English II H, Spring SemesterWorld Literature Grady ElrodBA English ’95 UNC-CH, MAT English and Secondary Education 2003 UNCWMember of the Health Science Academy Advisory Board and the School Improvement Team. Youth And Government club advisor. gelrod@wcpss.net Class Website: www.aplaceinspace.wikispaces.com

Dakota Stephens Senior student at North Carolina State University College of English EducationCollegiate Athlete- Women’s Soccer dcstephe@ncsu.edu

Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians, Welcome to Honors World Literature! We are so excited to teach and learn from your students this spring semester. This course will be co- taught by both Grady Elrod and intern, Dakota Stephens. Because this is an honors class, students are expected to put forth a great deal of effort, but we hope that they will find, as past students have found, that this class can serve as an explorative space to discuss literature, ideas, and life’s big questions.

Course Description

Student will have weekly vocabulary quizzes (every Friday) on word lists compiled by the department and occasional additional vocabulary assignments with the goal of improving SAT performance. All of the major works will be accompanied by some form of assessment, such as tests and/or papers. Every day each student will produce one page of journal writing based on prompts intended to increase analytical or creative thinking. Supplemental readings including non-fiction works and poetry are frequently read and discussed during class time.

Students will have an average of twenty- thirty pages of reading nightly during the week, and should spend a significant amount of time each week/weekend writing papers and studying for quizzes and tests. I do not give a mid-term exam, but the final exam, which counts for 20% of the student’s semester grade, is comprehensive. Department Grading Policy:Major Grades (tests, projects, essays) 50%Quizzes 25%Daily work/ participation 25%

Late work Policy: Late work will be accepted with a 5 point penalty each day it’s late. In order to gain back points on a quiz students will have the opportunity to complete a skills review packets for specific texts. As for vocabulary tests, students will be able to do retakes within two weeks of receiving the grade back.

Classroom Expectations: In reaching North Carolina standards and Magnet theme goals, students will be involved in class discussions and group work. Because individual interpretations of a text will be a key factor in improving analytical skills, I expect my students to respect each other’s views. Self-expression is and will always be encouraged while your child is my student; however, as we address larger social issues and stances through our studies, opposing opinions are expected to surface. Despite disagreements that might arise, my classroom will be a respectful, accepting learning environment. Any disrespectful language or behavior towards faculty or fellow students will not be acceptable.

To ensure that all students spend intentional time in the classroom: ● Arrive on time and do not pack up early.● Come to class prepared with required assignments and supplies.● Show respect for your teachers, your classmates, and property.● Cellphones and other devices are to be put away and silenced during class unless instructed otherwise. If phones continue to be a problem after one warning the phone will be taken from the student and given back to them by the end of the class period. ● Overall, respect yourself enough to get the most out of your own education. Projected Texts: Night by Elie Wiesel, Sold by Patricia McCormick, Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, Siddhartha by Hermann

Hesse,, Oedipus Rex by Sophocles , and Things Fall Apart by Chinua AchebeStudents are not required to purchase texts, however, if your student wishes to annotate the text directly they are welcome to obtain their own cop. If you or your student have any objections to reading any of the assigned readings on whatever grounds, please alert me immediately so that I can give your student an alternate reading assignment and excuse them from class discussion.Needed Materials: Three ring binder or folder, journal, and writing utensils.

What can you expect from us:We are your advocates. Should you ever need help with this course or if you have questions or concerns, come to our room during lunch, before, or after school. Should parents ever have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here as a resource not only for your child, but also for you. Parents can reach us both by email. We welcome parent involvement with the progress of our students. One simple way you can do this is by asking your child about this class, continuing the conversation from the classroom and into the home.

Thank you for you your time, cooperation, and support. We look forward to a successful semester!

Warmly,

Grady Elrod and Dakota Stephens

“I have read and understand the expectations.”

__________________________________ ________________________________Student Signature Parent Signature