Peachtree Ridge High School Language Arts Department

Norcross High School Language Arts Department

International Baccalaureate

IB Language Higher Level I - FALL 2015

IB Language HL I is the first year of a two-year program designed to focus on the student's ability to locate, comprehend, and evaluate college-level material; logically analyze information, compare and contrast different sources of information; use documentation styles correctly; organize, synthesize, and use ideas and language according to IB standards; clearly communicate original and logical positions on various topics; support argumentative positions by effectively citing literature as evidence and by logically explaining reasoning. We examine and re-examine the literature listed on the syllabus with special emphasis on developing oral and written commentary skills. Please note that IB emphasizes original thought, not regurgitation of instructor's teachings.

This college-level course is designed to develop lifelong effective users of language who are enriched by and who enrich the world through the various forms of communication. The integration of the curriculum with other academic disciplines establishes relevance for language study outside the classroom setting and expands the student’s appreciation for communicative arts. Instruction seeks to augment oral and written communication skills as well as critical reading and interpretation by focusing on the subtleties of our language as well as intensive vocabulary. The selection of literature is designed to introduce a variety of non-fiction and fictional writing and thought within the context of links to global influences. Literary genres are explored as well as varied types of critical techniques that aid in the understanding of the works. Research skills are taught in conjunction with the latest technology that links the students with worldwide information. With the goal of expanding students’ knowledge and understanding of not only their own culture but others as well, course content is geared to provide students with a global perspective in the tradition of the International Baccalaureate program.

IB LANG HLis a two-yearelective LA course: In order to maintain IBO and college-credit eligibility,all IB Candidates must successfully demonstrate on-time completion of the four (4) IB Language HL Assessments (one per semester) during the two-year program. Any IB Candidate whofailsto adhere to this requirement becomes ineligible for IBO credit and is consequently re-scheduled for an appropriate GCPS LanguageArts course.

The curriculum choices for this course correlate IB objectives that follow:

Language A: assessment objectives

There are three assessment objectives at SL and at HL for the language A: literature course.

1. Knowledge and understanding

– Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of individual literary works as representatives of their genre and period, and the relationships between them

– Demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which cultural values are expressed in literature

– Demonstrate awareness of the significance of the context in which a work is written and received

– Substantiate and justify ideas with relevant examples

2. Analysis, synthesis and evaluation

– Demonstrate an ability to analyse language, structure, technique and style, and evaluate their effects on the reader

– Demonstrate an ability to engage in independent literary criticism on both familiar and unfamiliar literary texts

– Show an ability to examine and discuss in depth the effects of literary techniques and the connections between style and meaning (HL only)

3. Selection and use of appropriate presentation and language skills

– Demonstrate an ability to express ideas clearly and fluently in both written and oral communication, with an effective choice of register and style

– Demonstrate a command of terminology and concepts appropriate to the study of literature

– Demonstrate an ability to express well-organized oral and written arguments

– Demonstrate an ability to write a sustained and detailed literary commentary (HL only)

Ø GRADING POLICY

You will receive a daily assignment syllabus for each six-week period of the semester. This is a writing-intensive, college-level course. It is anticipated that your commitment to this type of class will be evident in your work ethic. It is expected that you will complete the readings, assignments, and essays at your pace while adhering strictly to the listed due dates. Because of the more rigorous standards, ten points will be awarded to your final course grade at the end of the term. Grades will be based on the following:

45% = Summative Assessments (Tests, Finalized compositions, Timed writing, Projects, Oral presentations)

35% = Classroom Assessments (Quizzes, Formative writing, Responses to literature, Class/Journal work, Homework)

20% = Comprehensive Final Exam > IB Assessment [15%] + Performance Essay [5%]

GCPS Grading Scale: A= 90-100 B= 80- 89 C= 74-79 D= 70-73 F= below 70

Ø In-class and take-home essay writing assignments will be graded according to specific IB Organization scoring rubrics that will be reviewed in class and posted on the class website.

Ø Tests and in-class essays will generally be worth 50-100 points each. There may be occasions when tests are worth more. Tests and assessments will be in IB format.

Ø Quizzes (announced and unannounced) will generally be worth 25-50 points each.

Ø Homework is to be done when assigned. These assignments include personal and critical responses to the selections, activities related to the literary works, and exercises in rhetorical technique. Since homework is formative, it will only be graded periodically. Homework assignments are worth 10-20 points each.

Ø Projects/Oral Presentations will be discussed in detail and assigned during the semester. Students will receive specific instructions and copies of IBO scoring rubrics on each project and oral presentation. There will be several shorter formative assessments before completing the IOP. Due dates will be announced at the time each assignment is given and are on unit calendars as well as Eclass. The point value of these projects will vary depending on the assignment.

Ø MAKE-UP WORK/LATE WORK

“TAKE-HOME” PAPERS, PROJECTS, AND PRESENTATIONS

1. Papers are due at the beginning of the period. Last-minute printing cannot be accommodated in class!

2. Students who “check in” or “out” on a due date must check by with papers or assignments, otherwise the paper will be considered late and will be penalized.

3. Assignments made prior to the student’s excused absence are due on the day he or she returns to school.

4. Students absent prior to a pre-announced due date must submit papers on time.

5. BLOCK ONLY-If you return on a “non-class” BLOCK day, you will be expected to bring me your assignment. Failure to do so will result in a late penalty or a zero. Parents may also be contacted.

ASSESSMENTS “IN-CLASS” PAPERS

1. To make up an assessment, you must see me immediately upon return to make an appointment. This work should be made up within (2) two school days of an excused school day absence.

2. It is your responsibility to find out about work, assignments, etc., missed due to absence.

3. Make-up assessments will be different from the original.

HOMEWORK

1. Homework is due at the beginning of the period.

2. If you “check in” or “out,” check by with the homework.

3. Assignments made prior to the student’s excused absence are due on the day he or she returns to school.

4. If you are absent on the day an assignment is made, you may turn it in at the beginning of the next class period.

5. If you are absent when a homework assignment is checked for a grade, it is your responsibility to have your work checked by me on the day you return.

SPECIAL NOTES: ALL assessments (papers, projects, presentations, proposals) are considered “on-time” at the beginning of class. A paper turned in (or printed) after class has begun is considered late. The student may turn in a major paper or project one day late (that is the next day after it is due) with a 50% points penalty. If you are present in school-- even if you miss this class-- it is your responsibility to turn any work in to me on the same day it is due. Failure to follow this instruction will result in a point deduction or a zero.

Ø PLAGIARISM

Cheating by students is inexcusable conduct at NHS. Cheating includes plagiarism, which is the use of another’s words or interpretations without giving credit. Proper documentation style, using the guidelines of the Modern Language Association’s Style Guide (MLA), will be covered thoroughly in class; therefore, students will know how to avoid this grave offense. Instances of plagiarism will be considered cheating and will result in a zero on the assignment and an administrative referral. Also, ALL ASSIGNMENTS should be a reflection of the student’s work, his/her own research, writing style, and capabilities. If a student has any question or concern about an issue of plagiarism, he/she should see the teacher PRIOR to the assignment’s due date. ALL IB students will sign an academic integrity policy.

Ø CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

1. Respect yourself, the teacher, and one another at all times. We are all human beings and deserve each other’s respect. Name calling, insults, put-downs, etc. do not have any place in this classroom.

2. No gum, food, or drinks are permitted inside the classroom.

3. Be on time for class. Be in your seat when the late bell rings. Class begins immediately following the bell. No one may leave the classroom to retrieve forgotten materials.

4. You are expected to come to class prepared every day with appropriate books, materials, and/or homework.

5. Abide by all policies and procedures in the NHS handbook.

6. Ask questions! I can’t always tell when you don’t understand something. When you ask a question, you have a better chance of learning and attaining a higher grade. If you are having difficulty and for some reason do not want to ask a question in class, see me after class.

7. Pay attention to your vocabulary and writing! The English language is one of the most expressive, versatile, and widely used languages in the world. Learn to use it well and you will command the respect of everyone you meet.

(The teacher reserves the right to alter any of the above to better accomplish the objectives of the course)

IB LANGUAGE HL I– FALL SEMESTER TEXTS*

Supplemental Texts to be purchased for Fall Semester:

1. {August} - How to Read Literature Like a Professor: A Lively and Entertaining Guide to Reading Between the Lines [Paperback] by Thomas C. Foster (ISBN: 978-0060009427)

2. {August} – The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man[Paperback] by James Weldon Johnson (ISBN: 1593082895)

3. {September} – A Room with a View [Paperback] by E. M. Forster (ISBN: 978-1593082888)

4. {October} - Wise Blood [Paperback] by Flannery O'Connor (ISBN: 978-0374530631)

*The ISBN numbers above refer to our recommended text editions and may help when searching titles online.

*Please note the following: For the most frequent grade updates, you may access all class grades via the go2.gwinnett Parent or Student Portal websites. Also use Eclass to access course content and calendars.

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Your signature indicates that you have read (and discussed with a parent/guardian) the information contained in the JR IB English LANG HL I course handout and syllabus. In addition, you understand all class expectations and are aware of your responsibilities. Please sign the bottom of this page and return this section to the teacher. Please retain your copy of the course handout and syllabus.

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Student’s Name (Printed) Student’s Signature Class period

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Parent/Guardian’s Name (Printed) Parent/Guardian’s Signature Today’s Date

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Revised: 2015, IB English Program