Senior English

World Literature

Course Syllabus

English 4-1

2014-2015

“The most successful learners are generally those who have developed the highest tolerance for not knowing”

Richard E. Miller and Kurt Spellmeyer (Writers of The New Humanities Reader)

Instructor:Ms. Paulette Sato

Instructor’s E-mail:

Office Hours:Thursdays Afterschool By Appointment, Room 107

Course Description:In this course you will be reading a variety of non-fiction and fiction works and occasionally watching TED talks to supplement the texts. My course goals are to

help you learn how to read deeply, think critically, and explore connections amongst the works, and write interpretively and effectively to create your own independent arguments that synthesize multiple sources. Throughout the year, I hope you will be able to view concepts from different perspectives to have a more complete and complex understanding of the topics. You will learn how to support your arguments by developing coherent thesis statements that are supported through sound reasoning that you develop from gathering evidence from the texts. We will be working on close reading skills, synthesis expository essays, and grammar this year in preparation for the rigorous level of work that you will be expected to do in college. Let’s accomplish the goal of preparing for college, while still enjoying the journey that is your Senior year.

Course Objectives:To read actively and be able to identify important passages in a novel or article

To develop and communicate complex ideas effectively through writing and speech

To analyze and synthesize information from various sources to generate new insight

To suspend judgment and consider the possible interpretations of any new text

To evaluate and critically assess sources using the conventions of MLA and citation correctly

To utilize effective word choice, grammar, and spelling and standard written English

Required Materials:

The text, novel, article, or handout used in class that day

Binder with folders for this class only for notes and handouts

Pen/Pencil Everyday

Non-Fiction Articles and Books and Fiction Novels

∙“Immune to Reality”- Daniel Gilbert (NF)

∙“The Power of Context: Bernie Goetz and the Rise and Fall of New York City Crime” – Malcolm Gladwell (NF)

∙“Is Google Making Us Stupid?” – Nicholas Carr (NF)

∙“This is Water” – David Foster Wallace (NF)

∙ “The Mind’s Eye: What the Blind See”- Oliver Sacks(NF)

∙“An Elephant Crackup?” – Charles Siebert(NF)

∙“The Hero’s Journey/Adventure” Joseph Campbell - handout

∙The Kite Runner- Khaled Hosseini (F)

∙“Reading Lolita in Tehran”- Azar Nafisi (NF)

∙Demian- Hermann Hesse(F)

∙“The Anti-Hero” mini- TED talk

∙The Stranger- Albert Camus – (F)

∙The Metamorphosis- Franz Kafka– (F)

∙Anthem- Ayn Rand(F)

∙Tuesdays with Morrie- Mitch Albom(NF)

∙The Last Lecture- Randy Pausch (NF)

Grading Criteria (REVISED):

Grades are based on a percentage system:

WRITING-50 %

PROJECTS/TESTS-20 %

CLASS DISCUSSION/PARTICIPATION-10 %

QUIZZES-10 %

HOMEWORK-10 %

From the above criteria, it is clear that writing will count the most in this class. This grade includes peer-editing sheets, rough drafts, final drafts, and outlines. I will be updating your grades on genesis to help you and your parents stay informed. Therefore, I will need an e-mail from you that you check, as well as a parent’s e-mail address. If you want to go over your paper or grades, come see me afterschool on Thursday during office hours.

Also, participation counts a lot in this class. Don’t be fooled by the above criteria. I will be happy to add 1-5 points to your final grade if you actively participate, often share insightful comments, ask relevant questions and generally engage in what we are doing in class.

Participation includes:Making frequent and thoughtful contributions to facilitate class discussions

Asking purposeful questions

Actively listening in class discussions and presentations

Providing helpful feedback in class discussions and during peer review sessions

Working in class on relevant assignments

Non-Participation includes:Off-task discussion

Asking off topic questions

Not offering meaningful feedback during peer review

Working on assignments for classes that are not related to English

Writing- (Basic Advice)

Final Papers are worth 100-200 points and must:

1.)Be typed in black, 12 point font

2.)In MLA format- We will review this format in class.

3.) Use correct mechanics i.e. spelling, punctuation, and complete sentences*

*Papers with multiple and consistent grammar errors could result in a failed grade.

Late papers will be marked down 10% or 10 points for each day late. If you are going on a field trip or plan not to be in school (i.e. college visit) you must arrange to have you or someone else bring the paper to me on time (by our class time) or in the morning. The paper must be handed directly to me, unless some prior arrangement is made. No papers will be accepted in my mailbox or via e-mail unless prior arrangement is made. If the paper is not on time, expect that it will be considered late. In essence please be responsible, respectful, and honest. Papers handed in more than two days late

will not be accepted.

Plagiarism defined by Webster’s Dictionary is the act of stealing or trying to pass someone else’s ideas or words as your own, without crediting the source. Copying a phrase or a few words from a source without crediting the source IS plagiarism. To avoid plagiarizing, cite your sources. Failure to do so will result in no credit: a ZERO. If unsure what to do, always cite the source or ask me. I will explain how to cite a source in greater detail before our first major writing assignment is due.

Presentations-

During oral presentations, be present with your audience. Do not read off of a screen, off of notes, or your paper. Presentations involve engaging with your audience and knowing your information thoroughly. There will be moments during the course of the year where I will be asking you to present either in a group or individually.

Class Discussion-

This class is heavily discussion based. We will be working as a class to discuss the works or in small groups. Class discussion involves talking and listening. Listening to your peers is a good way to see things from different perspectives. I am looking forward to active class discussions in our class.

Tests/Quizzes-

Point values for tests are 100 points, and quizzes are 25-50 points.

Tests and quizzes are infrequent, but are mainly based on literature, the non-fiction articles, and class discussions.

Homework-

Homework is worth 10-50 points. Homework received a day late will receive half credit. Homework received two days late will receive no credit. Make sure all homework is dated and handed directly to me and not placed on my desk or in my mailbox. This prevents the risk of something being lost. To find out what you have missed, ask a classmate or me.

Attendance/Lateness-

If you are absent, I cannot grade your class performance. Being late without a pass is not an option.

Much of your grade is based on work you do in class. If you are absent, it will affect your grade. If you are

late 3 times, you will receive a detention with me. Please try to manage your absences, and tell me in

advance when you know you are going to be absent. This is very important and I really appreciate it.

Cleanliness/Conduct-

Trash is thrown in the garbage receptacle and any unwanted papers are discarded in the blue recycling bin. There is no gum in class. Also no cell phones are allowed. Make sure to turn them off before school starts, or if it goes off or is visible during class I will be forced to take it. Let’s work together to create a pleasant community in our classroom.

Communication-

I will be asking each of you for an e-mail address as well as for your parent/guardian’s e-mail address. On occasion I will be communicating with you via e-mail, to follow up on an assignment or to update you on your grade. So please provide a working e-mail address that you check, as well as one in which I will be able to contact a parent/guardian if necessary. This is very important so that we can all communicate clearly and efficiently this year.

Name:______Class Period:______

Please read your syllabus carefully and then sign and date it. Then show it to a parent/guardian and have him/her print, sign name, and date it. Then turn in this agreement to me by Wednesday, September 10. Thank you for your cooperation.

I, ______have read the course syllabus for English 4-1 for the (PRINT NAME)

2014- 2015 school year. I understand that by signing this agreement I am agreeing to abide by all the rules and

requirements described in this syllabus and that my failure to comply can result in failing this course. If I have any

questions concerning information delineated in this agreement, I will contact the instructor for further assistance prior to

signing it.

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Signature Date

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Name of Parent/Guardian

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Signature of Parent/GuardianDate

Your E-Mail Address (One that you check):

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Parent’s/ Guardian’s E-mail Address:

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Your first choice for college:

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Second Choice:

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OR plan for after high school:

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