Mr.

Villa
English- Graphic Novels
Spring 2016
ivilla@thewcs.org
Website: Englishwithvilla.weebly.com

Graphic Novels Syllabus

Course Description
The Graphic Novels course is designed to push students creatively. Within Graphic Novels, I
seek to develop each student into writer and artist who produces work that reflects his/her
society. Through the writing and reading activities in this course, students should become adept
with creating complex characters, analyzing/creating themes, and making connections with
modern times.
Objectives

Students will be able to develop graphic novel themes that are clear and concise.
Students will be able to create dialogue for graphic novels.

Students will be able to design visuals for graphic novels, including panels and text
bubbles.

Students will be able to create and apply conflict to their graphic novel.

Students will be able to design graphic novel settings.

Students will be able to create their own superhero, sidekick, and villain.

Students will be able to demonstrate all elements of plot within their graphic novel.

Expectations in Our Classroom

Our classroom will be treated as a community that is both supportive and understanding. Both
students and teachers shall be respectful, understanding, and cooperative. In order to meet both
long term and daily goals, we must meet a set of expectations that will allow us to maximize our
productivity. Here are some of my expectations for you:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Arrive each day with writing utensils and a binder or notebook.

Participation. Share your questions, ideas, and opinions during class.
Students should remain attentive while I deliver instructions throughout the class.
Show respect to all members of our classroom.
It is your responsibility to inform me of any missing work, documents, or assistance that you
need. You may inform me during class or through my school email.

Grading Breakdown

Mr. Villa
English- Graphic Novels
Spring 2016
ivilla@thewcs.org
Website: Englishwithvilla.weebly.com

Grading is on a point system. Milestones, presentations, scripts, projects, homework, class work,
and class participation are assigned a point value. The greater number of points given to an
assignment means the greater overall percentage or weight of that assignment.

Participation/Behavior = 10 points per week.

Milestones = 25 points per assessment.

Classwork/Homework = 10 points per assessment.

Presentation = 50 points.

Final Project = 140 points

Milestone policy
Milestones are to be completed in the order in which they are presented and assigned. Students
will not move onto the next milestone until they have completed the sequence. Students will
not receive full credit for late milestones. If a student fails to present his or her homework
assignments, he or she will receive a zero for those missing assignments.
Course Materials
Bring the following materials to class every day:

Graphic Novel section in a binder or a spiral notebook

One folder
Pens and pencils
Williamsburg Charter High SchoolGraphic Novels

Please return this completed page for a homework grade by February 5th.
Student: I have read the Graphic Novels Syllabus. I agree to follow the policies and procedures
defined therein and in my school handbook and to work to the best of my ability.
Parent/Guardian: I have read my childs Graphic Novels Syllabus. I will work with my child to
ensure that she/he fulfills the condition of this contract and will stay informed about my childs
progress by responding to interim reports, report cards, phone calls, and other communications
sent by the teacher.
Student Signature: _______________________________________________________
Student Print name: _____________________________________________________

Mr. Villa
English- Graphic Novels
Spring 2016
ivilla@thewcs.org
Website: Englishwithvilla.weebly.com

Parent / Guardian Signature: ______________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Print name: ______________________________________________
Email address (Parent): _____________________________________________________
Parent/ Guardian Phone number: _______________________________________________