Syllabus: World Literature
Course Title: World Literature
Prerequisite: English III or senior standing
Teacher: Karen Peterson
Phone Number: (805) 937-2038 Email: kpeterson@sjhsknights.com
Texts: The Illiad, Primal Myths, The Oedipus Cycle, Hamlet, A Yellow Raft on Blue Water, The
Metamorphosis, The Stranger, One Hundred Years of Solitude, The Catcher in the Rye, Pocket
Style Manual, Vocabulary Power Through Shakespeare, Vocabulary Energizer 1&2
Course Description: This course is designed to enhance the students’ knowledge of the literary
legacy of world literature. The course emphasizes interpretation of a variety of works by authors
from around the world, writing analytical and creative essays, developing a collaborative group
project, and extending vocabulary in preparation for the SAT tests.
Course Objectives: The students will demonstrate an understanding the wide range of literary
works and ideas that have aided in giving insight and understanding to the human condition.
Students will demonstrate an understanding that literature is not constrained by its period but is
part of a continuum. They will improve on their ability to express ideas (both written and oral) in
an organized, coherent, and adequately developed manner, increase their vocabulary, and
develop themselves as individuals in preparation for college.
Expected School-Wide Learning Results Addressed
Mind: Through expressing ideas in organized, well-developed scholarly essays that focus on
literature. Through mature and thoughtful analysis of ideas that represent varied and differing
opinions and philosophies.
Heart: Through fulfilling work obligations, individual and collaborative, maturely and in an
acceptable and timely manner.
Body: Through oral presentations, class performances, and class discussions.
Soul: Through reflection upon moral, social, and philosophical issues as presented in literature.
Evaluation: Students’ grades will be based on points earned on tests, reading and vocabulary
quizzes, essays, group work, oral presentations, homework, and in-class writing assignments.
Points are also assigned for class participation and comportment. (See Guideline, Rules and
Procedure sheet for specific details.)
Class Procedures: Students must come to class prepared to participate and to learn. Students
must have all the supplies and material needed to facilitate their education. All work must be
neat and legible. Essays must be typed in Times New Roman, 12pt font, double-spaced, and in
MLA format. Missed tests and assignments due to excusable circumstances will be made up in
accordance with the school’s policy (see The Shield). A passing grade is based on attaining 60%
or more of the possible points. (See Guidelines, Rules and Procedures for specific details.)
Timeline
First Quarter
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Primal Myths-readings, discussion, quizzes, essay, test
The Oedipus Cycle-Readings, discussion, essay, test
Shakespearean Sonnets-selection, recitation essay
Bi-weekly vocabulary tests
Mid Term
Second Quarter
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Hamlet-readings, discussion, quizzes, essay, test
Yellow Raft in Blue Water-readings, discussion, quizzes, essay, test
Bi-weekly vocabulary tests
Comprehensive Semester Final
Supplemental materials may be added
Third Quarter
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The Metamorphosis: readings, discussion, quizzes, essay, test
The Stranger: readings, discussion, quizzes, essay, test
One Hundred Years of Solitude: readings, discussion, quizzes, essay, test
Bi-weekly vocabulary tests
Mid Term
Fourth Quarter
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Poetry Project: group and individual
The Catcher in the Rye: readings, discussion, quizzes, essay, test
Bi-weekly vocabulary tests
2nd Semester Final
Supplemental materials may be added
Guidelines, Rules, and Procedures
1. Students are encouraged to participate in class discussions, Socratic Seminars, debates,
and activities.
2. Students are strongly discouraged from holding private conversations or chat sessions
during class. To tell the truth, unauthorized talking is forbidden. Disruption of the class
by anyone detracts from valuable learning time. Those who choose to take time away
from the class will make up that time at the instructor’s convenience. Those students
who do not comport themselves in a mature and orderly manner will be asked to leave
the class. Any student disrupting the educational process will receive a zero (0) for the
day’s work.
3. Students must turn in assignments, i.e. homework, essays, projects, etc., the day
they are due. Every day a regular assignment is late it will lose a letter grade.
Assignments are due at the beginning of each class and will be considered late if they
are not turned in at the beginning of the period. A late essay may earn the maximum
grade of a C. There are some extraordinary circumstances (absence, emergencies, etc.)
that can be discussed. Please refer to The Shield for school policies concerning absences
and late work. Early outs for extracurricular events do not exempt students from
homework or tests.
4. Homework will be listed on the board. Homework will also be posted on Power School.
Any quizzes or tests missed by any student must be me made up as soon as possible.
Students must set a time with the instructor. Tests that have been scheduled in advance
must be made up upon the student’s return to school. Remember, it is the students’
responsibility to make sure all work is current. The instructor will not remind
students of their incomplete work.
5. Students are expected to do their own work. Cheating and/or plagiarism will not be
tolerated. All student work must be original and have appropriate references and
cite any outside sources used. Please refer to The Shield for disciplinary policies.
Students having difficulties or concerns should see me before any problems that could
result in prohibited activities arise. Students are required to turn in homework/essays to
turnitin.com.
6. Grades are based on the totality of the student’s individual or group work. Essays,
examinations, quizzes, and homework make up a portion of the grade. Class
participation, assigned readings, attentiveness, and conduct make up the rest. Each day
in class is worth its weight in points. How students comport themselves will be
reflected in their grades. Letter grades are based on the following percentages:
100-95=A
72-70=C-
94-90=A-
69-67=D+
89-87=B+
66-63=D
86-83=B
62-60=D-
79-77=C+
59 and below=F
76-73=C
7. Students must, emphasis on must, bring all learning materials to class each day.
Learning materials include, but are not limited to, books, paper, writing devices, a
positive attitude, wakefulness, and respect for all members of the class. Students will not
be allowed out of class to retrieve misplaced items. Attendance is a basic school policy.
Students will be marked down for tardiness. (See The Shield for the policy on tardiness.)
8. In order to enhance student learning, videos and recordings of related subject matter will
be used.
9. In addition to the class texts, there will be many literary handouts. The responsibility of
having these materials rests solely with the student. Extra copies will not be given out
unless there are credible extenuating circumstances.
10. Please be sure that your handwriting is legible. If you have to, pint. If I can’t read it the
work will be graded as a zero. Black or blue ink only. No handwritten formal essays
will be accepted.