Kavalauskas Introduction to Literature Syllabus

8/11/2019 Kavalauskas Introduction to Literature Syllabus

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Introduction to Literature

Ms. Anna Kavalauskas

[email protected]

Course DescriptionThis 9th Grade English course introduces students to some of the foundational texts of

Western Civilization. Class discussions are designed to demonstrate the greatness of these

works through an analysis of their major themes and characters. A heavy emphasis is

placed on the development of the students writing skills along with grammar and

vocabulary. The goal is to ensure that every student is capable of writing multiple, clear,

persuasive paragraphs by the end of the course. Major literary works studied in the course

include Sophocles Oedipus Rex, Homers The Odyssey, and Shakespeares Julius

Caesar. Students also read selections of Greek myths and Bible stories.

Texts

Ackerman, James S., and Thayer S. Warshaw. The Bible as Literature.2nd ed. Glenview:

ScottForesman, 1995. Print.

Hamilton, Edith.Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes. New York:

Little, Brown and Company, 2013. Print.

Homer. The Odyssey.Trans. Robert Fitzgerald. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux,

Inc., 1998. Print.

Shakespeare, William.Julius Caesar. Print.

Sophocles. The Three Theban Plays. Trans. E.F. Watling. London: Penguin,

1974. Print.

Course Expectations and Guidelines

Reading and Discussion:You are expected to keep up with the assigned readings as this will

help you to prepare for class discussions. Highlighting text, noting questions or observations,

and keeping a notebook will help you to make thoughtful and detailed contributions.


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Writing: You must keep a notebook for class discussions and homework assignments. All

assigned written work is due at the beginning of class on the assigned day, and tardiness will

result in a lowering of the grade. I encourage you to set up meeting times with me throughout

the year to discuss drafts of your writing assignments.

Vocabulary: In addition to any new vocabulary that appears in our readings, we will be

studying vocabulary cumulatively, and you will be quizzed periodically. You will also be

expected to use new vocabulary in your writing and discussion.

Grammar: We will also be studying grammar cumulatively, and there will be quizzes

periodically. You are also expected to edit your own writing carefully for grammar.

Communication: Check Veracross each day so that you know which assignments to complete.

Failure to bring the required assignments to class will negatively impact your grade. If you are

unsure about anything, either email me your question or arrange a time to meet with me. You

should also check your school email at least once a day.

Missing class: If you miss a class, you are responsible for the material covered in and for that

class. You should contact me as soon as possible to get the homework assignment. If you miss

a quiz, test, or paper, you should be prepared to complete it the day after the missed class

unless we have made other arrangements.

Supplies: In addition to the text we are working on at any given time, you will need a

notebook (spiral or composition book) and a binder with separate sections for drafts of your

writing, class handouts, and grammar materials. You must always have your English

homework and handouts with you every day.


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Honesty and Integrity

From the Student and Parent Handbook:

Honesty is a core value and an attribute of personal integrity. It applies to all aspects of

life at TASIS, including academics. Incidents of academic cheating or plagiarism areexample of dishonest conduct and are taken very seriously. Academic dishonesty

includes, but is not limited to:

copying another students work

cheating on a test

helping another student to cheat

claiming any material from another source as ones own work (plagiarism)

In all cases of academic dishonesty, the student will:

receive a failing grade for the assessment or assignment.

be required to re-do/complete the assignment in question.

be recorded in the students school record.

will engage in a reflective exercise.

Academic dishonesty is a serious matter. If a student continues to disregard the Schools

policy on academic honesty, the School may ask the student to separate from the

community for a set amount of time or permanently.

The Special Case of Plagiarism

Plagiarism is a violation that strikes to the heart of the academic enterprise since in one

act it contains actions of lying, cheating, and stealing. Plagiarism is presenting work as

original when it is not. This includes using another persons phrasing, ideas, computation,

or editing. We spend a good deal of time working with students on how to ensure they do

not plagiarize. Students are expected to give adequate credit to all sources of information.

You may find yourself with questions as you write papers about how to cite a reference or

acknowledge the help you have received. When in doubt, cite your sources. Formal citation


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guidelines can be found on this website: http://www.tarleton.edu/departments/library/userhelp/

document_mla_lh.html. If you are unsure about what or how to cite, ask!

Course Expectations and Grading PolicyQuizzes, class participation, homework, and other 40%

All writing 60%

Late homework will not be accepted.

You will be notified of due dates for papers and most quizzes in advance. If you anticipate

difficulty completing a major assignment by the due date, you must let me know 24 hours in

advance in order for me to consider granting an extension.

A draft of a paper is due at the beginning of class. Submission of a paper after its due date and

without an extension will be penalized. I drop one grade (A to A-) for each day that an

assignment is late.

Be on time for class.
http://www.tarleton.edu/departments/library/userhelp/document_mla_lh.html

Kavalauskas Introduction to Literature Syllabus

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