Mrs. Obenski
10th Grade English
Phone Number:
610-853-5900 ex. 2203
Website: http://www.
haverford.k12.pa.us
/192320910134539163
/site/default.asp
Room Number:
203
Email Address:
tobenski@havsd.net
Google Drive:
tobenski@haverfordsd.net
COURSE OF STUDY:
Students will read and reflect on non-western literature selections that complement the cultures
and themes studied in the 10th grade World Cultures course. In this class, we will make connections
between culture and literature, develop our writing, research, reading and speaking skills, and
strengthen our vocabulary. A major emphasis of the 10th grade curriculum involves the mastery of
grammar and usage. Additionally, we will analyze and interpret course texts to make connections
between the texts read in English and the cultures explored in social studies.
CULTURES STUDIED
 Africa
 The Middle East
 South Asia
 Asia (China, Japan, etc.)
 Latin America
PRIMARY TEXTS

Night by Elie Wiesel

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie

Various short stories, poems, and myths

Two self-selected non-western memoirs or novels
WRITING:
Students will build upon their knowledge of expository and persuasive writing styles and learn to
incorporate clearly defined thesis statements, smooth transition sentences, and various
organizational strategies into their writing. As we learn to write effective essays, we will work to
improve our skills using specific Focus Correction Areas (FCAs).
MAJOR CLASS PROJECTS:
1) Students will complete writing pieces which will undergo various levels of revision.
2) Students will complete a research paper which represents a culmination of the skills learned
in the World Literature course. Students will learn how to write a thesis driven paper,
correctly use the MLA citation style, use the library, and discriminate between general
(popular) and scholarly (academic) sources.
3) All students will read two self-selected non-western SSR books which will be used for class
presentations and projects.
4) Students will keep a class binder, which will be checked for organization and completion
periodically. Students will need to keep an accurate table of contents and correctly label all
class notes, assignments, and handouts.
REQUIRED SUPPLIES:
-Something to write with – a pencil or pen
(blue or black ink)
-A highlighter
-A 2.5-inch binder and some loose-leaf paper
-Your student planner
-A folder with pockets
TECHNOLOGY POLICY:
While we will use a variety of technology and web-based applications in this course, students are
NOT permitted to use their cell phones or personal electronic devices in class unless specifically
directed to do so by the teacher. Violators of these rules will be automatically referred to their
grade-level principal for discipline and will be written up.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
1) Respect
Respect other students and the teacher by using appropriate language, being prepared for
class, following directions, adhering to school policies, and by keeping an open mind when
learning about various cultures, traditions, beliefs, and lifestyles.
2) Be Prepared
Always come to class prepared. This means coming to class and being seated when the bell
rings, bringing your writing materials and class binder each day, completing homework on
time, and keeping up with reading assignments.
3) Expect great things from yourself and your peers
Your attitude plays an important role in your education. If you believe you can succeed –
you can! Encourage your classmates to succeed too. Listen carefully and follow directions.
Make an honest effort to understand. Ask sensible questions at an appropriate time.
4) Take ownership of your education
Take personal responsibility for your learning: set goals, make progress towards those goals,
adhere to high standards, and revise your performance when needed. Ask questions when
something is unclear, participate in classroom discussions, and ask for extra help if you need
it. Take ownership of your classroom. This is your space to learn; keep it clean and
organized. This is your education – get everything you can out of it! Please wait until the end
of class to engage in discussion with me about grades, clarification, misunderstandings, etc.
HOMEWORK AND ASSIGNMENT POLICIES:
 Students should keep track of assignments in their Haverford planner.
 Copying, cheating, and/or plagiarizing will result in zero credit and disciplinary action.
Plagiarizing is defined as using someone’s research, ideas, or words (whether they are the
words of a scholar or another student) without acknowledging the author of the idea. If you
looked it up, you must give credit to the author through parenthetical citations and a works
cited page.
 In order to receive full credit on all assignments, students must turn in their work at the start of
class on the designated due date. All assignments (including daily assignments, homework,
essays, and projects) will be accepted for half credit. Students are not permitted to print
homework assignments or projects in class.
 Attending class is essential to your success. Tardiness and unexcused absences will have an
adverse effect on your grade.
 In the case of an excused absence, students are responsible for making up all missed work
and for any class notes given during their absence within two days. Students should plan to
speak to the teacher before or after school upon return.
GRADES:
Quarterly grades are weighted as follows: 80% for exams, tests, quizzes, and long-term projects; 20%
for binder checks, homework, classwork, SSR logs, journals, warm ups, and short-term projects. Each
quarter counts as 40% of the semester grade for a total of 80%, and the midterm and final exams
count as 20% of the overall grade for the course.
A+ = 100%-98% A = 97%-93%
A- = 92%-90%
D+ = 69%-68% D = 67%-63% D- = 62%-60%
B+ = 89%-88% B = 87%-83%
B- = 82%-80%
F = 59%-0%
C+ = 79%-78% C = 77%-73%
C- = 72%-70%
I have read and understand the class syllabus and policies for Mrs. Obenski’s 10th grade English class. If I have any questions
or concerns, I know that I can contact Mrs. Obenski at either 610.853.5900 ex. 2203 or at tobenski@havsd.net.
Print Student’s Name:___________________________________
Student’s Signature: ____________________________________
Parent/Guardian’s Signature:___________________________________________
Date:______________________________
Comments or Special Concerns: __________________________________________________________________________________