Andover Central High School
Forensics
Syllabus
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Instructor Name: jodee hobbs
Class Location: Room 402
Phone: 259-9861
E-Mail: hobbsj@usd385.org
COURSE INFORMATION
Prerequisite: none
Course Description:The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with the various types of forensics events in a classroom and competitive atmosphere. Students will be able to learn about the different types of forensics events within a classroom setting and then apply those concepts in tournament competition throughout the semester. Students will have to do original research to complete their assignments.
Course Objectives: This class will give you the opportunity to:
1. develop efficient research skills through effective use of library and computer facilities by finding materials for competition
2. demonstrate an understanding of the similarities and differences in forensics events
3. make sound arguments using logic and reasoning
4. cut dramatic pieces efficiently and effectively to maintain a coherent storyline within time limits
5. demonstrate organization and signposting skills while speaking
6. adapt delivery style after observing and analyzing judges
7. develop a working knowledge of current affairs through the maintenance of an extemp file
8. keep a neat and organized set of files containing evidence for extemp
9. keep an open mind when exploring new issues and arguments in order to better understand those issues and arguments
10. develop communication skills which emphasize fluency, persuasion, and dramatic intent.
11. become familiar with parliamentary procedure
12. learn how to write legislation for student congress
13. refute opposing arguments through the use of evidence, logic, and reasoning
Required Materials and Supplies: Students will be responsible for providing the necessary materials to learn and compete (tape, paper, scissors, file folders, pens, pencils, money for photocopies, and script folders, etc.). Students will also need a notebook (folder or binder with pockets) that will be used exclusively for this class.
Supplemental Reading Materials: You will have research requirements throughout the semester. Be prepared. It is less than debate.
Method of Evaluation & Major Assignments/Projects:
Attend and participate in class activities. Class absences are excused in accordance with Andover district and school regulations as stated in your student planner. You will not be able to make up assignments if you have an unexcused absence.
Students who do not follow team rules or guidelines may be asked to complete alternate assignments in place of tournament attendance for the good of the team.
Novices:
200 POINTS Take exams as scheduled. There will be regularly scheduled tests plus a comprehensive final. These tests will include objective and subjective questions.
300 POINTS You will be required to compete in a total of 6 events (this can include competing in the same event at different tournaments). More tournaments will be made available if you wish to attend and if it is possible to take you. In order to attend tournaments you must be deemed tournament ready.
75 POINTS You will be required to prepare and present one dramatic event (poetry, prose, humorous/serious solo acting, or duo) in class.
75 POINTS You will be required to prepare and present one prepared speech (informative or original oration) in class.
75 POINTS You will be required to prepare and present one extemporaneous speech in class.
75 POINTS You will be required to prepare and present student congress legislation.
100 POINTS You will be required to assist at the high school tournament here at Andover Central. The tournament may be divided over two different time periods.
100 POINTS You will be required to attend 8 practice sessions after school, lasting about 1 hour each.
Specific guidelines will be given for the assignments as they come up.
Advanced option 1:
200 POINTS Take exams as scheduled. There will be regularly scheduled tests plus a comprehensive final. These tests will include objective and subjective questions. You may test out of notes.
375 POINTS You will be required to compete in a total of 11 events (this can include competing in the same event at different tournaments). More tournaments will be made available if you wish to attend and if it is possible to take you. In order to attend tournaments you must be deemed tournament ready.
75 POINTS You will be required to prepare and present one dramatic event (poetry, prose, humorous/serious solo acting, or duo) in class. OR
75 POINTS You will be required to prepare and present one prepared speech (informative or original oration) in class.
75 POINTS You will be required to prepare and present one extemporaneous speech in class.
75 POINTS You will be required to prepare and present student congress legislation.
100 POINTS You will be required to assist at the high school tournament here at Andover Central. The tournament may be divided over two different time periods.
100 POINTS You will be required to attend 8 practice sessions after school, lasting about 1 hour each.
In order to take this option, you must be able to test out of the notes for the event that you do not do.
Specific guidelines will be given for the assignments as they come up.
Advanced option 2:
200 POINTS Take exams as scheduled. There will be regularly scheduled tests plus a comprehensive final. These tests will include objective and subjective questions. You may test out of notes.
300 POINTS You will be required to compete in a total of 8 events (this can include competing in the same event at different tournaments). More tournaments will be made available if you wish to attend and if it is possible to take you. In order to attend tournaments you must be deemed tournament ready.
75 POINTS You will be required to prepare and present one dramatic event (poetry, prose, humorous/serious solo acting, or duo) in class.
75 POINTS You will be required to prepare and present one prepared speech (informative or original oration) in class.
75 POINTS You will be required to prepare and present one extemporaneous speech in class.
75 POINTS You will be required to prepare and present student congress legislation.
100 POINTS You will be required to assist at the high school tournament here at Andover Central. The tournament may be divided over two different time periods.
100 POINTS You will be required to attend 8 practice sessions after school, lasting about 1 hour each.
Specific guidelines will be given for the assignments as they come up.
Grading Scale:
|
A
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100 – 90%
|
|
B
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89 – 80%
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|
C
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79 – 70%
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D
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69 – 60%
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F
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59 – 0%
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Which means: Your final grade will be determined by the number of points that you accumulate in completing the above requirements and assignments.
A 900 - 1000
B 800 - 899
C 700 - 799
D 600 - 699
F BELOW 600
Homework: You will have homework for this class, some of which you can do during practices. You will need access to the internet and computers for some of it. If you want to be good, you will have to do some homework. IF you want to be great, you will do more.
Late Work: Assignments are due when they are due. If there is a problem, let me know beforehand. Late assignments without a prior okay from me may result in a “0” for your grade on the assignment.
Make-Up Work: It is the student’s responsibility to obtain make-up assignments from teachers following an excused absence. If a student misses an assignment due to a school sponsored event, it is their duty to make necessary arrangements with the teacher in advance.
Unexcused Absences:Students who have an unexcused absence will lose credit for all work missed during that class period.
All policies and guidelines from the Andover Central High School Student Handbook will be enforced.
INSTRUCTOR POLICIES
1. This class is part of a team. I expect you to work together for the common good and to help each other out as needed. Working against a teammate is unacceptable.
2. Come ready to work and learn.
3. Be responsible by keeping track of assignment due dates, test dates, and tournament dates.
4. Be NICE! Show respect for classmates, teachers, and fellow competitors.
5. Take notes when given.
6. Ask questions if you have them.
7. Remember to put your name on assignments. No name could mean a “0” for your grade on the assignment.
8. Do your own work. Make sure you read the definition of plagiarism in your handbooks. Do not “create” evidence. This would result in a “0” on the assignment and suspension from the team for a period of time.
9. Check student planners for additional rules. You are responsible for them.
10. Practice sessions will be held after school (3:30 – 5:30 M, TH) unless there is another scheduled event. There may be additional evening practices as needed for tournament prep.
11. Students must be in attendance at the school’s tournament, unless released by MS. Hobbs (This will happen only in extreme circumstances). If you miss this tournament (and are excused), you will be required to make the grade up by doing other assignments.
12. This is a communication class, and I want you to feel comfortable talking in the class room. You learn more by expressing yourself on the topics discussed. BUT, talking off task or distracting the class is not acceptable. I will let you know if your behavior is not acceptable and expect for you to correct it. If necessary, I reserve the right to write you up and/or talk to your parents.
13. You will receive additional materials which will include a list of team rules, lettering requirements, N.F.L. membership requirements, travel schedule, and a permission/contract form to be signed by you and your parents or guardians. Failure to return the form prohibits you from traveling with the team.
14. Each student may earn 20 points extra credit per nine weeks by bringing in a ream of printer paper or 3 rolls of tape.
15. This syllabus is subject to change if the circumstances warrant it.
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