Grade 10-CAS World Literature
In this course you will examine literature from around the world and write in a variety of genres to analyze these inter-related questions:
o What is a just society?
o How does the individual struggle to find meaning in life and personal relationships?
o What is the process of change?
Goals and objectives-Students in this class will:
o be part of a learning community in which peers work together to make meaning, provide useful feedback, and push and support each other to reach your potential.
o improve critical reading skills.
o improve writing skills by using the writing process.
o use writing to make meaning of texts and experiences.
o use questioning and discussion to deepen understanding of texts and experiences.
o develop and produce a reflective portfolio that illustrates your awareness of your growth, strengths and weaknesses as a thinker, reader, writer, and communicator.
In this writing-intensive course, literature from around the world and current events will serve as a launching pad for your thinking and writing. You will take every piece of formal writing through "The Writing Process," which includes pre-writing, writing, revision, and publication. As long as you engage in the writing process and meet the deadline for a formal writing assignment, you will have the opportunity to revise your work one more time for a better grade. By the end of the year you will each have produced one or two of each of the following kinds of writing:
1. Reflective essay
2. Persuasive essay
3. Response to literature essay
Additionally you will write a daily warm-up/journal, "mini-essays" responding to literature, timed essays (Writing on Demand, or WODs), poetry, and other informal writing pieces.
SAVE ALL YOUR WORK! You will have a folder that stays in the classroom and you can store all work from World Literature in it. You will need everything you have done for your first semester final exam and your end-of-the-year portfolio.
READING LIST (subject to change)
Fall class texts:
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
It Begins with Tears by Opal Palmer Adisa
African Book Circles
Spring class texts:
Nip the Buds, Shoot the Kids by Kenzaburo Oe
The Bone People by Keri Hulme
Latin American Book Circles
Mythology, short stories, and poetry will be interspersed throughout the year.
Outside reading:
Additionally you will be reading books of your own choosing outside of class and during our Sustained Silent Reading time on Mondays. Our belief is that in order to truly support you becoming strong and enthusiastic readers, you need two things: time and choice. Therefore there are no limitations on your outside reading beyond that you complete at least one 200-page book each semester. We will have books in the classroom that are available to you, but we also encourage you to visit the library. Proof of a library card is required for this class.
Outside reading projects:
A few weeks before the end of each semester you will create a project based on one or more of your outside reading books. The assignment will be done entirely outside of class time. The goals for the projects are 1) to give you a creative format to document and reflect on your experience of reading the book, and 2) to create something that your classmates can use to decide what books they might want to read next.
Materials you need to bring to class every day:
1. a section in your binder (or a folder, but it must be organized with assignments kept in chronological order)
2. lots of loose-leaf, lined paper
3. a pen of dark ink (dark blue, black or purple)
4. highlighters
5. sticky notes
6. your self folder (we will provide, and it stays in the classroom at all times)
World Literature Class Agreements
These agreements were developed during our class discussion on Friday, September 2, 2005. Please review them, share them with your parents and guardians, sign them, and return them to us by Friday, 9/9.
Teacher agreements:
o We believe that every member of this class can achieve academic success.
o It is our job to provide you with the necessary tools to ensure your growth and success.
o We are committed to promoting a healthy, productive, and fun learning environment that offers structure and encouragement, and that promotes your individual sense of responsibility to the community and to your learning.
o We will keep you informed of your progress in this class.
o We are available to help you when you need it, by appointment or during office hours. (After school Tuesdays, most Thursdays & Fridays; at lunch every day except Thursday.)
o We will assign a reasonable homework load, and keep open communication with you about it throughout the year.
Student agreements:
Act respectfully:
o Recognize each individual's unique attributes
o Speak one at a time in whole class discussions
o Listen to each other, teachers, and guests
o Laugh when it is appropriate
o Offer constructive feedback
o Be patient and tolerant
o Be honest (diplomatically)
o Be supportive and helpful
o Arrive in class with a positive attitude
Take responsibility:
o Arrive in class prepared & with your materials
o Participate
o Be attentive
o Ask for help when you need it
Grading Policy
Your grade for this class will be composed of these three aspects of your participation and performance:
33% PARTICIPATION
support the class by following our agreements
bring your materials every day
get involved
33% CLASSWORK & HOMEWORK
daily warm-up, homework, notebook assignments
in-class writing assignments (Writing on Demand or (WODs)
group activities
33% MAJOR PROJECTS
take all formal papers through the Writing Process
(You will have the opportunity to revise your work for a better grade-take advantage of it!!!)
1% JUST BEIN' YOU