9th Grade Literature Syllabu 2007-2008

Global Literature
2007-2008

Dear Students, Parents, Guardians,
Welcome to Global Literature. This language arts course introduces literature from various regions around the world. The foundation of this course is based on the belief that good communication skills – reading, writing, speaking, and listening – are essential for addressing universal issues in the global setting. The literature units will parallel the areas studied in Global Geography and Cultural Aesthetics. These areas will include Australia, Africa, Europe, and Asia. Woven into these units will be the study of writing, vocabulary, grammar, and speaking skills.

Goals:
*to encourage independent, self-reliant readers and writers who use language and literature to enrich their lives.
*to appreciate and understand the contributions of various cultural groups
*to develop critical and creative thinking and writing skills
*to increase vocabulary and improve language skills
*to establish and maintain a comfortable learning environment based on respect
*to develop an awareness and direction for our roles as global citizens

Themes:
*What are the universal and unique aspects of this culture?
*How do the members of this culture live today?
*What is this culture’s view of nature?
*What social roles and conventions are expected of members of this culture?
*How is the individual in the society regarded?
*What is the place of women and children in this society? What are their families like?
*What are the spiritual values of the culture? What are their customs and traditions?
*What is the response of this culture to change?

Materials: Students are expected to come to class each day with plenty of loose-leaf, college-ruled paper in a three ring binder, a pencil, a student planner to record assignments/due dates, blue or black pens, and highlighters. Other materials and resources that are essential for the successful completion of the course are colored pencils, a dictionary and thesaurus at home.

Assignments and grading:
The quality of discussions and class work is dependent upon student participation. Students should generally expect one hour of homework per class period. Homework should be completed by the beginning of class on the day it is due. Late work will receive reduced credit (10% reduction the first quarter, 50% the following quarters). I will not accept work that is more than one week late, after that assignment has been returned, or there has been an exam on that material. Academic honesty is absolutely expected. Dishonesty will result in reduced credit and possible failure. Grades will be recorded as percentages using a point system. Grades will include group work and discussion, tests and quizzes, written work, presentations, art assignments, participation, and classroom citizenship (including behavior).
Reasonable accommodations and adjustments to curriculum and grading policies will be made for students who have IEP and 504 plans.

Attendance and tardies:
Roll will be taken at the beginning of class and tardies will be recorded. Community service can be assigned after three unexcused tardies or absences, and the participation grade will be affected. If you have been absent due to illness or other legitimate reasons, always check the class blog before you return to class: http://mrks9thgradelitpage2007-2008.blogspot.com
If unclear about the assignment, come see me during office hours, not during class time, to discuss makeup work. If you are absent for a number of days or are anxious about getting the work promptly, it is recommended that you contact me by phone during my office hours or email me (before 9 pm). Work is due the day following your return to school. A late work slip must accompany any late assignment or makeup work.




Rules:
1. Be kind
2. Be honest
3. Be responsible
4. Think
5. Work hard
6. Open your mind
7. Contribute

And just to be clear …….
8. No cell phones, pagers, personal music, devices, food, gum, or drink (except water) in the classroom.

Please note:
The International High School is an alternative program. We will be reading material that will contain difficult themes. Through various types of literature, we will explore other cultures and comes to realize how they are similar and different from our own. We ask that you approach Global Literature with an open mind and suspend judgment of cultural differences in the reading you encounter. In this classroom we will resist apathy, show empathy, creativity, respect, kindness, conviction, determination, and curiosity.

Communication:
Please feel free to call or e-mail me with questions or concerns so that I can address them right away.

I am looking forward to a year full of discovery, excitement, challenge, fun, and friendship! I am here for you. Talk to me if you have concerns, frustrations, or joys to share about this class, school, or life in general!

Caleb Kostechka, Global Literature teacher.
E-mail: kostechka_c@4j.lane.edu
Office: 687-3438 (Churchill Campus)
687-3171 (Sheldon Campus)
Office hours by appointment
Website http://mrks9thgradelitpage2007-2008.blogspot.com


















Please Detach and Return
Parents/Guardian
Please sign this after you have read this course description with your student. Students should return it for class credit by the next Global Literature meeting.


__________________________ __________________________
Student name (print legibly) Parent or guardian signature