Mr. Gustin's Main
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Practical English

Syllabus

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Practical English (202)
2007-2008 School Year
Lutheran High School
Mayer, MN

Instructor—Mr. Kris Gustin
Room 104-2nd hour release
Phone: (952) 657-2251 ext. 303
Email: kgustin@lhsmayer.org

Grade Levels—Grades eleven or twelve

Prerequisite—Satisfactory performance in American Literature

Length of Class—One semester

Course Summary Description—Primary emphasis in Practical English is on the fundamentals of work related communication skills. Course expectations will include classroom and group discussion, writing, research, verbal and written evaluations, daily assignments, quizzes, tests, speeches and interviews. The course will serve as an overview and presentation of the skills needed for technical college success as well as general English skills needed in the work force.

Course Objectives—The student will:

1. Identify, experience and appreciate various types of communication as necessary life skills.
2. Improve personal communication skills, including listening, speaking, discussion, and interview.
3. Understand and implement the elements, organization, and presentation skills of public speaking.
4. Understand the dynamics that surround small group communication.
5. Understand the basic elements of Parliamentary Procedure.
6. Evaluate elements of communication with critical insight.
7. Understand and incorporate appropriate applications of technology.

Course Outline

I. Speaking and Listening

A. Foundation
B. Process
C. Interpersonal
D. Intrapersonal

II. Working Together—Small Group

A. Discussion
B. Notetaking

III. Research/Data Access

A. Media Center
B. Internet Usage

IV. Formal Writing

A. Business
B. Email
C. Presentation

V. Public Speaking

A. Informational
B. Demonstration
C. Persuasive
D. Entertainment

VI. Interviewing

Evaluation Procedure—Lutheran High School policies are defined and clarified in the Student Handbook.

Grading Scale: Each student is evaluated based on the satisfactory completion of daily assignments, worksheets, quizzes, presentations, papers, and tests.

Homework: Homework and class work are to be done with full effort. Your work should always be your best. Any dishonest work will be recorded as a 0 and reported to the principal. Makeup work from a planned absence is due the day the student returns to class.

Late Work: Homework not completed before class will be considered late and will be penalized. Late assignments will be accepted for 50% credit for two days after the original due date. No homework will be accepted more than three days past the original due date.

Cheating/Plagiarism: It is expected students will be honest in all academic work and will be responsible for their work. Academic dishonesty is a serious violation of both academic standards and Biblical teachings. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to: cheating on assignments and tests, plagiarism, submitting the same paper or project in more than one course without prior consent of the instructors involved. Depending on the severity of the offense, the student will receive no credit on the assignment, additional assignments, and/or be referred to the principal for further discipline according to the Parent/Student Handbook.

Testing: Grades are determined by the number of points accumulated divided by the number of points possible. Generally, daily work is worth either 10 or 20 points, depending on the assignment. Tests missed due to a planned absence will be taken the day the student returns. Values are assigned as follows:

Tests/Papers/Projects 50%
Daily Assignments/Participation 50%

Semester Exam: The semester exam will cover all of the material presented during the semester. The exam will be worth 10% of the semester grade, with each quarter grade being worth 45% of the semester grade. The final exam is primarily objective.

Projects: These grades will be weighed as a test. Projects will occur as part of several units. All speeches given will go into this category.

Participation: This is not a daily grade, but it will figure into final percentages. Because this class is about communication skills, participation in classroom dialogue is critical.

Extra Credit: Extra credit will be very limited. Work should be done with effort the first time, so extra credit should not be needed. Under special circumstances, a student my request or be given an opportunity for extra credit. Extra credit will not be granted without first contacting parents.

Service: Christian leaders are dedicated to living in a Christ-like manner. One of the most critical components of Christ’s ministry was service to others. With that ministry in mind, opportunities will be sought out for this classroom to provide a service to others, modeling the love of Christ in an effort to serve His Kingdom.

Reading Comprehension: Reading comprehension is critical as students enter college, particularly because of the amount of reading they will be required to complete. One of the best ways to improve reading comprehension is through the use of writing. The writing strategies used in this course to assist students with reading comprehension are summaries, paraphrases, and responses.

Classroom Expectations—Classroom expectations and disciplinary actions will comply with the Student Handbook.

1. Arrive to class on time.
2. Arrive to class prepared to learn.
3. Work quietly.
4. Turn in homework on time.

Textbooks and Other Necessary Materials

DeVito, Joseph A. Human Communication: The Basic Course. 8th ed. New York: Longman, 2000.
Folder or 3-ring binder for organizing notes and handouts
Notebook
Writing Utensil

Integration of Technology—Each student will be required to submit papers produced on a word processor, making use of spelling and grammar tools. Each student will be required to make use of PowerPoint presentations as part of the PowerPoint unit.