World Lit Syllabus H

Conestoga High School: Ninth Grade English Program

WORLD LITERATURE HONORS Mrs. Tricia Ebarvia, Room 290 E-mail: [email protected] preferred Website: www.mrsEbarvia.com

WHAT IS WORLD LITERATURE? Welcome, Class of 2013!!! This year, we will embark on a journey through the literature of many countries around the world. In doing so, we will gain a better understanding of other people, places, and cultures, and the important role that literature plays in human life. Our journey will include stops primarily in the Middle East, East Asia, India, Africa, and Latin America. Throughout the course, we will engage in learning activities that will give you the opportunity to experience literature in a variety of ways, including self-directed work, small groups, reflection, debate, journal writing, and drama, among others. We will also read literature from many genres such as novels, short stories, poetry, drama, and other forms of prose. During the second half of the year, we will venture out onto cyberspace through a variety of online learning activities, such as wikis and blogs. As we read, we will investigate how literature acts as a mirror that reveals who we are, what we believe, and what we hope to become. Major Units of Study are listed below. Several supplementary short stories/poems may also be studied. (Note that some texts may vary by teacher.) Summer Reading

Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Middle East

The Epic of Gilgamesh translated by Herbert Mason Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi Returning to Haifa by Ghassan Khanafani

China

Excerpts from Spring Moon, Bette Bao Lord; Selected Stories by Lu Hsun

Japan

The Harp of Burma by Michio Takeyama

India

Traditional Indian Literature Unit Nectar in a Sieve by Kamala Markandaya

Africa

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Adichie

CS America

Magical Realism Short Stories The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho

Goals 1. To improve and excel in our reading, writing, and speaking skills in accordance to the Pennsylvania Standards for the Language Arts (separate handouts) 2. To understand the connection between literature and the human experience 3. To sharpen our critical thinking skills as we analyze a variety of texts 4. To learn from each other as members of a committed, open-minded community of scholars L ear ning Al w ays B egi ns with Ques tio ns In all aspects of our lives, questions often motivate us to learn more about the world and ourselves, and this course is no exception. As we read, write, and communicate with one another, the following questions will act as our guides as we study literature from around the world: • • • • •

What types of literature exist in the world and why? What role does literature play among different cultures and why? How does world literature act as a cultural mirror (or not)? How are values and beliefs both universal and specific to particular people and places? How does our own cultural point-of-view affect the ways in which we read literature?

MATERIALS Each student will be provided with an anthology as well as copies of the novels we will be reading and any other prose that is not included in your anthology. Do not lose your textbook, or you will be responsible for the replacement fee of $35. In addition, you will receive any necessary worksheets, study guides, grading rubrics, or assignments. To be successful, you will need to be organized, so be sure you have: 1. A binder w/pockets (minimum 2 inches) 2. Dividers for 5 sections (Handouts, Study Guides, Vocab & Usage, Test & Quizzes, Writing) 3. Highly Recommended: USB Flash drive (128 MB should be sufficient for storing Word documents, etc.) 4. Optional: Reinforcements for hole punches in pages (students last year found these helpful) ASSIGNMENTS Types: For each unit, you can expect to have a test, an extensive writing project, (pop) quizzes, reading response checks, vocabulary, and other writing assignments. You will find that you will be working on a writing or reading assignment at all times during the year. Expect homework each night, including the weekends. I always try to offer several choices when it comes to major assignments, and I welcome proposals for comparable, alternative assignments. Format: Unless otherwise indicated, all assignments that will be turned in must be typed (no larger than 12 point font, Times New Roman) and double-spaced with a proper MLA heading. Assignments that do not follow the prescribed format will be penalized. Make-up Assignments: For each day that you are absent, you will be given two days to make up your work beginning on the day you return to school (including quizzes and tests). Please remember that it is your responsibility to get the work that you have missed. If you are absent from class, but present in school, you are still responsible for the missed work. Feel free to e-mail me for assignments and check the website at mrsEbarvia.com. You can schedule an appointment with me during or after school if necessary. You may only receive make-up credit for excused absences. Late Assignments: All assignments should be completed by the beginning of the period on the day that it is due or turned in by the designated time for online assignments (details to follow). Late assignments (that were collected) may be turned in but with a penalty. For each day that an assignment is late, your grade will be reduced by 10%. Work not submitted within 10 days will receive a grade of 0. In this technological age, computer and technical problems are a fact of life, but not a valid excuse for late work. As such, always have a Plan B. If you are having computer issues that may make it difficult for you to complete your assignment (for example, printer problems), consider the following back-up plans: •

E-mail your assignment to me ([email protected]). E-mail your assignment as an attachment (preferred), in the body of your message, or both (safest).

•

Save your assignment on your USB flash drive and print it during your study hall or lunch, either in the library or in the classroom. Please note that sometimes the library is closed to study hall students, so email your assignment as well.

•

Hand-write your assignment and bring it to class.

GRADING Each marking period, your grade will be calculated based on the total points you earn, based on the following categories: Class Participation and Preparation You will have plenty of opportunities to participate in class on a regular basis, and I expect each of you to do so. You can participate in class in many different ways, including engaging in whole-class discussion, collaborating with your peers, working diligently on your own, and listening attentively to others. A portion of your grade will also include completion and quality of your homework assignments. Homework will be

checked randomly. On days when a homework “check” is administered during class, you will receive up to 10 points for completion. You may not make up a homework check. If homework is collected, you may still turn in the work, but with a late penalty. Tests & Quizzes You will have several major tests that cover longer units in the curriculum. In addition, you will have both announced and un-announced quizzes and reading checks (at least once per week). Cumulative vocabulary and usage quizzes will be given weekly. Writing Assignments and Projects You will have at least 2-3 formal writing projects due per marking period as well as daily writing activities and other short essays. You will be expected to revise at least two major writing assignments, and I will give you the details of the revision process at that time. Plagiarism/Cheating – Unless otherwise indicated, you are expected to complete your own original work independently. Borrowing (including rewording) another person’s ideas without citing your source is plagiarism. I encourage you to help each other on assignments when necessary, but simply copying another student’s homework is cheating. Telling other students about the content of a quiz/test or seeking information from others who have already taken the quiz/test is also considered cheating. No grade is worth sacrificing your integrity. If you are having trouble, please see me as soon as possible before any issues escalate. Students who are caught cheating or plagiarizing will receive a grade of 0 on the assignment and referred to the administration for disciplinary action. Pinnacle Gradebook System Student grades can be accessed through the school Parent Internet Viewer (PIV) found online (technical questions regarding access should be directed to Student Services). Teachers update their gradebooks at least once every two weeks, although longer assignments such as papers or projects will require more time. If you suspect there has been an error in a grade, it is your responsibility to see your teacher as soon as possible. It is your responsibility to monitor your grades, especially to check for missing assignments. The following key will help you understand the way I post grades: Z

A “working zero.” When a Z is indicated in the gradebook, it means that the assignment is currently missing, either because you were in class but did not turn it in or you were absent and did not turn it in. The Z is calculated as a 0 until the assignment is turned in. The Z grade should serve as your reminder to turn the assignment in. If a Z is indicated, you may should turn in the assignment for credit, but a late penalty may apply (see Late Assignments above).

0

An “earned zero.” When a 0 is indicated in the gradebook, it means that you earned the 0, either by receiving a score of 0 on a test/quiz, not having your homework completed when checked in class, or by not turning in an assignment within two weeks after its due date.

blank

Not Graded. A blank in the gradebook means that the assignment has not yet been graded and/or entered into the system. Please allow up to two weeks (or longer for more extensive essays/projects) after the due date for grades to appear online.

Due Dates - Please note that I will often enter assignments into the gradebook in advance of their due date. This allows students and parents to plan for upcoming deadlines. However, not all deadlines may be reflected in the gradebook – always be sure to check in class for assignment due dates and record them in your planner. *** Please sign below to indicate that you have read and understand the details of this syllabus. *** Student __________________________________ Parent ___________________________________ Date ______

HONORS WORLD LITERATURE Mrs. Ebarvia

EXPECTATIONS As we begin the year, it is important to consider what our expectations might be for the course. The beginning of any school year is always an exciting one, but it can also be a bit nerve-wracking and overwhelming at the same time. Taking some time out to reflect on what we want to learn from this course (and each other!) can help clarify our goals and put ourselves at ease.

Assignment Ask yourselves the questions below and write a brief response. As the year progresses, we’ll revisit our expectations to see how we are doing. Answer each question in 1 typed paragraph, double-spaced, using an MLA heading (as you did with Part 4 of your summer reading assignment). After you have finished responding to the questions below, please share your responses with a parent and/or guardian. Then ask your parent/guardian to read the course syllabus and sign where indicated. Wh en y ou ar e fi nish ed, pl eas e ha ve yo ur par en t/g u ardi an ini tial or sig n yo ur ty ped respons e to i ndi ca te th at h e/s h e h as r ead it. To Parents: I look forward to meeting you at Open House in a few weeks. In the meantime, if you have any concerns or questions about the syllabus (or in general) please feel free to e-mail me.

1. What are your expectations of yourself in English class this year? How do you expect to perform in class? Do you expect to do well? Why or why not? What do you expect to contribute to our class? 2. What are your expectations of your English class this year? For example, what do you hope to learn and why? What kinds of texts do you expect to read? What types of skills do you hope to gain? Why are these important? 3. What are your expectations of your English teacher this year? For example, how do you expect her to treat you? What do you expect her to know? What do you think are the qualities of a good teacher and how do you expect her to fulfill these expectations? 4. What was your favorite piece of literature from your 7th or 8th grade English class? Why? Be specific and provide a clear example. 5. Finally, do you have any questions or concerns? Is there anything I should know that might help you in your learning?