Course Description
Literature and Composition 10 is designed to help you become a better reader and writer, a stronger critical thinker, and a more confident speaker. This class builds on what you learned in Literature and Composition 9 and will help prepare you for future classes and writing situations beyond the world of high school.
Please come to class prepared.
Please come to class prepared.
Materials Needed
You will need a notebook or three-ring binder specifically for this class, along with a folder for handouts and a supply of writing utensils. Internet access outside of class will also be important--and if you don't have access from home, you will want to take advantage of the OHS library media center or a public library.
Policies and Procedures
School rules are expected to be followed. In short: please show respect. Specific policies for this class are as follows:
- Late work: You will be given one late pass per quarter; use it when you need to turn in an assignment after the due date. Other late work is not accepted. Please see me if you have extenuating circumstances.
- Make-up work: It is your responsibility to see me about make-up work on the day you return from an absence. Generally, you will have as many days to make up your work as you were absent. When handing in make-up work, please write ABSENT at the top.
- Academic integrity: Plagiarism is a serious offense that warrants a meeting with the teacher, a call home, and attention from school administrators. Refer to your student handbook for more information.
Reading
Much of our curriculum is novel-based. This year, we will study the following texts:
We will also explore short stories and poetry from the Prentice Hall textbook, as well as additional essays, poems, news articles, films, and images relevant to novels and class discussions.
For our literature circles this year, we have a variety of options from classic and contemporary literature. You will be able to choose from the list below, and then read independently and discuss the work with peers in a small group. You may choose from the following list:
If you wish to have access to audio texts, please visit this link or check with the OHS librarian.
- Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
- Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier
- Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare
- Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
- Lord of the Flies by William Golding
We will also explore short stories and poetry from the Prentice Hall textbook, as well as additional essays, poems, news articles, films, and images relevant to novels and class discussions.
For our literature circles this year, we have a variety of options from classic and contemporary literature. You will be able to choose from the list below, and then read independently and discuss the work with peers in a small group. You may choose from the following list:
- Finding Fish by Antwone Quenton Fisher·
- Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
- Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
- Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux
- Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War by Mark Bowden
- The Body Farm by Patricia Cornwell
- Timeline by Michael Crichton
- Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
- Sister of My Heart by Chitra Divakaruni
- The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus
- The Last Jew by Noah Gordon
- The Twentieth Wife by Indu Sundaresan
- The Runaway Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini
- Deception Point by Dan Brown
- Catch Me if You Can: The True Story of a Real Fake by Stan Redding and Frank W. Abagnale
If you wish to have access to audio texts, please visit this link or check with the OHS librarian.
Writing
This class provides opportunities for creative, reflective, and expository writing. You can expect to write in the form of journals and personal narratives, and practice analytical, academic writing in the form of thesis-driven essays and a research paper. For formal assignments, we will follow a process approach to writing, in which you will be asked to brainstorm, draft, revise, edit, and polish your work. Peer reviews will also be an important part of the writing process, and I am happy to work with you individually as you draft your papers as well. Occasionally, assignments may be reworked for a higher grade; please see me if you are interested in pursuing a revision.
Participation
Please arrive to class on time and have your materials out on your desk ready to go when the bell rings. Doing so sends an important nonverbal message that you are ready to be an active part of the class. Points may be deducted for a lack of preparedness at the beginning of class or for a lack of participation during class. Participation includes class discussions and active listening, group activities, partner work, and occasional presentations. You may also be asked to share your writing from time to time. We all have something valuable to offer and something interesting to learn from one another, so please come to class willing to share your ideas! And when others share ideas with which you do not agree, please listen first before offering your own opinions or counterarguments.
Assessment
Assignments are given a point value based on level of difficulty and complexity. At the end of the marking period, grades are determined based on total points earned. The school-wide grading scale can be found in your OHS student handbook.
- Grades may be viewed online through PowerSchool at any time.
- Please keep all graded work until receiving a semester grade.
- If you have a question about a grade, please see me as soon as possible so that we can resolve the issue.
- Exams are worth 15% of the semester grade.
Getting Help
It is important to ask for help as soon as you think you need it.
- You can sign up for my flex or make arrangements to meet with me before or after school.
- I prefer face-to-face interaction, but I can also be reached by email or by phone. My classroom number is 517-706-4965.
Semester Survey
I would appreciate your feedback so that I can improve the course and the way I teach it. Please complete this survey on or before January 13.