S+Taylor,+Kyle

Insert Course Name **Syllabus**

Office: Stone Hall 209 Office Phone: (401)787-2774 Office Hours:** Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 3pm-5pm
 * Teacher: Mr. Taylor
 * E-mail:** kyle.j.taylor@maine.edu


 * =Summary of Unit= ||
 * The focus of this unit is primarily the art of persuasive writing. In order to explore the act of persuasion further, examples of oral and everyday persuasion will be worked with and examined. Students will complete several reflective pieces, later to be brought together with their peers in order to construct a group understanding of persuasive techniques and their prevalence in the real world. ||

B4. Persuasive Grades 9-Diploma// //Students write persuasive essays exhibiting logical reasoning and rhetorical techniques.//** a. Employ a variety of persuasive techniques including anticipating, addressing, and refuting possible counterclaims in a thesis-driven logical argument to influence the opinions, beliefs or positions of others. ||
 * || **Establish Goals:** **(G)** ||
 * **//Maine Learning Results: English Language Arts - B. Writing

//What understandings are desired?//
• Using the correct methods, any argument is debatable in a persuasive way. • In order to persuade one side of an argument, they must stand strongly on their side and use a variety of persuasive tools. ||
 * //Students will understand that:// **(U)** ||
 * • A thesis is a single, logically driven statement that is the core of any basic argument.

//What essential questions will be considered?//
• How might the use of particular methods steer an argument in a particular way? • Why is it important for someone to fight only one side of an argument? ||
 * **Essential Questions:** **(Q)** ||
 * • Why is it necessary to be able to condense an argument in to a single logical statement.

//What key knowledge and skills will students acquire as a result of this unit?//
• **Critical Details**: persuasion in today's world (politics, marketing, etc.) (students will research their own) • **Key Factual Information**: how to build a thesis, how to formulate an argument, how to structure an essay || • Justify one side of a highly debatable topic. • Interpret other arguments - namely ones contradicting their own. • a. Use a variety of persuasive techniques in a thesis-driven argument (essay). • Argue their side (point or belief) effectively [both] on paper [and verbally]. • Be open to counterarguments in order to strengthen their own. • Reflect on their own beliefs and opinions in a logical and meaningful way. ||  ||
 * //Students will know:// **(K)** || //Students will be able to do:// **(S)** ||
 * • **Terminology**: thesis, anticipating, addressing, counterclaims, refuting, argument, debate, persuasion
 * **Goal:** The goal is to be able to express your opinion in a persuasive way.
 * Role:** You work for a major advertising company that is known for creating political advertisements. This years candidates have requested a team, of which you are a part, to create advertisements concerning this year's 'hot topics'.
 * Audience:** The target audience is the various aspects of the public (mothers, teachers, veterans, etc.)
 * Situation:** The challenge involves dealing with counterarguments and opposing sides that are making your view look lesser or bad in the eyes of the public. Remember, the public also has their own ideas and thoughts on the topic, you need to help sway them otherwise so your employer gets the vote!
 * Product/Presentation:** You will create an advertisement concerning your topic in order to persuade the public views to feel as you feel.
 * Standards:** The politicians and public will be looking for various crucial aspects in your advertisement, including its ability to communicate with all audiences, the clarity and appropriateness, and your ability to persuade. ||


 * =Expectations= ||
 * Students are expected to be on time and in class for every lesson. Absence is the student's responsibility, and they are required to approach their students or the teacher in order to attain missed work. All assignments are to be completed and handed in on time unless prior arrangements have been made. Upon receiving feedback, students will have approximately one week (7 days) to return the an improved version of the assignment, should they choose to do so. Everything that was returned must be handed in with the revised edition, including a short summary of what was improved and why. Assignments will be turned in //both// on the class wiki //and// in a hard copy unless instructed otherwise, or unless other arrangements have been made. MLA format is to be followed //at all times//. ||


 * =Benchmarks= ||
 * The following is a representation of the weight each aspect of this unit carries. Each piece will be graded using a 100 point system, and then weighed in to your final grade for the unit accordingly.

You are expected to be present and attentive during class. You should be readily prepared with any due assignments.
 * Attendance and Participation:** (10 points)

All blogs are to be done by the given deadline and to the proper format and expectations that are defined for each assignment. Blog types will consist of several items, from self reflection to a summary of the day's in class assignments.
 * Blog Entries:** (30 points)

You will complete one persuasive essay by the end of the unit.
 * Persuasive Essay:** (35 points)

You will create a persuasive advertisement in either iMovie or GarageBand. ||
 * Advertisement:** (25 points)


 * =Grading Scale= ||
 * **A+** (96-100)
 * A** (93-95)
 * A-** (90-92)
 * B+** (87-89)
 * B** (83-86)
 * B-** (80-82)
 * C+** (77-79)
 * C** (73-76)
 * C-** (70-72)
 * D+** (67-69)
 * D** (63-66)
 * D-** (60-62)
 * F** (0-59) ||