CONESTOGA HIGH SCHOOL: NINTH GRADE ENGLISH PROGRAM
WORLD LITERATURE HONORS
Ms. Susan Houseman
E-mail: housemans@tesd.net (preferred)
Phone: (610) 240-1000 ext 2352
Website: mshouse.wikispaces.com
WHAT IS WORLD LITERATURE?
In this course, students will examine literature from the ever-expanding world canon. Through this global
exposure, students will explore the human condition as presented in epics, short stories, novels, drama,
poetry, and graphic novels. Students will acquire an understanding of how to read and analyze a variety of
texts at the high school level through this close analysis of genre. Reading instruction will expand
students’ literary vocabulary and provide them with a framework for close reading, critical analysis, and
written work. Course readings will also include informational and persuasive texts such that students will
learn to read for diverse purposes. These texts will serve as the catalyst for students to practice writing in
the informational, persuasive, and narrative modes. Writing instruction will emphasize integrating
appropriate textual evidence in literary analysis. Finally, students will develop an understanding of
reading and writing as recursive processes.
MAJOR UNITS OF STUDY (TEXTS MAY VARY BY TEACHER)
Summer Reading
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie
The Epic
The Epic of Gilgamesh translated by Herbert Mason
The Ramayana
Drama
Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare
Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand
Short Stories
A selection of short stories will be studied
The Novel
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The Story of a Shipwrecked Sailor by Gabriel García Márquez
Graphic Memoir
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Poetry
A selection of poetry will be studied
GENERAL GOALS
1. To improve and excel in our reading, writing, and speaking skills in accordance with the
Pennsylvania Standards for the Language Arts
2. To understand the connection between literature and the human experience
3. To sharpen our critical thinking skills as we analyze a variety of texts
4. To learn from each other as members of a committed, open-minded community of scholars
Conestoga High School Department of English
2012-13
READING SPECIFIC GOALS
Using textual evidence, students will
 make/check predictions
 annotate texts
 make inferences
 make connections during reading
 determine main ideas and theme
 analyze characters and character development
 determine the role of setting and impact on characters and conflict
 analyze author’s style and craft
 analyze language choice and how it shapes character development
 read and interpret literary criticism/secondary sources
WRITING SPECIFIC GOALS
 create thesis statements
 write well-organized five-paragraph essays
 identify and cite appropriate textual evidence
 establish context, incorporate direct quotation, and explain significance/connection to thesis
 identify and cite appropriate evidence from literary criticism/secondary sources\
 establish a writer’s voice appropriate to the writing mode (narrative, explanatory, persuasive)
MATERIALS
Each student will be provided with copies of the novels we will be reading and any other prose or poetry.
In addition, you will receive any necessary worksheets, study guides, grading rubrics, or assignments. To
be successful, you will need to be organized, so be sure you have:
1. A binder w/pockets (minimum 2 inches)
2. Loose-leaf paper
3. Dividers for 9 sections (Summer Reading, The Epic, Drama, Short Stories, The Novel, Graphic
Memoir, Poetry, Writing, Tools [literary terms, vocabulary, grammar/usage, midterm/final
review, etc.] )
4. Highly Recommended: USB Flash drive (128 MB should be sufficient for storing Word
documents, etc.)
ASSIGNMENTS
Types: For each unit, you can expect to have a test and/or an extensive writing project, (pop) quizzes,
reading response checks, and other writing assignments. You will find that you will be working on a
writing or reading assignment at all times during the year. Expect homework each night, including the
weekends.
Format: Unless otherwise indicated, all assignments that will be turned in must be typed (12 point
font, Times New Roman) and double-spaced with a proper MLA heading. Please remember to
staple your work. Assignments that do not follow the prescribed format will be penalized.
Make-up Assignments: For each day that you are absent, you will be given two days to make up your
work beginning on the day you return to school (including quizzes and tests). Please remember that it is
your responsibility to get the work that you have missed. Feel free to e-mail me for assignments and
check my website. You can schedule an appointment with me during or after school if necessary.
Conestoga High School Department of English
2012-13
Homework: All homework assignments should be completed by the beginning of the period on the day
that it is due. Completed homework is necessary in order to participate in that day’s activity; therefore,
homework turned in late will not receive credit. Homework should be neatly written or typed.
Late Assignments: All assignments should be completed by the beginning of the period on the day
that it is due or turned in by the designated time for online assignments (details to follow). Late
assignments (that were collected) may be turned in but with a penalty. For each day that an assignment
is late, your grade will be reduced by 10%. Work not submitted within 10 days will receive a grade of
0.
In this technological age, computer and technical problems are a fact of life, but not a valid excuse for
late work. As such, always have a Plan B. If you are having computer issues that may make it
difficult for you to complete your assignment (for example, printer problems), consider the following
back-up plans:

E-mail your assignment to me (housemans@tesd.net). E-mail your assignment as an
attachment (preferred), in the body of your message, or both (safest).

Save your assignment on your USB flash drive and print it during your study hall or lunch.
Please note that sometimes the library is closed to study hall students, so e-mail your
assignment as well.

Hand-write your assignment and bring it to class.
MY WEBSITE: A CLASSROOM RESOURCE
Mshouse.wikispaces.com is our classroom online resource. There you will find documents and resources
that will be helpful in class. I will often prompt you to go to the site, but you should visit our online
resource frequently for tips on/questions about writing, formatting and grammar.
SCHOOL-WIDE CUT POLICY
Because class attendance is highly correlated with academic success, school policies are designed to
discourage unauthorized absences from class. Students who remove themselves from the educational
environment by “cutting” class will receive a marking period grade reduction of ten percent for the first
class cut. A second cut will result in a grade of 50 percent for the marking period.
CLASSROOM RULES AND PROCEDURES:
Students are expected to respect one another and their teacher. Respect includes, but is not restricted to
 arriving on time to avoid interrupting class
 not bringing food or drink to class (except water)
 not having an iPod or a cell phone
 treating classmates and teachers courteously
GRADING
Class Participation and Preparation
You will have plenty of opportunities to participate in class on a regular basis, and I expect each of
you to do so. You can participate in class in many different ways, including engaging in wholeclass discussion, collaborating with your peers, working diligently on your own, and listening
attentively to others. A portion of your grade will also include completion and quality of your
homework assignments. Homework will be checked randomly. On days when a homework
“check” is administered during class, you will receive up to 10 points for completion. You may
not make up a homework check.
Conestoga High School Department of English
2012-13
Tests & Quizzes
You will have several major tests that cover longer units in the curriculum. In addition, you will
have both announced and un-announced quizzes and reading checks (at least once per week).
Cumulative literary terms, vocabulary and usage quizzes will be given weekly.
Writing Assignments and Projects
You will have at least 2-3 formal writing projects due per marking period as well as daily writing
activities and other short essays.
Turnitin.com
You will be required to submit most writing assignments to www.turnitin.com. After my
explanation, you are responsible for setting up your portfolio on the website. When submitting
assignments, you are responsible for obtaining a receipt of submission. In other words, "I thought
I sent it" is not a valid excuse. The timer will be set for the time your English class begins;
therefore, assignments must be submitted before coming to class.
Period 2 class id: 5452864
Period 4 class id: 5452872
Period 5 class id: 5452885
World 6 class id: 5452876
PASSWORD for all classes: World
Plagiarism/Cheating
Unless otherwise indicated, you are expected to complete your own original work independently.
Borrowing (including rewording) another person’s ideas without citing your source is plagiarism.
I encourage you to help each other on assignments when necessary, but simply copying another
student’s homework is cheating. Telling other students about the content of a quiz/test or seeking
information from others who have already taken the quiz/test is also considered cheating. No
grade is worth sacrificing your integrity. If you are having trouble, please see me as soon as
possible before any issues escalate. Students who are caught cheating or plagiarizing will receive
a grade of 0 on the assignment and referred to the administration for disciplinary action
PINNACLE GRADEBOOK SYSTEM
Student grades can be accessed through the school Parent Internet Viewer (PIV) found online (technical
questions regarding access should be directed to Student Services). Teachers update their gradebooks at
least once every two weeks, although longer assignments such as papers or projects will require more
time. If you suspect there has been an error in a grade, please see me as soon as possible.
Also, please monitor your grades, especially to check for missing assignments. The following key will
help you understand the way I post grades:
Z
A “working zero.” When a Z is indicated in the gradebook, it means that the assignment
is currently missing, either because you were in class but did not turn it in or you were
absent and did not turn it in. The Z is calculated as a 0 until the assignment is turned in.
The Z grade should serve as your reminder to turn the assignment in. If a Z is indicated,
you should turn in the assignment for credit, but a late penalty may apply (see Late
Assignments above).
0
An “earned zero.” When a 0 is indicated in the gradebook, it means that you earned the 0,
either by receiving a score of 0 on a test/quiz, not having your homework completed when
checked in class, or by not turning in an assignment within two weeks after its due date.
Conestoga High School Department of English
2012-13
blank
Not Graded. A blank in the gradebook means that the assignment has not yet been graded
and/or entered into the system. Please allow up to two weeks (or longer for more
extensive essays/projects) after the due date for grades to appear online.
DUE DATES - Please note that I will often enter assignments into the gradebook in advance of their due
date. This allows students and parents to plan for upcoming deadlines. However, not all deadlines may
be reflected in the gradebook – always be sure to check in class for assignment due dates and record them
in your planner.
TO PARENTS: I look forward to meeting you at Open House in a few weeks. In the meantime, if you
have any concerns or questions about the syllabus (or in general) please feel free to e-mail me.
Conestoga High School Department of English
2012-13
World Literature - Honors
Ms. Houseman
Student Name: __________________________
I am sure you are looking forward to a successful and productive school year. Please sign and
date in the appropriate spaces below to signify that you have read and understood all course
expectations. Also, it is sometimes necessary for me to contact a parent/guardian to discuss student
progress. Please fill in the appropriate contact information below.
I have read and understood the course requirements for World Literature Honors.
Student: X _________________________
Date: __________
Parent:
Date: __________
X _________________________
Contact information
PARENT/GUARDIAN #1:
Name:
__________________________________
Home phone: __________________________________
Work phone: __________________________________
Cell phone: __________________________________
E-mail:
__________________________________
PARENT/GUARDIAN #2:
Name:
__________________________________
Home phone: __________________________________
Work phone: __________________________________
Cell phone: __________________________________
E-mail:
__________________________________
Conestoga High School Department of English
2012-13
PLEASE INDICATE HOW
YOU WOULD PREFER TO
BE CONTACTED BY
PLACING A STAR NEXT
TO THE PHONE NUMBER
OR EMAIL ADDRESS YOU
WOULD LIKE ME TO USE.
THANK YOU!
PLEASE SEE ASSIGNMENT ON NEXT PAGE
Conestoga High School Department of English
2012-13
TELL ME ABOUT YOU (and how you really feel about English  )
As we begin the year, it is important to consider what our expectations might be for the course, and how we feel
about English class in general. The beginning of any school year is always an exciting one, but it can also be a bit
nerve-wracking and overwhelming. So, let’s take some time out to reflect on your experiences with reading and
writing.
Assignment
Ask yourselves the questions below and write a brief response. Be honest. This is a chance for you to evaluate how
you approach reading and writing (and to clue me in, as well).
Format
Answer each question in 1 typed paragraph, double-spaced, 12-point, Times New Roman font. Type your name in
the upper left hand corner, followed by my name, the name of the course and the due date.
Example:
Sally Student
Ms. Houseman
Honors World Literature
6 September 2012
You can also see an example on mshouse.wikispaces.com, under MLA Format Example.
Questions
1. How do you feel about writing?
You might consider
 Strengths
 Weaknesses
 Favorite kind of writing activity
 Least favorite
 Areas of writing where you are strong
 Areas that you need to improve
2. How do you feel about reading?
You might consider
 Favorite genres (types/styles, such as murder mystery, historical fiction, science fiction)
 Favorite topics
 Your favorite book/magazine/newspaper/online site – why is it your favorite in terms of
content?
3. Finally, do you have any questions or concerns? Is there anything I should know that might help you
in your learning?
Conestoga High School Department of English
2012-13