Eastern Sierra Academy
English 10 Honors: World
Literature
Teacher: Ms. Sarah Taylor
Brief
Description of Course: English 10 Honors is a world literature course that focuses on the study
and analysis of Shakespearean drama, of European literature, and of other
short stories, poems, novels, and plays from throughout the world. While focusing
on drama, this course will help students to hone their skills in reading (comprehension, vocabulary &
analysis of content and style), in writing
(form: English language conventions,
style, and organization and content:
analytical, persuasive, and creative writing with developed ideas, examples,
and argument), and in listening
and speaking (formal speeches, informal presentations,
discussion, and various listening and speaking strategies) in order to prepare students to meet the state
English-Language Arts Standards. In the writing portion of the curriculum,
emphasis will be given to the writing process as it incorporates grammar,
interpretation, content, and form, but students will also learn some basic
timed writing strategies in order to prepare them to take AP English during
their Junior and Senior years. Writing assignments will focus on the core
literature. During the course of the year, each student will compile a portfolio
of his or her best work. In addition, students will prepare a short research
paper and a formal speech.
Textbooks and other sources: World Literature Anthology,
Lord of the Flies, Much Ado About Nothing, Antigone, Cyrano de Bergerac, and Pygmalion Summer Reading: All Quiet on the Western Front, A Doll's House
Other Materials Required: 3 ring binder, dividers,
paper, and pens
Grading Procedures
Homework and class assignments
40%*
Formal essays
25%
Tests 15%
Speech/Portfolio/Independent Reading 20%
*percentages
are approximate
Because this is an honors level course, students
will be graded on a rigorous scale and will be given challenging assignments,
but student GPAs will be given an additional grade point for this class. For
example a B will count as an A in their GPA.
Independent Reading
Students will be required to read one to three books
each quarter. The Independent Reading grade will be worth 200 points. Students
will show that they have read and comprehended the book through an oral or
multiple choice exam at the end of each quarter.
A+ = 700 pages, A = 650 pages, A- = 600 pages
B+ = 550 pages, B = 500 pages, B- = 450 pages
If students read 12 pages each night or 70 each
weekend, they will easily meet the page requirement.
Major Projects
Several Formal Essays (6 to 7)
Formal Speech and short research paper
Writing Portfolio
Short Story
Poetry Presentation and other oral presentations
English-Language
Arts Standards
This course will focus on preparing students to meet or
exceed the Language Arts Standards for 10th grade. Students will work to improve
their vocabulary, reading comprehension, literary analysis skills, writing
strategies (in various forms), written and oral language conventions, and
listening and speaking strategies. Please see your child’s copy of the standards
for more details.
Homework Practices
Due dates for major assignments, essays, and tests
will be indicated ahead of time. Students should check the web page regularly
for due dates and instructions. Daily homework assignments will be assigned
and posted on the web page at the beginning of each week. In general, students
will have about 40 minutes of homework per night. Students are encouraged
to work on major assignments (like essays and Independent Reading) on those
days when they finish the assigned work early.
Late Work
Although students will always be given extra time to
make up work after absences, late work will not be accepted. Because a 0 will
be given for work not handed in, students should be sure to manage their time
carefully in order to avoid missing assignments.