20%
Participation grades will be given every 3 weeks. Students receive credit for being present and prepared and for contributing to discussions. Note-taking activities will count in this category.
Socratic Seminars – 20%
2 – 3 times per semester we will have a discussion on material covered. Specific rubrics will explain how points will be awarded.
Essays – 15%
SAT style writings on classroom topics at least 3 times during the course

K. Nichols' Classes