10th grade World Literature/Composition – honors/gifted
Teacher: Susan VB Cox, B.A.E., M.A.
Email: susan.teaster@glynn.k12.ga.us
Phone: 912-267-4200 Ext. 6126
Course description: This10th grade literature and composition class for honors and
gifted students provides extensive reading of various literary genres including short
stories, plays, novels, poems, essays as well as readings drawn from magazines,
newspapers, and other contemporary sources. Foundational to this course also are the
development of critical thinking skills. In addition, the students will develop composition
skills through studying grammar and vocabulary.
Critical analysis of World Literature: The tenth grade units of study focus on world
literature in order to broaden the literary landscape of high school students. The units
begin with an investigation of culture, working toward a definition and an understanding
of the commonalities and differences among human cultures as represented in literature,
media, and non-fiction from around the world. Students read widely and deeply, and are
asked to write about and research ways cultures communicate and the conflicts that
sometimes arise between cultures. Students will examine pieces of world literature in a
cultural context to appreciate the diversity and complexity of world issues and to connect
global ideas to their own experiences. Students will continue to explore language for
expressive, informational/explanatory, critical, argumentative and literary purposes,
although emphasis will be placed on explanatory contexts. In addition to literature study,
students will:
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Examine non-literary texts related to cultural studies.
Research material to use primarily in clarifying their own explanatory responses
to situations and literary-based issues.
Critically interpret and evaluate experiences, literature, language, and ideas.
Use standard grammatical conventions and select features of language appropriate
to purpose, audience, and context of the work.
Course objectives: This course will provide opportunities for the student to develop the
core skills and insight vital to increased power in the evaluation and critical interpretation
of reading in conjunction with coherent writing for many purposes. These goals are in
addition to the expectations outlined in the Common Core Curriculum Maps.
Course expectations: The student’s regular attendance, serious commitment to class
work and homework, and voluntary engagement in participating actively in all tasks can
render the multiple levels of honors and gifted work satisfying, enjoyable, and beneficial.
The student can acquire and refine good learning and work habits that can transfer to all
disciplines of study. The developing self esteem in the growing adolescent can thrive
when fed by the learner’s achievement and growth. Parents and students are strongly
encouraged to make every effort to assure that the learner attends class every day for the
best results. The level of daily requirements in an Honors level class is such that absences
diminish the student’s learning beyond the teacher’s control.
Core Works and Writing Focus
Reading: Excerpts from various religious texts in order to understand cultural basis of the
writings in a country, as well as how cultural context and historical setting influence
writers and readers.
Nonfiction writings (speeches, letters, memoirs, etc.)
Folklore and cultural myths
Poetry
Writing: Expository and Persuasive essays, especially geared towards timed in-class
writing
Unit One:
Latin and Central America (Unit Test)
Unit Two:
Africa (Unit Test)
Vocabulary:
Because the acquisition of a good vocabulary is essential, the students will be challenged
each week to learn the definitions of twenty-five Greek/Latin root word parts. They will
receive a list at the beginning of each week and will take a test every Friday. Knowledge
of these word parts will benefit the students across the curriculum.
Writing:
Formal writing and presentations are scored/graded using a rubric. Students are expected
to earn at least a 4 (70% proficient) in every category. Students are expected to turn in
work that is at least proficient (70%) and may be asked to correct or re-do work that is
below level to ensure comprehension of a skill. However, most students should be
earning at least 80% on all tasks in order to earn a final grade of a B or higher.
Remember, C represents a grade for work that meets basic expectations. B’s are earned
through above average work, and an A is awarded for exemplary work. This means a
student may work really hard on a paper/project and not achieve an A.
Grading
100-90 A 89-80 B
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79-70 C 69-0 F
Daily Grades: 20% of the course grade
Quizzes/Tests: 30% of the course grade
Projects/Writing: 30% of the course grade
Final Exam: 20% of the course grade
Many assignments will be completed or begun in class, but students are expected to have
some homework, namely projects and studying material introduced in class. Student
grades are comprised of: formal assessments, projects, homework, class work, and
participation (points are awarded for reading and discussions).
Students are expected to turn in assignments on the due date. If extenuating
circumstances arise, please let me know ASAP. For projects and long essays five points
will be deducted for each day. I will not accept assignments that are over one week late.
All written work must be typed unless otherwise stated.
Because cell phone use is a distraction in the classroom, and against school policy, I
have instituted a new rule for my class. Part of the participation grade for this class
will result from the student surrendering his/her cell phone at the beginning of class.
The student will turn the phone off and place it in a designated area for the duration
of the class. If the student refuses, and is caught using the phone a zero will be
logged in the grade book as a participation grade.
Strategies for scholastic success in this class:
 Arrive on time, enter the room quietly, sit down, take out materials, and be
cheerfully ready to learn.
 Bring textbook, notebook, folder, pen, pencil, and any other items needed to class
every day.
 Keep up with your work. Avoid procrastination for reading, writing, studying in
order to reduce your own stress levels and heighten your enjoyment of the tasks at
hand.
 Plan for your own success and follow through to completion of each assignment.
 Ask the teacher for help!
 Do your homework every day as well as any extra reading and study.
Note to parents:
It is both and honor and a delight to be your child’s 10th grade teacher of English for
this year. I seek your involvement and ongoing encouragement for your child as we
launch enthusiastically into our literary adventures. I look forward to your support
for our endeavors and to getting to know you. Please feel free to contact me either
through email or the school office.