Description

In this course students will develop skills listed in the VA English Standards of Learning (http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Superintendent/Sols/2002/EnglishSecondary.doc)

The cultural development of world literature is the primary content of this course. Students will read and analyze literature and will focus on cultural elements as well as major literary forms, themes and styles. In the process, they will broaden vocabulary and strengthen reading, writing and presentation skills. They will identify human connections among cultures and will develop an appreciation and tolerance of cultural differences. Writing, a key component of the course, will be primarily expository and analytical. Students will strengthen their control of the mechanics of writing.

Primary Texts

World Literature, Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich, 1993

Warriner’s English Grammar and Composition: Fourth Course

Selected novels

The class will study world literature and culture in the order listed below. Changes may be made at the discretion of the teacher.

First Semester

Summer reading: Yann Martel’s Life of Pi and Pearl Buck’s The Good Earth

Examination of components of culture (base for study of world literature)

World myths and folktales

Epics (small-group study of epics from various cultures)

African literature

Outside reading: Things Fall Apart

Greek literature (Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex)

Indian literature (poetry)

Outside reading: Indian-based novel: Siddhartha

Formal and informal writing with an emphasis on analysis

Writing mechanics (individual skills-based practice)

Writing mechanics (SOL): use of active and passive voice, punctuation of dialogue, use of colon

Second Semester

Chinese and Japanese literature

Italy and the Middle Ages: The Divine Comedy

Written compilation of research (focus on organization, citations, and use of MLA style)

Renaissance literature (one of the following Shakespearean dramas: The Tempest, Julius Caesar, Twelfth Night)

Modren literature: Outside reading: A Doll’s House (realism)

In-class: “The Metamorphosis” and “Myth of Sisyphus” (existentialism)

Silk Road Unit (culminating unit: cultural exchange)

Writing mechanics (individual skills-based practice)

Formal and informal writing with an emphasis on analysis

Class Procedures

1. Before the bell rings, be seated and quiet.

2. Bring loose leaf paper, a pen, English notebook, and your book daily.

3. Be prepared.

4. Respect others in the room. No one has the right to disrupt another’s learning opportunity.

5. Make up your assigned work in the designated time after being absent. Make sure your absence is excused first. It is your responsibility to schedule make up tests and quizzes.

6. If work is assigned prior to your absence, the work is due the day you return to class.

7. Consume food and drinks outside.

8. Turn in work at the beginning of class, in ink and on loose-leaf paper, unless word-processed or otherwise specified. (Points will be deducted for pencil.)

9. Late written work is accepted but not expected. Points will be deducted per day for late work.

10. Participate in class.

11. Please cover the anthology issued to you.

Other policies: Refer to York County Secondary School Handbook.

GRADING PROCEDURES

Mastery of skills will be determined by the point system. Each assignment, quiz, test, or project will be assigned a certain number of total points. The number of points a students earns on each assignment or evaluation will be recorded in my grade book. For instance, a student may earn a 33 on a test worth 40 points (This translates to an 83 on a 100-point scale). Most tests will be worth 35-50 points. Homework is usually 5 points; quizzes, 10-15; major writing assignments, 30; projects 15-40.

The course is writing-intensive, so at least 50 percent of the grade will be writing. The remainder of the grade will be a combination of tests and quizzes, homework, classwork and other projects. Some tests and quizzes will evaluate both your knowledge of the topic and your writing skills. You will write as much as possible.

Grades will be averaged on an on-going basis. Interims/computerized grade sheets are sent home on the designated dates. Keep track of your grades on a daily basis and aim for excellence!

Homework

You will have homework on most nights; often you will be reading or writing and occasionally you will be practicing skills introduced in class. Studying before a test is critical. To be successful in this class, you must complete work assigned for home.

Extra Help

If the literature is difficult for you or you have trouble completing homework at home, you may stay after school with me. I am here most days until 3:00 (often later), but I would like you to tell me in advance so that I am in my room when you stay.

Required Materials:

One three-ring binder (2-3 inches is preferable) with loose-leaf paper and pockets.

Divide your notebook into the following sections: writer’s reference, journal writing, novels, class notes and assignments. You may also want to have a section for tests, quizzes and a grading sheet.

Let’s make this a great year! Focus on your strengths and celebrate your accomplishments so that you can minimize the long-term effects of your mistakes.