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    Course Description:

    This course is designed to develop and extend a student's reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. These skills will be honed through a study of world literature, with an emphasis on the integration and synthesis of information. A thematic approach provides students significant genre exposure. Students will begin the process to eventually master various forms of composition as well as increase competence in public speaking, listening, using technology, and analyzing different types of writing.


    Classroom Procedures & Expectations

    Grading

    My grading policy is based on category weights in an effort to maximize the potential of each student while simultaneously providing clarity of expectation and grading. Students are expected to complete all assignments on time unless otherwise discussed with Mrs. Martin. If assignments are returned incomplete or late, points will be deducted accordingly per student handbook. If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to obtain missing work. Anything over five days late will be counted as a ZERO. Please see Mrs. Martin with any questions or for extra help before or after school!

    • Major Assessments 60%

      • Tests, essays, projects, presentations, journals, etc.

    • Minor Assessments 30%

      • quizzes, quick Writes, one-pagers, etc.

    • Class Participation 10%

      • Homework, classwork, participation, etc.


    Chromebooks & Classroom Supplies

    • Your Chromebooks are to be charged and brought to class every day. These will be a vital tool used in our classroom and it is imperative you come prepared with your assigned Chromebook every day.

    • You must also have a three-ringed binder with note paper and something to write with every day.

    • Use of Chromebooks and binders will vary depending on the assignment and are therefore both required


    Class Website & Calendar

    • My class website is located by going to www.shoreregional.org and following the prompts for faculty webpages.

    • The most effective way to receive information regarding this class is to see Google Classroom. This will have the most up to date assignments, both homework and classwork.Note: All posted assignments are subject to change at my discretion. Please e-mail if you are unsure of a missed assignment as well as check your e-mail for assignment updates/corrections.


    Policies & Procedures

    • Students will come to class on time* Please refer to Student/Parent handbook on lates, cuts and absences

    • Students will come to class prepared with all essential items listed above.

    • Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions and group work.

    • Students will respect each other as well as Mrs. Martin.

    • Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and will be dealt with according to school policy.

    • Students are expected to check their email daily for announcements and assignment clarifications.


     

    Below is an outline of the texts and concepts we will cover over the course of the school year which have been broken up into manageable units. As the year progresses, this syllabus is subject to change. However, the key concepts and texts will be covered. All units will have an estimated time period which includes various assessments, writing assignments, final projects and presentations, vocabulary & grammar lessons, etcetera. Note: Below is a general outline and will possibly

    change throughout the year


    UNIT ONE: SUMMER READING (1 week)

    • Students will complete an in-class writing assignment during the first week of school based on summer reading

    Key Concepts: Establishing and exploring the literary terms of character and theme; compare/contrast texts


    UNIT TWO: INTRODUCTION TO ORAL TRADITION: ANCIENT GREEK MYTH (4-6 weeks)

    • Homer’s “The Odyssey”, Oedipus The King

    Margaret Atwood’s “The Siren Song”

    Key Concepts: elements of epic poem and myth, historical background of Greek/Roman culture, oral tradition


    UNIT THREE: SHAKESPEAREAN THEATRE & LITERARY RENAISSANCE (10 weeks)

    • Romeo and Juliet;  Shakespeare’s sonnets, various selected works

    Key Concepts: background information on Shakespeare and Elizabethan culture, connection b/w Greek Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe, character, irony, comedy/tragedy, culture and society


    UNIT FOUR: GREAT DEPRESSION ERA AMERICAN WORKS (6-8 weeks)

    • Of Mice and Men, selections from textbook

    Key Concepts: oral tradition, fable and parable, tragic hero, history and literary impact of South Africa


    UNIT FIVE: ANCIENT AFRICAN FABLES/MODERN AFRICAN LITERATURE (6-8 weeks)

    • Maya Angelou’s "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings", selections from textbook

    Key Concepts: oral tradition, fable and parable, tragic hero, history and literary impact of South Africa


    UNIT SIX: MODERN AMERICAN VOICES (6 weeks)

    • To Kill a Mockingbird,  The Giver, selected excerpts and stories from textbook

    Key Concepts: impact of tradition on modern writing, theme, writer’s perspective, self-realization


    UNIT SEVEN: CENTRAL AMERICAN LITERATURE & MAGICAL REALISM (4-6 weeks)

    • The House on Mango Street

    Key Concepts: understanding concepts of magical realism, stereotyping and its impact on society, symbolism, vignettes