Largo High School 2018-2019 Ms. Jennifer Wilson [email protected]English III I.B. Course Description and Objectives from IB Language A: Literature Guide The course is built on the assumption that literature is con- cerned with our conceptions, interpretations and experiences of the world. The study of literature can therefore be seen as an exploration of the way it represents the complex pursuits, anxie- ties, joys and fears to which human beings are exposed in the daily business of living. It enables an exploration of one of the more enduring fields of human creativity, and provides opportu- nities for encouraging independent, original, critical and clear thinking. It also promotes respect for the imagination and a perceptive approach to the understanding and interpretation of literary works. Through the study of a wide range of literature, this course en- courages students to appreciate the artistry of literature and to develop an ability to reflect critically on their reading. Works are studied in their literary and cultural contexts, through close study of individual texts and passages, and by considering a range of critical approaches. In view of the international nature of the IB and its commitment to intercultural understanding, this course does not limit the study of works to the products of one culture or the cultures covered by any one language. The response to the study of literature is through oral and written communication, thus enabling students to develop and refine their command of language. A Note from your Instructor I am not interested in the parroting of ideas; I would much ra- ther you risk being incorrect rather than risk appearing inau- thentic. As your instructor, my aims are twofold: to prepare you to the best of my ability to perform well on the I.B. assessments and, more importantly, to encourage your development as a crit- ical and independent thinker. INSIDE THIS SYLLABUS Supplies Needed ........... 2 Required Texts ............. 2 Course Sequence .......... 3 I.B. Assessments .......... 3 Graded Work ................ 4 Policies & Procedures ... 4 Communication ............ 5 Signature Sheet ............ 6 NOTEWORTHY You will complete 40% of the requirements for the I.B. English course this year!
from IB Language A: Literature Guide
The course is built on the assumption that literature is con-
cerned with our conceptions, interpretations and experiences
of
the world. The study of literature can therefore be seen as
an
exploration of the way it represents the complex pursuits,
anxie-
ties, joys and fears to which human beings are exposed in the
daily business of living. It enables an exploration of one of the
more enduring fields of human creativity, and provides
opportu-
nities for encouraging independent, original, critical and
clear
thinking. It also promotes respect for the imagination and a
perceptive approach to the understanding and interpretation
of
literary works.
Through the study of a wide range of literature, this course
en-
courages students to appreciate the artistry of literature and
to
develop an ability to reflect critically on their reading. Works
are
studied in their literary and cultural contexts, through
close
study of individual texts and passages, and by considering a range
of critical approaches. In view of the international nature
of the IB and its commitment to intercultural understanding,
this course does not limit the study of works to the products
of
one culture or the cultures covered by any one language. The
response to the study of literature is through oral and written
communication, thus enabling students to develop and refine
their command of language.
A Note from your Instructor I am not interested in the parroting of
ideas; I would much ra-
ther you risk being incorrect rather than risk appearing
inau-
thentic. As your instructor, my aims are twofold: to prepare
you
to the best of my ability to perform well on the I.B.
assessments
and, more importantly, to encourage your development as a crit-
ical and independent thinker.
INSIDE THIS SYLLABUS
Supplies Needed ........... 2
Required Texts ............. 2
Course Sequence .......... 3
I.B. Assessments .......... 3
Graded Work ................ 4
Policies & Procedures ... 4
the requirements for the
I.B. English course this
year!
“Reading is the sole means by which we slip, involuntarily, often
helplessly, into another’s skin, another’s voice, another’s soul.”
— Joyce Carol Oates
Semester I (Part I)
2. Paradise of the Blind by Duong Thu Huong
3. Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel Garca Marquez (HL
Only)
Semester II (Part IV
1984 by George Orwell
3. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
Please note that we will be watching film excerpts of these texts
as part
of our study of Narrative and Adaptation. Parents: Please review
the
information found on page 7; should you object to your child's
viewing
of these film excerpts, please inform me at your earliest
convenience so
that I might arrange a suitable alternative.
Supplements*
Film and Literature: An Introduction and Reader, 2nd edition
Additional stories, poems, non-fiction, and critical essays
*Please note that students will be asked, on occasion, to print
docu-
ments for class (i.e., journal articles, pieces of literary
criticism).
Supplies Needed
Required Texts & Supplementary Materials
By Monday, August 20 all stu- dents should have the following items
and bring them to school
daily:
major studies/components
IV. Options: Adaptation
diploma program, we will
WiT unit will introduce stu-
dents to the nature of trans-
lation as well as to three
different genres.
the adaptation of literary
adaptation theories. Stu-
ject.
2
works
works
Worth: 15%
“Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.” — Lemony
Snicket
3
Persepolis August-September August-September
Interactive Oral Reflective Statement Supervised Writing
Paradise of the Blind September-October September-October
Assessments Interactive Oral Reflective Statement Supervised
Writing
Interactive Oral Reflective Statement Supervised Writing
Chronicle... N/A November
Written
First Draft: December
1984 January-February January-February
Invisible Man March-April March-April
Academic Honesty
To plagiarize is to present another person’s words or ideas as if
they are your own. Cheating is the giving and/or
receiving of test information before or during test admin-
istration (this includes stu- dents from one class period
informing students in anoth- er class period about test or quiz
items). Both of these are serious offenses that will not
be tolerated. Any violation of the honor code will result in a zero
on the assignment with no possibility of re-
deeming said assignment. Students will then face the possibility of
an Academic Honesty Hearing as well as
potential expulsion from the program. Students may use reference
material(s) for spe- cific assignments, but proper
credit must be given. See your instructor if you have any questions
regarding the documenting of sources.
Late-Work Policy
ing block coupled with the
inclusion of academic coach-
amend my late-work policy
ever…
“Oops/Unforeseen
Emergency/Sudden
ment except for those
Wilson’s discretion
Grading: Assignments & Approaches
Students’ grades will be weighted according to the following
categories and percentages:
Class and Homework: 30%
Notes on student discussions and presentations, and some journal
and composition exercises
Tests & Quizzes: 30%
Reading checks and content-related tests and quizzes; typically, I
will drop the lowest quiz/reading check
Writing*, Discussions, and Presentations: 40%
On-demand writing, formal essays & commentaries, formal discus-
sions, and projects/presentations.
Please note the county’s grading scale: 100-90% = A; 89-80% = B;
79-70%
= C; 69-60% = D; 59-0% = F
The following assignments are
used to generate grades:
formal critical essays and
oral presentations, projects,
reading checks)
Writing will be assessed according to I.B. mark schemes and de-
scriptors with a particular empha- sis on the appreciation of the
writ- er’s craft and demonstrating knowledge and understanding of
the text. Students should expect to write a substantial piece every
three-five sessions; some of these pieces will eventuate into
process
papers, others will be collected on the spot as examples of on-
demand writing. Some of these exercises will also serve as prepa-
ration for Papers 1 and 2 (May 2020). Please understand that
writing requires CONSCIOUS, de- liberate practice in order to im-
prove; mastering the art of writing is an elusive task even for
profes- sional writers; in this way, the craft of writing DEMANDS
one’s full attention. I expect and will
require you to reflect and monitor
your progress in this regard.
Please note that I will grade and post grades in FOCUS when it is
most convenient for me to do so. I appreciate your understanding
and patience regarding this mat-
ter.
Grading: Categories & Percentages
The IB and county attendance policy is followed concerning
absences. Please note: if you return to class on the day an
assignment is due, and
you had prior knowledge of that assignment, you must turn in the
work on that day. Likewise, if you return on a test day that was
previously announced, you will be required to take the test.
Similarly, if you miss a quiz as the result of an unexcused absence
or tardy, you will NOT
be permitted to make it up. If there are extenuating circumstances,
please see the instructor as soon as possible to discuss
alternatives.
If a student misses class as the result of an excused absence, the
ar- rangement for make-up work is the student’s responsibility.
Make-up work may be scheduled at the teacher’s convenience during
coaching or after school. This policy also applies to students who
are absent during
Special Observance Days. Students will normally have the number of
days absent to make-up work except in extenuating circumstances.
4
“Language is a political instrument, means, and proof of power. It
is the most vivid and crucial key to identity.” –James
Baldwin
Arrive punctually and prepared to engage!
At all times, show each individual the respect and courtesy
you desire for yourself.
Submit high-quality work reflective of your best efforts.
Electronic devices must remain off and out of sight.
I, too, have a cell phone, but you will not see it during
class because I respect our time together; I expect
you to do the same.
ManageBac All students must ensure that they receive (and check)
messages from/on ManageBac. I will upload documents, assignments,
and resources to Manage- Bac throughout the year; additionally, I
will com- municate with students ex- clusively through Manage- Bac
in terms of reminders and updates.
Turnitin.com Students are required to register for this course on
turnitin (log in information will be provided in class).
Communication Please make every effort to communicate with me con-
cerning absences (planned or unplanned). In the event that I will
be absent, I do my best to communicate my plans ahead of time, and
I expect you to do the same.
Expectations
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s) and Students:
I am honored to have the opportunity to work with you during this
chapter of your lives. Please take
note of the assessment timeframe; should you foresee any conflicts,
please communicate with me at
your earliest convenience. Additionally, parents please review the
information below as it pertains to
the films and/or excerpts the students will be studying as part of
our unit on adaptation (I.B. Out-
line Part 4: Options, Studies in Adaptation). I encourage you to
preview the film if you so desire.
Should you object to your son or daughter studying a particular
film, please inform me via email,
and I will assign an appropriate alternative. I am looking forward
to an exciting year!
1984 (1984) [R, violent images; nudity], directed by Michael
Radford The Handmaid’s Tale (1990) [R, violent images; sexuality],
directed by Volker Schlöndorff The Handmaid’s Tale (2017) [NR,
violent images; sexuality], HULU
Best Regards,
Jennifer Wilson, M.Ed.
Parents and Students: Please sign and return this page
acknowledging that you have read the syl-
labus and accept its terms and content. Please return it to me by
Monday, August 20. Thank you
for your support and cooperation.
Class Block & Period:
___________________________________________________
Please sign and return this page to Ms. Wilson by
Monday, August 20.