World Literature 2017 Syllabus and Expectations

Ms. Witzke Room108

Prep Time: 3rd Block (9:20-10:51)
Email: witzkeh@olivetschools.org
Phone: 269-749-3671 ex. 3108
Twitter: @witzkeh
Remind Texts: text @hwitz to 81010
Planbook: http://planbookedu.com/s/8GP14
Course Website: witzkeh.weebly.com

If we did the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves. Thomas Edison

Course Overview
In this class, you will read and critically analyze a variety of texts to gain an understanding
of the cultural contexts in which they exist. Students will create written products, reflecting
the three genres of writing emphasized by the Common Core Curriculum (narrative,
informative, and persuasive). Through a Writers Workshop learning environment, you will
compile your writings throughout the semester into a final portfolio that will allow you to
utilize your individualized writing process and show your development as a writer in this
class. Since you will include a number of papers you write for this class, it is imperative
that you do not throw out any old papers or tests. Please see your Final Portfolio
Assignment Sheet for details.

Goals and Objectives

1. ENJOY reading and writing
2. Read and critically analyze text
3. Practice meaningful communication
- Participate in a Cooperative Learning environment
- Utilize technology to communicate about and respond to reading
4. Create purposeful writing
5. Develop individual writing process

Grading Scale
Assessments 30% All assignments, class discussions, projects, papers, tests,
Papers 25% and quizzes are equal in their importance of your
Choice Novel Assignments 15% understanding of the material covered in this class.
Classwork/Homework & Always take the time to complete the assigned reading,
Notebook 20% upon which we base this whole class, and always put
Final Portfolio 10% forth your best effort!
Students my revise any final draft of a paper that
earned a grade of 75% or lower for a better grade.
Revised papers must be turned in within five days of
the student receiving the original, graded draft.
Plagiarism
All assignments should be completed by the student, and all ideas should be the students
original thoughts. I am always available to assist students with any questions they have or
help they need.
The Student Handbook states:
1. Plagiarism includes the literal repetition without acknowledgment of the writings
of another author. All significant phrases, clauses, or passages in this paper which have
been taken directly from source material have been enclosed in quotation marks and
acknowledged in the text itself as well as in the list of Works Cited or Bibliography.
2. Plagiarism includes borrowing anothers ideas and representing them as my own. To
paraphrase the thoughts of another writer without acknowledgment is to plagiarize.
Plagiarism also includes inadequate paraphrasing. Paraphrased passages (those put
into my own words) have been properly acknowledged in the text and in the
Bibliography.
3. Plagiarism includes using another person or organization to prepare this paper and
then submitting it as my own work.
First Violation: 0 on the assignment/test, referral to office, parent notification.
Second Violation: 10% reduction in the semester grade in the class in which the second
offense occurred.
Third Violation: 50% reduction in the semester grade in the class in which the third
offense occurred. Suspension from school for 3 days.

Late Work Policy, Absences, and Student Opportunity for Success (SOS)
Assignments are due at the beginning of class as the bell rings. Please use class time
effectively!
Students are expected to be responsible about creating, saving, and printing classwork in
order to have it turned in ON TIME. Special arrangements need to be made ahead of time.
All late work will be deducted 10% of the final grade. Late work will not be accepted
after five days of the original due date, regardless of absences (with the exception of
special circumstances).
SOS is available Monday through Thursday from 2:40 to 3:40 in room 107.
If a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to come to me to get any assignments
he/she might have missed. I am willing to meet with students before school, during my
planning period, at lunch, or after school. All quizzes must be made up before the
unit/novel final tests.
No late work will be accepted after Friday, January 12th.

Google Classroom
On the first day of class, students will join my Google Classroom. We will use this to
respond to prompts, answer questions, complete assignments, and share writing. Students
may access this at any time for assignments and updates.
Cell Phones
The OHS Student Handbook states:
Unauthorized use of electronic devices (cell phones, MP3s, or cameras) is not permitted in
classrooms during the school day. This will be regulated by individual classroom
expectations. The school is not responsible in any way for such equipment.

Teacher Warning Device is confiscated by the teacher and returned at the end of
the class period

First Violation Device is confiscated and turned into the office with a referral.
Parents are notified of the offence, and device is returned to the student at the end
of the day, after 2:40.

Second Violation Device is confiscated and turned into the office with a referral.
Parent is notified of the offence, and device may be picked up at the end of the day
by the parent.

Third Violation Device is confiscated and turned into the office with a referral.
Parent is notified of the offence, and device may be picked up at the end of the day
by the parent.

Fourth Offense Device is confiscated and turned into the office with a referral.
Parent is notified of the offence, and device may be picked up at the end of the day
by the parent. Additionally, the student forfeits the privilege of possessing a cell
phone in school for a period of one month.

Fifth Offense Device is confiscated and turned into the office with a referral. Parent
is notified of the offence, and device may be picked up at the end of the day by the
parent. Additionally, the student forfeits the privilege of possessing a cell phone in
school for the balance of the school year.

Confiscated devices may be picked up in the office by the parent before 4:00PM, or by
appointment.
Discipline for disobedient or insubordinate behaviors will be dealt with according to the
handbook.

Sometimes, I will allow students to use their cell phones during class; a green GO CARD
will be hanging on the board during these approved times. At all other times, phones will
be kept safely in lockers or the designated area in my classroom. If I see a phone out when
the red NO CARD is hanging or if I see a student using his/her phone when the green GO
CARD is hanging for ANY other reason than the one I stated, I will follow the steps for
violations above.
 Resources and Texts
Literature and the Language Arts World Literature by EMC Paradigm
Title, Author, Setting Description
Things Fall Apart This novel paints a picture of the relationships between members
Chinua Achebe of the Igbo culture. It focuses on the main character, Okonkwos,
(Nigeria) internal and external conflicts, as well as his societys conflict with
European missionaries.

The Kite Runner This is a powerful novel that tells the story of Amir and his
Khaled Hosseini childhood friend, Hassan, who are divided by social status. The two
(Afghanistan) boys struggle against forces of violence and develop into two very
different people.

Macbeth William This is a tragic play about a nobleman, Macbeth, and his climb to
Shakespeare greatness. The play is dark and bloody, presenting aspects of
(Scotland) ambition, murder, guilt, and revenge.

The House on Mango This story, told in a series of vignettes, is about Esperanza Cordero,
Street Sandra Cisneros a young girl growing up in Chicago. Her story, and those of others
(Mexico) around her, is joyous and heartbreaking at the same time.

1984 George Orwell Winston Smith lives in London, where the government, referred to
(England) as 'Big Brother,' uses cameras and listening devices to constantly
observe all of its citizens. Winston does not buy into all of the
propaganda he is fed, and he commits tiny acts of rebellion that
perhaps are a bit too dangerous.

I am the Messenger Ed Kennedy, a young, underage cabdriver starts receiving hints in

Markus Zusak the mail that guide him on a journey. It is up to Ed to decide when
(Australia) to help and when to hurt in order to become the messenger.

Choice Novels
In addition to the in-class novels that the class will read together, students will have the
opportunity to select a minimum of four titles to read independently. Students will be
asked to complete several assignments based on these books. Refer to the Choice Novel
Assignment Sheet for assignment details.

Expectations
I have two basic expectations for myself and my students: be responsible and be respectful.
While this includes many aspects of how we treat each other and ourselves, if each of us
lives up to these expectations, our experience will be a meaningful one.

You were made to be awesome. Kid President