Language A: Literature

Diploma Programme Ms. Dizney12th Grade 2016-2017 Email: desmion.dizney@rockwallisd.orgRoom 2604 Website: http://ss.rhs.rockwallisd.org/staff_directory/desmion_dizney/

“What is wonderful about great literature is that it transforms the man who reads it towards the condition of the man who wrote it.” – E.M. Forster

Aims for Group 1 DP Courses (Aims taken from the IB Language A: literature guide)

introduce students to a range of texts from different periods, styles and genres develop in students the ability to engage in close, detailed analysis of individual texts and make

relevant connections develop the students’ powers of expression, both in oral and written communication encourage students to recognize the importance of the contexts in which texts are written and

received encourage, through the study of texts, an appreciation of the different perspectives of people

from other cultures, and how these perspectives construct meaning encourage students to appreciate the formal, stylistic and aesthetic qualities of texts promote in students an enjoyment of, and lifelong interest in, language and literature.

Aims for English A Literature (Aims taken from the IB Language A: literature guide)

develop in students an understanding of the techniques involved in literary criticism develop the students’ ability to form independent literary judgments and to support those ideas

Works and IB Assessments: This year, we will cover parts IV and I of the English A Syllabus respectively.

Part I: Works in Translation: IB Assessment - Written Assignment: Four steps: interactive oral, reflective statement, supervised writing, production of essay (20%)

The Outsider (The Stranger), Albert Camus Collected Poems, Wislawa Szmborska Tartuffe, Moliere

Part II: Detailed Study: IB Assessment: Individual Oral Commentary SL; Commentary and Discussion HL (15%)

Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad Collected Poems, Sylvia Plath Hamlet, William Shakespeare

Part III: Literary Genres: IB Assessment: Paper 2 Essay (25%) Glengarry Glen Ross, David Mamet The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde Dilemma of a Ghost, Ama Ata Aidoo Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller

Part IV: Options: IB Assessment: Individual Oral Presentation: (15%) Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi A Room of One’s Own, Virginia Woolf 2001: A Space Odyssey, Arthur C. Clarke and Stanley Kubrick

In addition, throughout the 2 year program you will be prepared for Paper 1: Unseen Passages: Literary Analysis (25%)

EffortTo succeed this year, you will need to demonstrate independence and initiative with regards to how you think as well as how you organize yourself as a student. Remember this course is treated as a college level course. Pay attention to the assessment rubrics and my marginal comments on your papers.

Language A: Literature Read actively – meaning: mark literary features, jot down ideas and questions in the margins, and be

alert to the human issues raised by the texts. You should never come to class without annotations. Doing so means you are not prepared.

Speak up in class in order to try out your responses and ideas and to practice “speaking” literary criticism.

Listen closely to others when they speak; take notes; and revise carefully. It is your responsibility to take notes during class, regardless if I am writing on the board.

Ask questions fearlessly!

Writing Portfolio:Folder in class – it will become a grade periodically

3 Ring BinderDedicated for IB English (primary review for IB assessments). Sections:

SuppliesNotebook paper Black pens and #2 PencilsUSB Flash Drive – may be shared with other classesMinimum 1” 3-ring binder – just stay organized!Minimum 6 Tab Dividers

Formatting for Written Work All work handed in must be neat and legible. For in-class assignments, write in black ink; write on

loose-leaf notebook paper; leave space in the margins; double-space; write on only the front of each sheet of paper.

Out-of-class assignments should be typed, double-spaced, 12-point font (preferably Times New Roman), with one-inch margins. Follow MLA guidelines for in-text citations and works cited. (MLA formatting guidelines are available on the website)

Grading Policy will follow RISD High School Grading Procedures70% of your grade will come from major assignments while 30% of your grade will come from daily assignments.

Refer to the website calendar to plan for future assignments. Handouts and returned assessments will be placed in the red drawer.

Late WorkLate work is defined as any assignment that is not turned in at the time and date designated by the teacher when the student is present. A grade of zero will be assigned if the student is present in class and does not turn in the assignment when due. Students may turn in an assignment late, and the grade will be averaged with the zero.

Make–up Work When a student is absent from class, it is the student’s responsibility to make up work. Students will be allowed the amount of time equal to the number of days absent to complete make-up work. However, if the student is aware of an assignment/project/exam deadline and has received the necessary instruction before the absence occurs, the assignment or exam is due upon the student’s return to school.

Academic Dishonesty/Plagiarism

The item assigned to your class period is as follows:Zero Hour & 1st period – black pens (make sure you would like to use them!)3rd & 4th periods – notebook paper

1) Notes 2) Leading Questions 3) Grammar4) Vocab/Terms 5) Essays/Writing 6) Objective Tests/APMCs

Language A: LiteratureAcademic dishonesty or plagiarism includes cheating or copying work from another person or source. Mastery of the learning objectives cannot be determined when dishonesty or plagiarism takes place; therefore, students found to have engaged in academic dishonesty or plagiarism will:

Receive a zero for the assignment Receive an opportunity for an alternative assignment. The grade on the alternative assignment does

not replace the zero, but will be entered into Skyward as part of grade calculation. Opportunity for alternative assignment is not applicable to academic dishonesty regarding exams.

Receive disciplinary action.

Classroom rules align with RHS and RISD Code of ConductNO FOOD allowed in this classroom. You may have a bottle of WATER.

I look forward to exploring life and literature with you over the next two years!