World Literature

Course Syllabus: Fall Semester 2015

Teacher contact information
Name: Ms. Lauren Bales, M.Ed.
E-mail: Lauren.bales@cobbk12.org
Office: (770)- 819-2611 ext. 1413
Blog: http://balesl.weebly.com
Course description
World Literature is a college prep course which surveys the works of the early literature of
the world through the present day. Focusing on a study of world literature, the student
develops an understanding of chronological context and the relevance of period structures in
literature within cultures around the world. The student develops an understanding of
literature as both a product of its culture and as a culture-bearer and recognizes the
commonalities and differences among works of literature from different times and places in
the world. Writing experiences related to the interpretation of literature, research, grammar
practice, vocabulary development, listening, and speaking are also elements of this course.
Units to be studied *
Semester Theme: The Heros Journey (from Joseph Campbells Monomyth)
Literature
Creation Myths from The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Old Testament
Selections from the Quran and the Bible
The Iliad epic by Homer (with film clips from the movie TROY)
A Doll House drama by Henrik Ibsen (with film A Dolls House)
The Metamorphosis novella by Franz Kafka (with animated foreign short
films from YouTube)
short stories, poetry
Informational Texts: lessons on media literacy, feature articles, websites, scientific
texts, encyclopedias,
and play reviews.
Conventions and SAT
MLA Manuscript Form, Punctuation (commas, semicolons, colons), Clauses
(dependent, independent),
Phrases (verbal, prepositional), Agreement (pronoun/antecedent, subject/verb),
Sentence Types, SATprep
Writing Focus is on Argument Writing
Timed Writing, FAQs Research, Argument, Expository, Narrative
Sadlier Oxford Vocabulary Workshop Levels D/E
*The teacher reserves the right to make adjustments in course content as needed.
Parallel Reading
In addition to textbook material, students will read county-approved works. Additional
county-approved titles may be added to this list at the teachers discretion. Parent signature
indicates permission for the possibility of the student reading this work of literature from
Cobb Countys approved parallel reading list: First They Killed My Father (Autobiography by
Loung Ung)
Class Information
1. Turn in work on time! A 20% deduction will be taken for work turned in 1 day late;
40% for 2 days.
2. When absent, it is the students responsibility to get the assignments and arrange
time for make-ups. If you are absent, check the blog for class information and
downloadable handouts. Make up your work when you are absent, and turn it in
immediately. All absences must be excused before late work will be graded
and posted in Synergy.
3. All assignments and deadlines will be posted in the classroom and in the blog. Copy
them down when you first arrive in class every day.

4. If an assignment is given before you are absent, you do not get additional days to
complete the assignment if you are absent during the time allotted to complete it. If
you return to school on the due date, its due for you! If you return to school the day
after it was due, it is due the day you return.
5. Cheating and/or plagiarism are not tolerated and are treated additionally with a
discipline referral and failure of the assignment. Please carefully review the attached
policy.
6. Grade updates: Grades are updated on Synergy regularly.
7. Keep all handouts and notes until the last day of class. You may need them later. If
you lose one, you are responsible for getting a copy.
8. Classroom behavior should demonstrate maturity, responsibility, and respect.
9. This is a course based on learning and mastering the Georgia Common Core
Standards, not grades. If you do the work, and work to learn, your grades will reflect
your mastery of the GCCS.
10. CELL PHONES & HEAD PHONES MUST NOT BE VISIBLE OR USED DURING CLASS
UNLESS PERMITTED BY TEACHER FOR SPECIFIED LESSONS. A REFERRAL WILL BE
GIVEN IF CELL PHONE OR HEAD PHONES ARE OUT.
Required Supplies for Class on a Daily Basis
1. Textbook World Masterpieces (Class set / not for home)
2. Notebook paper (loose leaf)
3. A three-ring binder with dividers**
4. Blue/black pens, a #2 pencils, and a highlighter
5. Flashdrive

Binder Division Suggestions

1. Writing
2. Vocabulary
3. Literary Terms
3. Lit Notes/Study Guides

Grading
Common Core Grading: All assignments will be given points commensurate with their
relative importance in the category which reflects the standard addressed. We no longer use
categories of daily or major grades. The grading policy is as follows:
Reading Literary = 15%
Reading Informational = 10%
Writing Argument = 10%; Expository/Informational = 10%; Narrative = 5%
Listening/Speaking Performance-Based = 10%; Media Literacy = 5%
Language Grammar = 10%; Language Vocabulary = 5%
*Final Assessment Performance Based = 10%; GA SLO= 10%
(A= 90-100%; B=80-89%; C=74-79%; D=70-73%; F= 69% or below)
Tardy Policy
Being prompt is a skill that must be groomed and should be exercised daily. It shows respect
for both the individual and those with whom you associate. I will follow the strictly enforced
new SCHS tardy policy.
Format for Written Work
All essays written out of class must be typed following MLA manuscript form.
All assignments must have your MLA heading in upper left corner.

Your Full Name

Bales
World Lit 1
Date

Responsibilities
Teacher: Come to class prepared to teach. Teach each student fairly. Be available to provide
extra help. Provide a positive learning environment. Call parents when appropriate.

Classroom Rules:
1. Bring all necessary materials to class
(pen, paper, notebook, handouts, etc.)
2. Come to class on time, prepared to
learn
3. Respect the people and furnishings of
the classroom listen when others
speak
4. Adjust your voice to suit the activity.
5. Follow directions the first time they
are given
6. Observe all school and classroom
rules
*Note: You must have a signed pass to leave
the room.

Consequences: when rules arent followed:

1. Verbal warning
2. Phone call to parents
3. Referral and zero on any assignment
where cheating, plagiarism, etc. is
involved. Some offenses may be
severe enough that an automatic
detention or direct referral is made.
Consequences: when rules are followed:
1. Appropriate acknowledgments for
good behavior given to students and
their parents.

Teacher and Parent Communication

Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled through the guidance offices. If any concerns
arise with the teacher or the parent, conferences are encouraged. Since success at school
requires a partnership between the parents and the teachers, I encourage parents to call or
email me at any time a question or concern arises. The easiest way to contact me is via email. It is my goal that each student succeeds in the classroom as well as in extra-curricular
activities.
REMIND.com See attached flyer for instructions to join this one-way text messaging and
email system.
Movies: All of the movies viewed in class directly relate to the texts and content of World
Literature and are used to enhance student comprehension. Some films, such as TROY and
The Killing Fields are rated R. If you have any concern about either of these films being
shown, please let me know. Your signature below indicates that you give your permission for
these films (or film clips) to be shown to your student.
Plagiarism and Cheating: Please review the following information carefully. You will sign
that you have read and understand its meaning. Please ASK me for guidance at any time
(before turning in an assignment). WHEN IN DOUBT, CITE!
PLAGIARISM and CHEATING
All assignments, including vocabulary, unless specifically noted differently in
writing, are INDIVIDUAL assignments, where any collaboration with peers will be
considered cheating. Those who provide the work as well as those who copy the
work are considered to be cheating. Plagiarism is the act of using another
persons ideas and expressions in your writing without acknowledging the source.
Repeating anothers words, phrases or sentences without quotation marks and
proper citation (even for ONE sentence) is plagiarism. Consequences for
plagiarism include receiving an F (0 points) on the assignment and a disciplinary
referral to the administrators for disciplinary action. According to the Cobb
County Code of Student Conduct, plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, tests,
quizzes, reports, homework, term paper and thesis writing.
Ms. Baless English Class * Lauren.bales@cobbk12.org

Your Name:__________________________________________________________ Period:_______________

I have received, read and understand the syllabus including the information on cheating and
plagiarism.. Please sign below to indicate that you have read a copy of the course syllabus
and that you understand the policies and agree to the requirements and the Cobb County
approved reading selections.
_______________________________________________________________ (Students signature)

_______________________________________________________________ (Parent/Guardian
signature(s))

________________________________________________________________________________________
(Parent/Guardian email & phone) ~ please print clearly)
Use the space below to address any concerns or special considerations of which you would
like me to know.