Clustered with Non-Western History, this high school literature course focuses on analyzing fiction that covers the cultures of China, India, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. It is designed to develop your independent reading, writing, and analytical skills. We will be reading various non-Western novels, short stories, plays, and poems of literary merit throughout the year. You will be asked to read critically and to communicate your opinion and ideas about the texts both orally and in written form. Instruction will challenge you to compare various writing styles, to analyze a work for context and purpose, and to connect universal themes within the texts.
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"[Education] makes us question ourselves. It makes our brains hurt. It makes us mad. Occasionally it makes us cry. It makes us speak aloud truths we’ve held to be unassailable, only to hear others assail them. It causes us to assail those truths ourselves, then defend them again, and finally decide to burn them on the pyre of foolish speculations or rely on them forever as guiding beacons. Education equips us to know not only what |
Materials
Reading SelectionsNovels
Short Stories
Poetry
Group WorkFor any project or group assignment, you will choose your partner(s). Groups will maintain their own autonomy. If at any time a group wishes to “fire” a member for missing deadlines, plagiarism, lack of productivity, etc., it may do so. The individual who is “fired” should then work on his or her own (unless another group decides to “hire” that individual).
You will always have the option to work alone if time or transportation issues do not allow for collaboration outside of class. GradingGrading will follow the standard grading scale as laid out by Dominion Academy. Your grade breakdown is weighted as follows:
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Activities & Projects
Extra Credit OpportunitiesThroughout the year you will have opportunities to bring up your grade. If you choose a book, play, or film from the extra credit list, you must have your parents' permission before reading/viewing it. See here for more details.
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Late Work
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Absences
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Formatting
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QualityAll work—whether daily work or major work—must be treated with respect as is expected in proficient work. This means that the quality of your work must reflect an observable investment of time, thought, and effort. If it is clear to me that you did not invest yourself in the assignment, do not be surprised if you receive a yellow slip.
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Life happens!Please understand that these expectations come from an honest desire to challenge you and prepare you for life beyond school. I want you to succeed in this class, but I cannot help you improve if you are not willing to put forth the effort. Over the course of the year, life will happen. You may become ill, a personal matter may arise, or you may have a pressing commitment that merits a break. Trust that I will help you find a way to keep up with your work. Trust that I will welcome open and immediate communication from you. However, I must caution you that consistent drama will try anyone’s patience. Don’t abuse my good graces and faith in your commitment to the class. Favors and breaks are earned out of generating simple respect through your prompt communication and your honest, consistent efforts in class. Show that respect by bringing your best to class every week.
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