Conestoga High School: Ninth Grade English Program

WORLD LITERATURE HONORS

Mrs. Tricia Ebarvia, Room 290
E-mail: ebarviat@tesd.net preferred Website: www.mrsEbarvia.com

WHAT IS WORLD LITERATURE?

Welcome, Class of 2013!!! This year, we will embark on a journey through the literature of many countries around
the world. In doing so, we will gain a better understanding of other people, places, and cultures, and the important
role that literature plays in human life. Our journey will include stops primarily in the Middle East, East Asia, India,
Africa, and Latin America. Throughout the course, we will engage in learning activities that will give you the
opportunity to experience literature in a variety of ways, including self-directed work, small groups, reflection, debate,
journal writing, and drama, among others. We will also read literature from many genres such as novels, short stories,
poetry, drama, and other forms of prose. During the second half of the year, we will venture out onto cyberspace
through a variety of online learning activities, such as wikis and blogs. As we read, we will investigate how literature
acts as a mirror that reveals who we are, what we believe, and what we hope to become.

Major Units of Study are listed below. Several supplementary short stories/poems may also be studied. (Note that
some texts may vary by teacher.)

Summer Reading Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Middle East The Epic of Gilgamesh translated by Herbert Mason
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Returning to Haifa by Ghassan Khanafani
China Excerpts from Spring Moon, Bette Bao Lord; Selected Stories by Lu Hsun
Japan The Harp of Burma by Michio Takeyama
India Traditional Indian Literature Unit
Nectar in a Sieve by Kamala Markandaya
Africa Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Adichie
CS America Magical Realism Short Stories
The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho

Goals
1. To improve and excel in our reading, writing, and speaking skills in accordance to the Pennsylvania
Standards for the Language Arts (separate handouts)
2. To understand the connection between literature and the human experience
3. To sharpen our critical thinking skills as we analyze a variety of texts
4. To learn from each other as members of a committed, open-minded community of scholars

L ear ning Al w ays B egi ns with Ques tio ns

In all aspects of our lives, questions often motivate us to learn more about the world and ourselves, and this course is
no exception. As we read, write, and communicate with one another, the following questions will act as our guides as
we study literature from around the world:
• What types of literature exist in the world and why?
• What role does literature play among different cultures and why?
• How does world literature act as a cultural mirror (or not)?
• How are values and beliefs both universal and specific to particular people and places?
• How does our own cultural point-of-view affect the ways in which we read literature?
MATERIALS
Each student will be provided with an anthology as well as copies of the novels we will be reading and any other prose
that is not included in your anthology. Do not lose your textbook, or you will be responsible for the replacement fee
of $35.
In addition, you will receive any necessary worksheets, study guides, grading rubrics, or assignments. To be successful,
you will need to be organized, so be sure you have:
1. A binder w/pockets (minimum 2 inches)
2. Dividers for 5 sections (Handouts, Study Guides, Vocab & Usage, Test & Quizzes, Writing)
3. Highly Recommended: USB Flash drive (128 MB should be sufficient for storing Word documents, etc.)
4. Optional: Reinforcements for hole punches in pages (students last year found these helpful)

ASSIGNMENTS
Types: For each unit, you can expect to have a test, an extensive writing project, (pop) quizzes, reading response
checks, vocabulary, and other writing assignments. You will find that you will be working on a writing or reading
assignment at all times during the year. Expect homework each night, including the weekends. I always try to offer
several choices when it comes to major assignments, and I welcome proposals for comparable, alternative
assignments.
Format: Unless otherwise indicated, all assignments that will be turned in must be typed (no larger than 12
point font, Times New Roman) and double-spaced with a proper MLA heading. Assignments that do not follow
the prescribed format will be penalized.
Make-up Assignments: For each day that you are absent, you will be given two days to make up your work
beginning on the day you return to school (including quizzes and tests). Please remember that it is your
responsibility to get the work that you have missed. If you are absent from class, but present in school, you are still
responsible for the missed work. Feel free to e-mail me for assignments and check the website at mrsEbarvia.com.
You can schedule an appointment with me during or after school if necessary. You may only receive make-up credit
for excused absences.
Late Assignments: All assignments should be completed by the beginning of the period on the day that it is due or
turned in by the designated time for online assignments (details to follow). Late assignments (that were collected)
may be turned in but with a penalty. For each day that an assignment is late, your grade will be reduced by 10%.
Work not submitted within 10 days will receive a grade of 0.
In this technological age, computer and technical problems are a fact of life, but not a valid excuse for late work. As
such, always have a Plan B. If you are having computer issues that may make it difficult for you to complete your
assignment (for example, printer problems), consider the following back-up plans:
• E-mail your assignment to me (ebarviat@tesd.net). E-mail your assignment as an attachment (preferred),
in the body of your message, or both (safest).
• Save your assignment on your USB flash drive and print it during your study hall or lunch, either in the
library or in the classroom. Please note that sometimes the library is closed to study hall students, so e-
mail your assignment as well.
• Hand-write your assignment and bring it to class.

GRADING
Each marking period, your grade will be calculated based on the total points you earn, based on the following
categories:
Class Participation and Preparation
You will have plenty of opportunities to participate in class on a regular basis, and I expect each of you to do
so. You can participate in class in many different ways, including engaging in whole-class discussion,
collaborating with your peers, working diligently on your own, and listening attentively to others. A portion
of your grade will also include completion and quality of your homework assignments. Homework will be
 checked randomly. On days when a homework “check” is administered during class, you will receive up to 10
points for completion. You may not make up a homework check. If homework is collected, you may still turn
in the work, but with a late penalty.
Tests & Quizzes
You will have several major tests that cover longer units in the curriculum. In addition, you will have both
announced and un-announced quizzes and reading checks (at least once per week). Cumulative vocabulary
and usage quizzes will be given weekly.
Writing Assignments and Projects
You will have at least 2-3 formal writing projects due per marking period as well as daily writing activities and
other short essays. You will be expected to revise at least two major writing assignments, and I will give you
the details of the revision process at that time.

Plagiarism/Cheating – Unless otherwise indicated, you are expected to complete your own original work independently.
Borrowing (including rewording) another person’s ideas without citing your source is plagiarism. I encourage you to
help each other on assignments when necessary, but simply copying another student’s homework is cheating. Telling
other students about the content of a quiz/test or seeking information from others who have already taken the
quiz/test is also considered cheating. No grade is worth sacrificing your integrity. If you are having trouble, please see
me as soon as possible before any issues escalate. Students who are caught cheating or plagiarizing will receive a grade
of 0 on the assignment and referred to the administration for disciplinary action.

Pinnacle Gradebook System

Student grades can be accessed through the school Parent Internet Viewer (PIV) found online (technical
questions regarding access should be directed to Student Services). Teachers update their gradebooks at least
once every two weeks, although longer assignments such as papers or projects will require more time. If you
suspect there has been an error in a grade, it is your responsibility to see your teacher as soon as possible.

It is your responsibility to monitor your grades, especially to check for missing assignments. The following key
will help you understand the way I post grades:

Z A “working zero.” When a Z is indicated in the gradebook, it means that the assignment is
currently missing, either because you were in class but did not turn it in or you were absent
and did not turn it in. The Z is calculated as a 0 until the assignment is turned in. The Z
grade should serve as your reminder to turn the assignment in. If a Z is indicated, you may
should turn in the assignment for credit, but a late penalty may apply (see Late Assignments
above).

0 An “earned zero.” When a 0 is indicated in the gradebook, it means that you earned the 0,
either by receiving a score of 0 on a test/quiz, not having your homework completed when
checked in class, or by not turning in an assignment within two weeks after its due date.

blank Not Graded. A blank in the gradebook means that the assignment has not yet been graded
and/or entered into the system. Please allow up to two weeks (or longer for more extensive
essays/projects) after the due date for grades to appear online.

Due Dates - Please note that I will often enter assignments into the gradebook in advance of their due date.
This allows students and parents to plan for upcoming deadlines. However, not all deadlines may be reflected
in the gradebook – always be sure to check in class for assignment due dates and record them in your planner.

*** Please sign below to indicate that you have read and understand the details of this syllabus. ***

Student __________________________________ Parent ___________________________________ Date ______

 HONORS WORLD LITERATURE
Mrs. Ebarvia

EXPECTATIONS

As we begin the year, it is important to consider what our expectations might be for the course. The beginning of any
school year is always an exciting one, but it can also be a bit nerve-wracking and overwhelming at the same time.
Taking some time out to reflect on what we want to learn from this course (and each other!) can help clarify our goals
and put ourselves at ease.

Assignment

Ask yourselves the questions below and write a brief response. As the year progresses, we’ll revisit our expectations to
see how we are doing. Answer each question in 1 typed paragraph, double-spaced, using an MLA heading (as you did
with Part 4 of your summer reading assignment).

After you have finished responding to the questions below, please share your responses with a parent and/or
guardian. Then ask your parent/guardian to read the course syllabus and sign where indicated.

Wh en y ou ar e fi nish ed, pl eas e ha ve yo ur par en t/g u ardi an ini tial or sig n yo ur ty ped respons e to i ndi ca te
th at h e/s h e h as r ead it.

To Parents: I look forward to meeting you at Open House in a few weeks. In the meantime, if you have any concerns
or questions about the syllabus (or in general) please feel free to e-mail me.

1. What are your expectations of yourself in English class this year? How do you expect to perform in class? Do you
expect to do well? Why or why not? What do you expect to contribute to our class?

2. What are your expectations of your English class this year? For example, what do you hope to learn and why?
What kinds of texts do you expect to read? What types of skills do you hope to gain? Why are these important?

3. What are your expectations of your English teacher this year? For example, how do you expect her to treat you?
What do you expect her to know? What do you think are the qualities of a good teacher and how do you expect
her to fulfill these expectations?

4. What was your favorite piece of literature from your 7th or 8th grade English class? Why? Be specific and provide
a clear example.

5. Finally, do you have any questions or concerns? Is there anything I should know that might help you in your
learning?