About Gifted World Literature

two-books-of-astronomy

Course Description

10th Grade Gifted World Literature and Composition is a year-long intensive survey of world literature. The course is designed to explore the effects of culture upon literature and art, and vice versa, through an examination of various genres of literature from around the globe. Students will study how many of the great works and belief systems of the past influenced modern societies. Each unit will include independent reading, journal writing, class discussion, research, composition instruction, grammar, oral presentations, projects, and the arts.

Course Objectives

  • Be able to recognize the timelessness of literature and be able to discuss the importance of literature to culture: “One need not burn the books to destroy a culture; one merely needs to stop reading” (Bradbury).
  • Be able to recognize the historical significance of various works and genres of literature from around the world.
  • Understand the techniques of fiction, poetry, and drama and their effects on meaning.
  • Develop skill in independent, critical analysis through thoughtful discussions and a variety of writing assignments.
  • Develop writing skills through both formal and informal essays, including persuasive and expository writing, as well as a variety of creative writing assignments.
  • Develop research skills and be able to apply this research to a variety of creative projects and formal writing assignments utilizing proper MLA parenthetical and source citations.

Class Materials 

  • assigned texts – DAILY!
  • 3 ring binder w/ five dividers: one per unit and one for vocabulary/grammar
  • paper
  • black in pens and pencils
  • colored pencils, markers
  • highlighters

Textbook

Beers, Kylene, et al. Georgia Collections. Orlando, FL: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, 2015. Print.

There is $98.50 replacement fee for a lost textbook.

Tradebooks

While students may check out copies of the tradebooks we study, I highly recommend that students purchase their own copies of these texts, as writing their notes into the texts will aid them in close-reading and later in writing their papers. However, all students need to purchase The Elements of Style, as it is the most clear and concise grammar book on the market, and students will be able to utilize this text through college.

Strunk, William, and E.B. White. The Elements of Style. 4th ed. New York: Longman, 2000. Print.

Recommended to purchase:

Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. Anchor, 1994.
Hoff, Benjamin. The Tao of Pooh. Penguin Books, 1982.
Hosseini, Khaled. The Kite Runner. Riverhead Books, 2013.
Huong, Duong Thu. Paradise of the Blind. Pantheon, 2004.

Standards

Based on the Georgia Standards of Excellence, students will be able to

1. Determine a theme and/or central idea of a text and closely analyze its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text. ELACC9-10RL2.

2. Analyze how the author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the order in which the points are made, how they are introduced and developed, and the connections that are drawn between them. ELACC9-10R13

3. Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance that point of view or purpose. ELACC9-10R16.

4. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences. ELACC9- 10W3.

5. Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. ELACC9-10W9.

6. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing and speaking. ELACC9-10L1.

NOTE: This is not an inclusive list. Every unit developed will include  the Literary and Informational Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening, and Language Standards. You may find these standards at https://www.georgiastandards.org/Georgia-Standards/Frameworks/ELA-9-10-Grade10-Literature-Composition-Standards.pdf

Grading Scale:

Your grade is a direct reflection of your efforts in the class. If you have an issue with your grade, you may set up an appointment with me before or after school. NOTE: I will not discuss grades during class.

Formative Assessments: 20% Research: 20%
Summative Assessments: 40% FINAL EXAM: 20%

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS

Summative Assessments include tests, projects, and essays. There will be a comprehensive test for each unit as well as a formal essay and a narrative and/or creative project.

RESEARCH

There will be one semester research project, which constitutes 20% of the semester’s average. All assignments related to the research project – citations, rough draft, final draft, etc. – will be entered into the research category. You are responsible for completing each step of the process.

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENTS

Formative assessments include homework, daily work, and quizzes.

HOMEWORK REQUIREMENTS

  • Homework is due at the beginning of class. Homework and daily work are major grades that reflect student attitude and effort. I do not accept late homework.
  • Plagiarized homework will result in a zero.
  • Even if there is no assigned homework, review your class notes regularly, as your summative assignments come directly from your daily work, your homework, and your class notes.

Daily Work

Daily work, whether the work is in the form of individual or group work, is designed to prepare you to succeed in the given unit. Remember, much of the test material comes directly

from homework and daily work. It is important to complete and keep up with your work. Your daily work average will come from your completed daily assignments and class participation. I do not accept  late daily work.

NOTE: NOT EVERYTHING CAN OR WILL BE GRADED. ALL WORK IS DESIGNED TO ENABLE YOU TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN MY CLASS.

Quizzes

There will be formative quizzes given throughout each unit as well as pop-quizzes on outside readings.

Final Exam

The final exam is comprehensive. Be sure to keep all of your work and notes from your previous units so that you will have these for review. Your study guide for the exam is your notes.

Attendance and Make-up Work

• Excused absences: Assignments and tests missed during your absence may be made up  within five days of your return to school. Previously assigned tests and work are due on the day you return to class.
• Check-ins/outs: Check-ins/outs to avoid assignment deadlines are not allowed. If you check out of school, your work is due before you leave, and if you check into school, your work is due before the end of the day.
• Unexcused absences: You will not receive credit for missed work if you have an unexcused absence.
• Ask about missed assignments before or after class.

Academic Dishonesty

I strictly adhere to the county’s plagiarism policy, which you will find attached. Any plagiarized work results in an automatic zero with no chance to make up the assignment and a discipline referral for academic dishonesty. All assignments are designed for a learning purpose and to help you succeed in this class and in future classes. These assignments reflect your effort and attitude. DO YOUR OWN WORK.

Late Work Policy

The FCHS English department will accept late work on tests and research only. Remember, you will only have 9 days to submit the work late, and you will receive a 10% deduction on the assignment per day the assignment is late. If you hand the assignment in on the 9th day and receive an 90%, you will still receive a zero due to the late policy. It is in your best interest to submit your work on time. Remember, homework and daily work will not be accepted late.

Classroom Behavior and Expectations

1. Be on time. To be on time means to be seated in your desk, not running through my door as the bell is ringing – this is disruptive. The first tardy is a warning. The second tardy is a teacher detention. After the second tardy, students are referred to the administration.
2. Be prepared. Bring your texts and materials to every class.
3. Be attentive. Paying attention in class and completing your work will ensure your success in the class. You will not succeed by being a zombie.
4. Be respectful – to the teacher and fellow students.
5. NO food or drink are allowed in the classroom.

Technology

Technology is an amazing tool and will be used on occasion for educational purposes in the class. However, to avoid temptation, KEEP YOUR CELL PHONE IN YOUR
LOCKER! I will announce the use of technology in the classroom in advance, and the sign in the front of the class will be turned to green. However, texting and gaming will not be
permitted and the devices need to be used appropriately for the given assignment. When the sign is turned to red, it is not permissible to use electronic devices. Remember, the use of school technology and personal technology (BYOT) is a privilege, not a right. The consequences for technology misuse will be a warning on the first offense, a teacher detention on the second offense, and an administrative referral for all future offenses.

Writing Lab

You will be given time to work on writing assignments and presentations in the writing lab. Lab time is limited, so please utilize your time wisely. It is your responsibility to complete assignments that you do not finish in the lab before or after school or at home. The lab is open from 8:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M., as is the library. TUTORIAL DAYS I am available for extra help on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, 3:45-4:10, and Wednesday mornings, 8:00-8:25. Of course, if you are struggling with something in class, please see me to set up an appointment.

Extra Credit

Your grade is a direct reflection of your effort and will not be a result of extra credit. I do, occasionally, offer bonus questions on the test, so be sure to review your notes daily.

Remind

Receive text messages for class reminders: http://remind.com/ join/gifted10th or text @gifted10th to 81010. Students and parents may sign up for these alerts.

Classroom Needs

Donations of Kleenex, hand sanitizer, black EXPO markers, and bags of peppermints are always needed and appreciated.

Contact Information

The best way to contact me is via email, at cunningham.sonya@mail.fcboe.org. I will respond to your message within 24 hours. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions, comments, concerns.