World Literature and Composition
Mr. Kent Case
Home Phone: 231-881-6885
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Multi-Age Classroom / Performance Levels
Concord Academy Petoskey’s World Literature and Composition has multi-aged classrooms in high school. As a result performance expectation are not determined by class grade (9th , 10th , 11th, and 12th) but instead by which level of the class you choose. There are four levels of World Literature and Composition: Basic, Standard, Honors, and Advanced Placement (AP).
Read approximately 1 novel per quarter
Honors
In addition to all the requirements of Standard Level, students will have an increased reading load, higher expectation in critical essays, and they will lecture and lead classroom discussion.
Advanced Placement
In addition to all the requirements of Standard Level, AP students will read and discuss Perrine’s Literature. Students will receive additional reading and writing assignments that will require 1-2 hours of additional homework per week
Basic
The Basic Level performs similar requirements as the standard with additional time allowances. Also, the Basic Level focuses on one assignment at a time to aid in focus and completion.
World Literature and Composition
Mr. Kent Case
Home Phone: 231-881-6885
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Multi-Age Classroom / Performance Levels
World Literature and Composition
Mr. Kent Case
Syllabus: 2011-2012
World Literature and Composition is intended to teach multiple levels of literature and composition and follows the curriculum requirements recommended by the state of Michigan. You will actively discuss aspects of literature, write a myriad of essays and responses to literature, study vocabulary, and become skilled at aspects of grammar and MLA. Since writing is an integral part of the state requirements, you will focus your writing assignments on the critical analysis of literature including writing to understand literature, writing to explain literature, and writing to evaluate literature. Also, there will be creative writing assignments to incorporate your knowledge and experiences from critiquing literature.
The key to success in World Literature and Composition is that you read every assignment on time, deliberately, and with care. Time management is the most important aspect to master for successfully reading assigned literature. Novels, short stories, poetry, and dramas all need to be read thoroughly, taking time to comprehend the complexity and richness of the text. Paying careful attention to both textual and historical elements will provide you with the details for a successful interpretation.
Writing is the end result of all of our class discussions. You will have creative writing assignments in fiction, drama, and poetry to go along with critical analysis in each section. The goal of both creative and critical writing is to boost your ability to explain clearly, lucidly, and stylishly what you understand about literature and how you interpret literary works.
You will write several short critical papers based on careful observation of textual details including structure, style, and themes; historical and social values; and the use of elements of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. Specifics about assignments will be clear when they are assigned. Stylistic emphasis should be placed in the following areas:
We will workshop rough drafts, provide feedback before final papers are due, and develop a grading rubric together using the MEAP, ACT, SAT, and AP scoring guides as a reference. All essays must be typed, double-spaced, proofread for spelling and mechanical issues, and must use MLA for format and citation.
There will also be an extended research paper in the 3rd and 4th quarter. Details and information pertaining to the research paper will be distributed in the 3rd quarter.
You will write creative assignments; short stories, poems, and drama that focus on specific forms and structure or thematic issues of the literature that we study. This will allow you to go beyond interpretation and into application. I will be looking for your ability to apply elements of literature that we have studied: tone, style, diction, symbolism, figurative language, syntax, theme, etc… These assignments will not be graded aesthetically but instead on your aptitude to transfer knowledge and understanding of the appropriate structures and styles as laid out for each assignment. We will begin these assignments in class with hearty discussion and sharing of ideas, but the same criteria of the critical writing applies. All creative writing is typed, double-spaced, proofread for spelling and mechanical issues, and uses MLA for format. You will have the opportunity to workshop rough drafts and be provided feedback before the final is due. Creative Writing assignments are read in class on the day they are due.
We will use informal in-class writing to spark ideas, focus on specific literary elements, demonstrate understanding, and evaluate interpretations. Not all of these writings will be graded; they are used instead to allow you to think freely and build confidence as we work towards longer, more in depth critical writing. Some in-class writing will cover specialized topics while others will encourage free writing and experimentation. The in-class writing is an important step in organizing ideas quickly and building coherent and logical progression in a non-stressful atmosphere.
We will, on occasion, have timed essays in class based on ACT, SAT and AP questions. We will use these opportunities to apply the skills you have learned in time management, pre-writing, and quick editing. We will go over essays as a class, sharing strengths and finding areas to improve. Although there is not an opportunity to rewrite the timed in-class essays, you will be given the chance to transfer learning into the next essay.
You will be given literary terms and will be required to keep a vocabulary section in your notebook. There will be vocabulary tests, and you will be expected to use a wide range of vocabulary in your research paper, critical responses, and timed essays.
We will have grammar lessons throughout the year in areas of usage, sentence structure, and punctuation. All grammar lessons are specifically developed to improve aspects of your writing. As the year progresses we will learn facets of MLA that we will use in formal typed critical responses, research papers, and in-class timed essays.
My philosophy on grading is that I look for opportunities to reward, not for opportunities to punish. It is true that semester grades will reflect late or missing assignments, failure to read assignments, and excessive tardiness or absences, but grades are largely based on a your progression and hard work. The principal factor in grades comes from your ability to improve from the rough to the final draft.
You will be rewarded for commitment and hard work. Participating in class discussion and being actively involved in workshops will go a long way in your final grade. All I ask is that when you are in class you improve your self-knowledge and your study of literature, also that you are respectful of others and work cooperatively with your peers.
Plagiarism is a serious offense and it has serious consequences. Plagiarism results in the failure of that assignment and it will affect quarter and semester grades. If you have any questions pertaining to plagiarism please contact me.
If at any time you have questions about assignments or you would like an extension on an assignment you need to contact me as early into the assignment as possible. I am usually willing to negotiate due dates, gut I never negotiate on the day assignments are due.
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