CONESTOGA HIGH SCHOOL: NINTH GRADE ENGLISH PROGRAM

WORLD LITERATURE HONORS

Mrs. Tricia Ebarvia
E-mail: ebarviat@tesd.net preferred

WHAT IS WORLD LITERATURE?

This year, we will read literature from many different 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, literature
circles, 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. 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 texts include:

Summer Reading Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Middle East Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
The Epic of Gilgamesh translated by Herbert Mason
Japan The Harp of Burma by Michio Takeyama
China Selected Stories by Lu Hsun; Excerpts from Spring Moon, Bette Bao Lord
India Nectar in a Sieve by Kamala Markandaya
Africa Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Adichie
CS America Choice of The Alchemist by Paolo Chielo, Annie John by Jamaica Kincaid, and
The Story of a Shipwrecked Sailor by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

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

LEARNING ALWAYS BEGINS WITH QUESTIONS

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 a separate notebook or binder (preferred)
for English class. If you choose to have a notebook, be sure you have a place to keep handouts from class.

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 assignment at all times during the year. You can also expect homework each night, including the
weekends.
Format: Unless otherwise indicated, all assignments must be typed and double-spaced. Assignments
that do not follow the prescribed format will be penalized. I will not accept an assignment that is
handwritten.
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. Please remember that it is your responsibility to get the
work that you have missed. 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 on turnitin.com (details to follow). Late assignments will be
accepted but will be penalized. After that, for each day that it is late, your grade will be reduced by 10%.
Work not submitted within 10 days will receive a grade of 0.

GRADING
Each marking period, your grade will be calculated based on the total points you earn, associated with 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.
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 quizzes will be given weekly.
Writing Assignments
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.

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 may 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.

Conestoga High School Department of English

2008-09
 WORLD LITERATURE - HONORS
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.

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. If you have or your parent/guardian have any
questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Both you and a parent/guardian should sign your typed written response to indicate that you have read and
responded to the questions below and understand the course syllabus.

Please return your written response, signed, to me at our next class.

1. 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?

2. 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?

3. 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?

4. Finally, do you have any questions or concerns? Is there anything I should know that might help you in your
learning? Please use the space below to express any concerns, and we will work together to address them.

Conestoga High School Department of English

2008-09