Phone Number:
610-853-5900 ex. 2203 / Room Number:
203
Website: / Email Address:
Google Drive:
COURSE OF STUDY:
Students will read and reflect on non-western literature selections that complement the culturesand themes studied in the 10th grade World Cultures course. In this class, we will make connections between culture and literature, develop our writing, research, reading and speaking skills, and strengthen our vocabulary. Additionally, we will critically analyze and interpret course texts to make connections between the texts read in English and the cultures explored in social studies.
CULTURES STUDIEDPRIMARY TEXTS
Africa Night by Elie Wiesel
The Middle East TheKite Runner by KhaledHosseini
South Asia Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie
Asia (China, Japan) Two self-selected non-western memoirs or novels
Latin America Various short stories, poems, and myths
WRITING:
Students will build upon their knowledge of expository and persuasive writing styles and learn to incorporate clearly defined thesis statements, smooth transition sentences, and various organizational strategies into their writing. Students will reflect on their writing process and develop individual writing goals for the semester. As we learn to write effective essays, we will work to improve our skills using specific Focus Correction Areas (FCAs).
CLASS PROJECTS:
1)Students will complete writing pieces which will undergo various levels of revision.
2)Students will complete a research project which represents a culmination of the skills learned in the World Literature course. Individual students will read a self-selected non-western memoir or novel, write a research paper, and then teach the class about the book, the author, and a cultural tradition or problem mentioned in the book. Students will learn how to write a thesis driven paper, correctly use the MLA citation style, use the library, and discriminate between general (popular) and scholarly (academic) sources.
3)Students will keep a class binder which will be checked for organization and completion periodically. Students will need to keep an accurate table of contents and correctly label all class notes, assignments, and handouts.
REQUIRED SUPPLIES:
-Something to write with – a pencil or pen
(blue or black ink)
-A highlighter
-A 2.5-inch binder and some loose-leaf paper
-Your student planner
-A Folder with Pockets
TECHNOLOGY POLICY:
While we will use a variety of technology and web-based applications in this course, students areNOT permitted to use their cell phones or personal electronic devices in class unless specifically directed to do so by the teacher. Violators of this policy will be automatically referred to their grade-level principal for discipline and will be written up.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
1)Respect
Respect other students and the teacher by using appropriate language, being prepared for class, following directions, adhering to all school policies, and by keeping an open mind when learning about various cultures, traditions, beliefs, and lifestyles.
2)Be Prepared
Always come to class prepared. This means coming to class and being seated when the bell rings, bringing your writing materials and class binder each day, completing homework on time, and keeping up with reading assignments.
3)Expect great things from yourself and your peers
Your attitude plays an important role in your education. If you believe you can succeed – you can! Encourage your classmates to succeed as well.
4)Take ownership of your education
Take personal responsibility for your learning: set goals, make progress towards those goals, adhere to high standards, and revise your performance when needed. Ask questions when something is unclear, participate in classroom discussions, and ask for extra help if you need it. Take ownership of your classroom. This is your space to learn; keep it clean and organized. This is your education – get everything you can out of it!Please wait until the end of class to engage in discussion with me about grades, clarification, misunderstandings, etc.
HOMEWORK AND ASSIGNMENT POLICIES:
- Students should keep track of assignments in their Haverford planner.
- Copying, cheating, and/or plagiarizing will result in zero credit and disciplinary action. Plagiarizing is defined as using someone’s research, ideas, or words (whether they are the words of a scholar or another student) without acknowledging the author of the idea. If you looked it up, you must give credit to the author through parenthetical citations and a works cited page.
- In order to receive full credit on all assignments, students must turn in their work at the start of class on the designated due date. All assignments (including daily assignments, homework, essays, and major projects) will be accepted one day late for reduced credit.Students are not permitted to print homework assignments or projects in class.
- Attending class is essential to your success. Tardiness and unexcused absences will have an adverse effect on your grade.
- In the case of an excused absence, students are responsible for making up all missed work and for any class notes given during their absence within two days. Students should plan to speak to the teacher before or afterschool upon return.
GRADES:
Quarterly grades are weighted as follows: 80% for exams, tests, quizzes, and long-term projects; 20% for binder checks, homework, classwork, SSR logs, journals, warm ups, and short-term projects. Each quarter counts as 40% of the semester grade for a total of 80%, and the midterm and final exams count as 20% of the overall grade for the course.
A+ = 100%-98%A = 97%-93%A- = 92%-90%D+ = 69%-68%D = 67%-63% D- = 62%-60%
B+ = 89%-88%B = 87%-83%B- = 82%-80%F = 59%-0%
C+ = 79%-78%C = 77%-73%C- = 72%-70%