Course Outline

Texts/Materials

• Prentice Hall Literature:  World Masterpieces, 1991
• Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
• The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
• Hamlet by William Shakespeare
• Vocabulary Workshop Level G
• Literature Circle Trade Books/ Study packets & handouts
• Layered Curriculum

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Supplies

• Three subject Notebook or Binder
• Three Folders (Vocabulary, Literature, Writing)
• Black, blue, and red pens for school and home
• Yellow, pink, and orange highlighters for school and home
• Loose leaf (no spiral edges)
• Dictionary and Thesaurus
• 3x5 and 5x8 Index Cards

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Course Description

World Literature covers various works of literature that span the entire globe. The course aims for the students to deepen their appreciation for all works of literature as well as to appreciate cultural diversity.

Over the course of this year, there will be special emphasis placed on literary analysis, reading and writing skills, and vocabulary development. The students will have numerous reading and writing assignments with special emphasis placed on literary criticism, expository and analytical writing. Grammar, usage, and vocabulary, in addition to formal classroom presentation, will be discussed during the analysis of literature and during discussion of written work. Additionally, a formal research paper written in correct MLA format will be a major project for the course.

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Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to perform the following tasks:

• Demonstrate an ability to analyze, assess, and appreciate various literary works, including poetry, short stories, essays, novels, and dramas.
• Demonstrate a knowledge and appreciation of the literary, cultural, and historical influences of major periods in the development of World Literature.
• Demonstrate knowledge of literary devices and terms as applicable to literary analysis.
• Write in clear, expository prose several critical analyses of literary works concentrating on topics such as theme, characterization, imagery, structure, and tone.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the grammatical structure of the English language and an awareness of correct usage and punctuation.
• Demonstrate an ability to write clear and logically organized paragraphs and essays, illustrating an ability to locate and correct errors in both structure and usage while employing a variety of sentence structures.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how poetic techniques and figurative language contribute to the total meaning and experience of poetry.
• Increase knowledge and use of vocabulary through both formal and informal study.
• Compose a formal research paper using MLA format.
• Demonstrate appreciation for William Shakespeare and his contributions to the world.

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Grading Policy

The student’s grade will be determined through the averaging of various assessment techniques including, tests, quizzes, essays, homework, project, class participation, and end of quarter assessments. All assignments are expected to be handed in on time. Points will be deducted for late assignments.

The system for grading is based on a point system. All assignments have a designated amount of points. The final grade is determined by dividing the number of points the student has earned by the total number of possible points. Please refer to the example below using a variety of assessments during a three week period.

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Homework Policy

• Homework is to be copied from the smart board at the beginning of class after prayers.
• Homework will be graded using a Rubric enabling students to earn points by meeting all of the requirements of the assignment. Points will be deducted for lateness, incomplete work, careless work, lack of effort.
• Written homework will be checked everyday.
• Homework is to be completed either in notebook or on loose leaf according to instructions.
• Rubrics (if provided) are to be attached on top of the assignment. This should be completed at home; it is part of the assignment.
• Homework is to be handed in at the beginning of the period in the designated cubby located in the front of the classroom.
• Homework will also be posted on my website at mrs-sullivan.com for parents to view and for those who are absent.
• Missing homework will result in deduction of points in both the homework grade and the class participation grade since the student will be unable to participate if homework has not been completed.
• A one-day only grace period will be permitted as a result of absenteeism due to illness or death in the family unless prior arrangements have been made with me.
• If a student comes to class without the completed homework assignment, she must hand in a sheet of loose leaf containing name, date, assignment name, class period, and reason for missing assignment.

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Absence Policy

• If a student is absent from class, it is her responsibility to find out any material that she missed, including outlines, handouts, skills taught, etc.
• Students who were absent from class can pick up any materials missed from the designated table while the instructor is checking homework/taking roll.
• A student returning from an absence on the day of a previously announced test is expected to take the test on the date of return. Exceptions will only be made for extenuating circumstances (severe/extended illness, death in family).
• Students who miss a quiz or test on the day that it is administered in class will be expected to take it on the date of their return while in class. If a student had an extended absence or emergency, arrangements can be made to take the test at a later date. All tests must be made up by the time the graded test is returned to the class. In order to avoid failure, all tests administered in given quarter must be made up before the end of that quarter.

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Extra Credit

• Extra Credit questions may sometimes appear on tests, and extra credit points can be earned during class games/competitions during review.
• Extra Credit work will not be given to pull up failing grades. This sends the message that a student does not have to take studying seriously from the outset.

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