World Literature – 10th Grade

Course Syllabus 2007-2008

Mrs. Cunningham

kacunnin@queenanne.org; mrscunningham@verizon.net

301/390-2947 (please try email first; calls after 9:00 PM are NOT appreciated!)

 

Course Description:  This course will give you the opportunity to explore a wide range of fiction, poetry, and drama from all over the world.  We will be learning not just about literary works, but about cultures and perspectives different from our own.  We will be reading both classic and modern works as we learn to understand and interpret, to formulate opinions, and to write and speak convincingly.  Primary focus will be on writing and individual expression.  You will be learning how to organize and write effective essays – and how to edit and rewrite your own work.  We will be studying vocabulary from context, doing class-wide projects, and reading, reading, reading.  Class participation is expected, as is your willingness to express your individual opinions – and support them with specific references to text. 

 

Class Rules:

 

·         ALL assignments MUST be typed.  This includes homework assignments, vocabulary assignments, and all essays, including drafts (unless otherwise indicated).  Crashed” computers, broken printers, or lost or damaged disks are NOT acceptable excuses.

 

·         ALL typed assignments MUST be PRINTED OUT.  Disks or thumb drives are not acceptable.  Do not show up for class expecting to print out your assignment on my computer – if you have no access to a working printer at home, make plans in advance to use your advisor’s printer or the printer in the Concession Stand (still called “Proud Lion”). 

 

·         Late homework WILL NOT be accepted.  Don’t even ask.

 

·         Late essays will be accepted only for a grade of “F/50” – essays are due at the start of class on the assigned due date; work turned in UP TO 24 HOURS LATE earns an “F/50”; work turned in beyond the 24-hour limit, or not at all, earns a “0”.  Please note:  An “F/50” earns you 50 points, a “0” earns you 0 points – do the math; this can make a big difference in your quarter average. 

 

·         If you miss class the day an assignment is due, but ARE IN SCHOOL THAT DAY, you are still responsible to get the work to me by the end of the day.  Work turned in the next day will be considered LATE.   If you know you will be leaving school early or coming in late on the day an assignment is due, see me in advance to turn in your work.

 

·         MLA format must be followed on all assignments

 

·         Daily note-taking is EXPECTED – you are REQUIRED to bring a notebook and pen/pencil to class EVERY day

 

·         Freedom of thought and expression REQUIRED

 

·         Tardiness, disruptive behavior, rudeness, and disrespect WILL NOT BE TOLERATED

 

·         Plagiarism will not be tolerated and will be brought before the Honor Council (this includes, but is not limited to, material found on the Internet)

 

·         ACT OF GOD passes – each semester, you will be allowed ONE “Act of God” pass, which entitles you to turn in one assignment (essay or project – homework is NEVER accepted late) ONE DAY LATE without penalty.  Use your Act of God pass wisely – once it’s gone, no excuses will be accepted for the rest of the quarter.

Required Texts:

·         The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd (summer reading)

·         Lord of the Flies, by William Golding

·         Oedipus the King, by Sophocles

  • Things Fall Apart, by Chinua Achebe

·         The Inferno, by Dante

  • World Literature, edited by Donna Rosenberg (includes A Doll’s House, and stories for the “World of Stories” unit)
  • The Tempest, by William Shakespeare
  • Into the Wild, by Jon Krakauer
  • MLA Handbook

 

 

Course Outline (subject to change!):

 

September – Symbolism and Metaphor

  • Secret Life of Bees  
  • Introduction to writing – creating an essay that speaks for you
  • Lord of the Flies

 

October-November – Tragedy

  • Oedipus
  • Things Fall Apart

 

December – Politics and Literature

  • The Inferno

 

January-February – Character and Meaning

·         The Tempest

·         A Doll’s House

 

March-April – Topics in World Lit

·         “A WORLD of Stories” – a tour of the world through a variety of different short stories, from the World Literature anthology.

 

May – The Meaning of Life

  • Into the Wild

 

June

  • 2nd Semester final

 

Grading Policies:

Preparation for and participation in class are essential and expected daily. You are required to keep up with the reading and to turn in written assignments and projects TYPED and ON TIME. 

 

     Grading guidelines:

  • Essays, tests, & major assignments              60%
  • Quizzes & projects                                        25%
  • Homework (other than essays)                      15%