Patterns of Communication                                                                 

Candidates for this course:

Patterns, a full-year course, serves the majority of freshmen.  These are students who intend to take Communication Arts courses at the College Preparatory Level.

Course focus/umbrella questions:

1st semester:    How do I define myself?

2nd semester:  How do I take responsibility for my decisions and actions?

Non-negotiable assignments required of all students who take this course:                             

The primary emphasis throughout the year is on personal writing.

1st semester:    Interior monologue

                        Dialogue

                        Sensory writing

                        Reminiscence narrative based on the umbrella question

At least one extended analytical paragraph about literature (teacher’s choice)

2^nd semester:  Two personal narratives:

                                    An extended memoir based on the umbrella question

A narrative about a first event (completed as part of the 2^nd semester final exam)

                        Short narrative writings to connect the archetype unit concepts to self

                        One or more poems

At least one essay about literature (teacher’s choice), which includes an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion

These writing assignments are supplemented with ten vocabulary units based on roots and prefixes, reviews of conventions, and an introduction to sentence-combining skills.                    

Required reading:

1st semester:    The Miracle Worker—William Gibson

                        To Kill a Mockingbird—Harper Lee

                        Selected short stories (teacher’s choice)

2nd semester: Unit on archetypes based on Wish and Nightmare—W. T. Jewkes and Northrop Frye, eds.

                        Antigone—Sophocles

                        The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn—Mark Twain

                        Selected poetry (teacher’s choice)

Student expectations: Students should record assignments in the student handbook and organize handouts in a binder.  They should come to class having completed any assigned writing or reading.  Whether in small or large group discussions, students should be active participants and respectful listeners.

Differences between this course and other companion courses:  (See entry for Enriched Patterns.)