WORLD LITERATURE

(1 semester, 11th or 12th)

 (If a student has taken and passed the former Literature and Composition 10 course in the 2007-2008 school year, this course may not be taken for credit, since it repeats the former course’s content.)

 THE COURSE:

This course, previously called Literature and Composition 10, offers an introduction to the study of world literature through the exploration of short fiction, poetry, drama, novel, and non-fiction. As students study some of the great literature of the past and present they will also explore, analyze, reflect, discuss, philosophize, research, and criticize some of the universal themes of the world. Outside reading material will supplement selections from the course anthology. An emphasis will also be placed upon interpreting the literary theme through writing in narrative, expository, persuasive, analytical, and research modes. In addition to other types of writing, students will write two formal papers, which will include a critical essay and an essay to be determined in addition to a research paper/project.

Textbook: Literature and Integrated Studies: World Literature, Scott-Foresman, 1997. (Text currently under discussion.)

 WORKLOAD

Students should be prepared to read at least one chapter per night depending on classroom activities. Because quizzes will follow most reading assignments, you must keep up with your work. You need to participate in class discussions, both as a speaker and an active listener. Written work-homework, essay, whatever-is due at the beginning of class. Late work will incur a grade penalty-but worse, you'll have little to add to class discussions and will also lose participation points.

 ASSESSMENT

-   QUIZZES/TESTS/ESSAYS/PROJECTS 50%

-   CLASS WRITING/ /CLASS-WORK/NOTES 30%

-    HOMEWORK / POSITIVE PARTICIPATION 20%

SCHOOL GRADING SCALE

 A = 93-100             C = 77-79             D- = 60-62

A- = 90-92              C = 73-76             E = 00-59

 B = 87-89              C- = 70-72

 B = 83-86               D = 67-69

 B- = 80-82              D = 63-66

 ACADEMIC HONESTY

The work that you do in this class must be your own work, consistent with the Honor Code at Grosse Ile High School. If you attempt to turn in someone else's work without giving proper credit, you will receive a zero on the assignment and face other disciplinary action.

 ADDITIONAL HELP:

In the past, students have needed extra help and they usually do not take advantage of that help. The first step would be to ask for as much help as possible during class time. The only dumb questions are the ones that go unasked. The next step would be to stay after school for clarification. I am in the building every day until 3:00 (35 min of help) each day. I am also in the building early, before school around 6:30 am. (For about 45 min. of help). If both of those options are still not helpful, the counseling office has a list of student and adult tutors available at your convenience.

 MATERIALS THAT YOU WILL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN CLASS

Bring the text for the day, your three ring binder and a pen/pencil.  It is suggested that you have a personal USB drive to save your writing assignments.

 BLACKBOARD ON-LINE TEACHING

We are currently using a website through Wayne County RESA as a supplement to classroom teaching. On this website students can access the reading material, reading assignment questions, and daily class notes. Students will also have access to tests or quizzes that were given in class. This way the student may be able to finish his/her own work in case of absences.

--Your student's username is his/her last name followed by his/her first name; gi.lastnamefirst.

--Your student's password is the last four digits of his/her student identification number.

 You can connect to the Blackboard Website at www.blackboard.resa.net.

CONTACT INFO

I check email often, rossowa@gischools.org . During my free period, I will usually be in my classroom, x2441.