IB+Highers+Syllabus

Janet Wells IB Highers Syllabus 2010-2012

Course Description

The English A1 HL course will focus on English literature and language with the purpose of exposing students to literary experiences universally recognized as meaningful and significant. The aims and objectives of this course are to enable students to speak and write cogently on many types of topics and to encourage them to become lovers of literature and learning.

Most of the selections were written in English, but students will study some works in translation from their original texts. The study of World Literature is important to IB students because of its global perspective, which can be instrumental in promoting a ‘world spirit’ and international awareness designed to encourage a viewpoint of understanding and tolerance. IB literature offers an opportunity for the student to gain an appreciation of the various ways in which cultures influence and shape the experiences of life common to all humanity.

In addition, this course will cover a broad range of time periods, cultures, and genres. Throughout the four semesters, students will read and study the selections, analyzing their contents in journals, essays and informal and formal oral reports.

The course will also cover English grammar and composition and vocabulary building with the aim of improving students’ communication skills and their facility of understanding and using foreign languages. The International Baccalaureate requirements will enhance the curriculum and prepare students for the IB tests in this subject area. Classroom methods will include close reading, inquiry, reflection, Socratic seminar, research, quizzes, tests and research essays. The ultimate objective for these in-depth studies is to prepare students to succeed in their college studies and in their chosen careers. Course Works

Part One--World Literature Midaq Alley Mafouz WL Fathers and Sons Turgenev WL Unbearable Lightness of Being Kundera WL

Part Two--Internal Assessment Othello Shakespeare The Tempest Shakespeare The Bell Jar (5) Plath Poetry Selections Frost Poetry Selections Keats

Part Three—Paper One Invisible Man Ellison Like Water for Chocolate Esquivel WL Sula Morrison The Great Gatsby Fitzgerald

Part Four—Free Choice Huck Finn Twain The Makioka Sisters Tanizaki WL The Importance of Being Earnest Wilde The Reluctant Fundamentalist Hamid

Close Readings Various Selections Timed Writings Pastiches Analytical Essays C/C essay Assessment

20% Assignments

• Assignment 1 (10%): Essay of comparing twos work in part 1; 1000-1500 words • Assignment 2(10%) Comparative study, Imaginative or Creative Assignment, or detailed study (Graded Externally by IB Examiners)

15% Individual Oral Commentary

• Taped commentary over a passage selected from a Part II work and free response of second work

• 20 minutes to prepare, 15 minutes to discuss

(Graded Internally by IB Teacher and Moderated Externally by IB Examiner)

50% Written Exam (in May)

• Exam Paper 1 (25%): Written commentary over an unseen prose passage or poem; 2 hours

• Exam Paper 2 (25%): Essay over general question pertaining to genre studied; must use the works from Part III; 2 hours

15% Individual Oral Presentation

• Presentation of a topic based on Part 4 works

• 10-15 minutes

Assignments, papers, and exams are all based to prepare the student for success in the program. It is critical that all works are studied thoroughly, therefore students will keep dialectic journals on all works studied, have surprise assessments, and in class writings.

Supplies: Three ring binder (3”) Highlighters Black ink only Notebook paper Spiral Notebook Post it Notes

Grading Policy Every assignment is worth points. The points are added and then divided by the points possible. This equals a percent. 100-90 A 89-80 B 79-70 C 69-60 D 59-0 F

Class Procedures

Class participation In order to help you develop confidence and competence in oral communication, I have designed the course to include much class discussion. Both your preparation and your willingness to share your insights will significantly contribute to your own understanding.

Written Work Students must type or word process all compositions prepared at home. All written assignments should follow the MLA format and include double spacing, one-inch margins, and student’s full name and period in the upper right hand corner. In order to facilitate teacher corrections, please do not include folders; cover sheets, or plastic pages. Students must use only black ink for handwritten homework or in-class assignments. Students will receive special permission to use pencil on some special activities. For Reading Response Logs and Journals, I will not accept any assignment that is detached from the spiral notebooks.

Academic Dishonesty The development of integrity is the foundation of your education. Therefore, I consider your dishonesty even more important than your academic achievement. Therefore you must always submit assignments that reflect your own work. Any work that is identical or closely resembles another will be regarded as violating academic integrity. Because some of the assignments will require research, you must be very vigilant about plagiarism. Borrowing ideas or statements from a research source without acknowledgment is a very serious academic offense and will be treated accordingly.

Class Rules (1) All school rules apply (2) All students must feel comfortable sharing their ideas and comments (3) NO LATE WORK After School Help I will be available Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays from after-school until 1700.

Also you may see me for help before after school or during seminar. It is always best to make an appointment. You may also email me particularly if absent at Janet.Wells@eu.dodea.edu or janetbwells@hotmail.com