World Literature Honors Class Policies
Ms. Thaler
Contact Information
Course information is available on my Web site: http://www.oocities.org/drthaler
Students and/or parents are encouraged to e-mail any questions or concerns to me at Erin.Thaler@cobbk12.org
Description
World Literature Honors is an accelerated college prep course designed for the student who has a serious interest in the interpretation of literature. It surveys the works of the early literature of the world through the present day. Skills in literary analysis and critical thinking are stressed. Literary terms, vocabulary study, composition techniques and parallel readings will be incorporated.
Outline of Semester
1st 9 Weeks – Conflict of Cultures and Values
Texts will be divided into four themes: Stories Told, Faith and Duty, Struggle, and Reconciliation. Things Fall Apart, by Chinua Achebe, will serve as a parallel reading during the Struggle theme.
2nd 9 Weeks – The Search for Meaning and Wisdom of the World Nectar in a Sieve, by Kamala Markandaya, will serve as a parallel reading.
Each over-arching unit spans time periods and cultures across the globe. Students will be asked to synthesize their knowledge periodically to create a more unified description of a particular time period or culture.
Guidelines for Turning in Assignments
Grading Policy
Grading for this course will mirror the college 4-point grading scale. Students will receive assignment grades that reflect the following:
4 – A – 90-100
3 – B – 80-89
2 – C – 74-79
1 – D – 70-73
0 – F - <70
The benefits of this system include an even distribution of opportunity for students to achieve and transcend initial grades. A clear distinction of work performance can be conveyed for each level, which is much easier to comprehend than small 1-point differences on a 100-point scale.
Grades will be weighted as follows.
Final Exam 15% Homework and daily grades 25% Quiz 20% Tests, Essays, and Projects 40% Students will be issued guidelines and rubrics that delineate the value for each section of assignments as well as criteria to evaluate their work. Standard rubrics will be available on my Web site.
When checking your student’s grades on I-Parent, be aware that grades are entered on the 4 point scale. To find the actual grade, divide the number listed by 25 and locate on the following chart.
To find score from I-Parent: (Grade) / 25 = _____________
Find on 4 point scale below.
4 point scale score |
Conversion to 100 point scale |
Letter Grade |
4.0 |
98 |
A |
3.98 |
97 |
A |
3.96 |
96 |
A |
3.94 |
95 |
A |
3.91 |
94 |
A |
3.88 |
93 |
A |
3.75 |
92 |
A |
3.63 |
91 |
A |
3.50 |
90 |
A |
3.38 |
89 |
B |
3.25 |
88 |
B |
3.13 |
87 |
B |
3.00 |
86 |
B |
2.88 |
85 |
B |
2.75 |
84 |
B |
2.63 |
83 |
B |
2.50 |
82 |
B |
2.38 |
81 |
B |
2.25 |
80 |
B |
2.13 |
79 |
C |
2.00 |
78 |
C |
1.88 |
77 |
C |
1.75 |
76 |
C |
1.63 |
75 |
C |
1.50 |
74 |
C |
1.38 |
73 |
D |
1.25 |
72 |
D |
1.13 |
71 |
D |
1.00 |
70 |
D |
<1.00 |
60 |
F |
Evaluation
Learning will be assessed through discussions, writing, group projects, creative representations, oral presentations, technological presentations, and other methods appropriate to the material covered. I strive to provide evaluation opportunities that meet the multiple intelligences of my students.
Graded Discussion
Throughout the semester students will be graded on their participation in discussion. Their grades depend on the number of times they contribute to the discussion, whether to ask a question, answer a question, or comment.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary workbooks will be used to facilitate engagement with new words. The workbooks will remain in the classroom. Students will complete the exercises at their own pace, with a minimum of 4 units per month (3 in January). The order of the units will be unique to each student. Quizzes can be scheduled 24 hours in advance for days of independent reading, during lunch, or after school.
Homework
Homework may include reading, completing written exercises, preparing presentations, studying for tests, or working on long-term assignments. On the assigned date, students will turn in their homework at the beginning of class for full credit.
Tests / Papers / Projects / Major Assignments
Papers, projects, and other major assignments must be turned in on the specified date for full credit. If a student is absent, the student's parent must contact me by 3:15 that day (770-437-5900 ext. 450). Only on this condition will I accept late papers with no penalty.
In School Suspension (ISS)
Students in ISS on test or quiz days must make up the assignment before or after school. Students are responsible for obtaining class assignments and turning in work according to class due dates. If work is due on the day a student is in ISS, the student must turn it into Ms. Thaler on that day. Otherwise, students receive a 0 for work missed.
Make-up Policy
Each STUDENT is responsible for completing all work missed during any absence from class. Students will be allowed five (5) calendar days after returning to school to make up work missed due to an excused absence. Make ups for tests or quizzes are to be scheduled with Ms. Thaler. See the Tests / Papers / Projects section for the procedure on absences on major assignment due dates.
Communication
Both students and parents are encouraged to discuss any questions, confusions, or concerns with me. I am available daily after school for student meetings. Before school meeting can be easily scheduled.
Parent meetings can be accommodated through a phone conversation if the matter is simple, or if it warrants more attention, meetings can be arranged through the guidance office. For questions about assignments, students can review major projects on the web and e-mail me before 8 PM for a personal response.
January 6, 2005
Dear Parents,
I would like to personally welcome you and your student to an exciting semester of Honors World Literature. I am confident that the learning will take both students and myself to levels of understanding of world literature that we have not yet experienced. Each student brings a wealth of experience and knowledge that can only enhance our journey.
The pages that precede this message include my policies and guidelines for the semester. Please review the information with your student, paying close attention to the grading policy. Grading for this course will mirror the college 4-point grading scale. Because this grading method is new to students, it will take some adjustment time. However, students will ultimately benefit.
A full copy of the syllabus is available on my Web site: http://www.oocities.org/drthaler. I encourage you to e-mail me with any questions or concerns you might have: Erin.Thaler@cobbk12.org
I look forward to an incredible semester!
Warmly,
Erin M. Thaler
Erin.Thaler@cobbk12.org
770-437-5900 ext. 450
Parents, please read the attached syllabus and sign below. Students receive a homework grade for returning this policy sheet signed. I look forward to this semester!
World Literature Honors
I have read the rules and policies for World Literature Honors and understand Ms. Thaler's policies. I have paid special attention to policies regarding grading, absences, make-up, and communication.
Student’s signature _______________________ Date ____________
Parent’s signature ________________________ Date ____________