1. World Literature
Class Expectations
INSTRUCTOR:Mr. Nick Calvin
EMAIL: nickcalvin@iusd.org
GOALS
The students will be challenged to:
- continue to develop further essential skills and techniques with regard to writing.
- examine and become familiar with different genres of writing and literature.
- create an appreciation for the commonalities between current cultures/events and various works of
literature.
- use their own voice, think critically, cultivate opinions, and learn to share those thoughts and opinions in
a positive and encouraging environment.
SKILLS
Students will be working to develop these skills in order that they may better understand and appreciate the
wonders of the literary world and act as responsible twenty-first century citizens:
Listening: Literature is full of differing opinions. The ability to listen to the thoughts and views of
others, will not only show that student respect what others have to say, but will also
help students strengthen and define their own beliefs.
Speaking: Discussion is an enormous part of this class. Students will be asked to join in a
continuous class-wide dialogue about literature, culture, and society. The ability to
express one’s thoughts with support and evidence is key.
Reading: Reading is an essential skill for this class. When students complete the assigned
readings, they become informed and are better able to contribute to class discussions
and activities.
Writing: Finding one’s written voice is a crucial skill, and something that will be strongly
emphasized on a regular basis this year. Writing assignments will vary in form and
focus.
Comprehension &
Synthesis:
Comprehension is the combination of all of the aforementioned skills. Students will be
expected to build an understanding of the subject matter and explain its relevance to
the world outside the classroom.
GRADES
Grades are based on an accumulation of points in the following categories over the course of the semester:
Assessments: Quizzes and exams covering reading material, as well as information provided
during in-class lectures and classroom discussions will be given throughout the
semester. A cumulative final exam will be given at the end of each semester.
Assignments: Written assignments will be given throughout the semester. Various types of
homework will be given almost daily. Homework is posted daily on CANVAS
(more information to come about this).
Projects: There will be numerous projects throughout the course of the year. These
projects will vary in form: visual, written, individual, group, take-home, in-class.
Class
Participation:
Points will be given for participation in classroom discussions and other activities.
Daily journals and book checks are also a part of this category.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS AND MAKE-UP WORK
Late assignments can only be turned in for PARTIAL CREDIT on TUESDAYS DURING TUTORIAL within
TWO WEEKS of the assignment date. LATE ESSAYS AND PROJECTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Students
are responsible for the information covered in class – check with classmates, on CANVAS, and with me for any
questions. Make-up work for excused absences is due within the amount of time given to the original
assignment; this work must be done on the student’s own time (not in class). If an assessment or exam is
missed, it must also be made up within two weeks of the original assessment date.

2. ATTITUDE
In order to get the most out of this class, everyone involved must be committed to hard work and participation.
Each of us should feel comfortable speaking our minds, regardless of our perspective or interpretation. Of
course, this expectation requires certain attitudes, and behaviors (in addition to school policy):
Respect others: Regardless of any differences you may have, always encourage and treat others with
respect. Never speak negatively about someone in class.
Be in class: Attendance is imperative. Please show up on time and ready to learn – every minute
counts! Tardies will be counted and action taken as per the school attendance policy.
Please do not leave or line up at the door, until you are instructed to do so – it hurts my
feelings .
Your work: Two words: honesty and integrity. Any form of plagiarism is absolutely unacceptable. I
want to hear/read your thoughts, not someone else’s. Have courage and be proud – your
voice is unique to you and you alone.
No cell phones
or iPods:
Any electronic communication or entertainment devices are to be put away during class
time. Listening to music, text messaging, and taking pictures/video while in class is rude
and distracting, so just don’t. Thanks.
Participation: Speak up and speak often. Always keep an open mind.
COURSE CONTENT & MATERIALS (for FALL 2013)
Textbooks & Required Readings: The Language of Literature: World Literature, McDougal Littell (class set)
Things Fall Apart: Chinua Achebe
Othello: William Shakespeare
Kite Runner: Khaled Hosseini
Selected Works From Genres: Short Stories
Nonfiction
Narratives
Drama
Poetry
Composition: Daily Writing (informal and formal)
Expository
Narrative
Descriptive
Persuasive
Recommended Materials: Notebook and paper
Writing utensils (including a highlighter)
Required works of literature
Please read over this syllabus with your parents/guardians. By signing below, you are stating that both of you
understand the expectations and requirements stated in the attached syllabus for World Literature. Thank you!
_____________________________ _____________________________
Student Name Parent Name
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Student Signature Parent Signature