Welcome All to English 2: World Literature!!

*** Scroll down to view the genocide project and research paper instructions***

Ms. McDermott

World Literature

         Welcome to second semester.  It is my goal to provide each and every student with the best chance of learning.  This semester promises to be a wonderful opportunity to learn about World Literature.  Each student will discover a vast array of writers and works from around the world.  These may include but are not limited to: short stories, essay, and works of non-fiction. 

Supplies Needed For This Class

3 ring binder

4 dividers

Loose leaf paper

Students will be REQUIRED to keep an organized three ring binder consisting of ALL journal entries, notes, quizzes and papers written for this class.  This binder may be collected at the end of the course for a grade.  Other required classroom materials include the textbook, a writing utensil and a positive attitude. I DO NOT provide paper or pencils.

Course Outline

        Bell Ringer-

                  Quote discussion

                   Journal

        Minilesson-

                    Grammar

                    Wordskills

       Activity-

                   Current Events

                   Homework discussion

                   Activity from reading

                   Discussion of text

 As some of you may know, I was the writing teacher last semester, and I believe strongly in the importance and power of the written word.  We will write a journal almost everyday, and journals will be checked every Friday.  If you are absent, you are still responsible for the journal.  Do not worry about the topic; you are to free write about anything on your mind.  You will still be held accountable for the journal even if you are absent.

Late work/ Make up work

Any late work will be docked points.

It is not my responsibility to chase you down with make-up work.  You are stepping into adulthood and as such your responsibilities are greater.  Ask me for your work before class begins or during a time the class is quietly working. 

* Students leaving class early for any reason are required to complete the homework.

My classroom rules are simple and yet unwavering.  I believe in allowing everyone the opportunity to be a part of the learning process.

1. Respect EVERYONE.   This includes yourself, other student and myself.
2. Be on time. I FOLLOW ALL TARDY RULES. I assign tardies myself and do not allow for tardy make ups.
3. Come to class prepared everyday. I tire of poor excuses VERY quickly.  Failure to do so will result in point penalties at the end of the grading period.
4. Follow directions.
5. Adhere to the rules of the Code of Conduct Handbook.

Additional rules of interest:

No drinks without lids will be permitted.

All students are allowed FOUR out of class passes each grading period.  When they are gone, so is the opportunity to leave.  If you do not use these passes I will gives extra credit points at the end of the grading periods.

            If any of the rules are broken, the following steps will be taken:

1. Verbal warning
2. After school session
3. Additional work
4. Time out
5. Parent or Guardian contact

Severe problems will result in skipping steps.

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  Genocide Research Paper

Due May 20, 2011.  Genocides have happened and are happening all over the world.  Understanding the dangers and depths of hatred is important to stopping future genocides from happening.

A.  This paper MUST:

       1.  Be 4-5 pages in length

       2.  have a work-cited page (a list of the sources you have used) in MLA format

       3.  You must cite your sources IN your paper

       4.  It must be 12-point font

       5.  Double spaced

       6.  Typed in Times New Roman with black ink

       7.  Have at least three sources:  1 Print (encyclopedia, book, etc.)

                                                         2 Non-print

For this paper you must explain when, where, why and how this genocide took place.  Give a brief history of your country.  Explain how and why your genocide started.  Tell who was involved and how long it lasted (if applicable).  Go in depth with the genocide itself. 

      B.  Note cards (from research)

      Everything used in your paper must be written on your note cards.  They will be collected for part of your grade.  Do not copy, paste and print.  We will color code the note cards in class.

     C.  Outline

      Before writing your paper, you will need to complete an outline.  This will be done in class.

     D.  Documenting Sources (MLA Format)

     When writing a research paper, everything that is not your own thoughts/words MUST be cited IN and at the end of your paper in MLA format.  Anything that could be considered plagiarism should be cited.  When in doubt, cite your sources!!!  If you have any questions, ask me because if you plagiarize you will receive a zero.

     E.  Works Cited (MLA Format)

     This comes at the end of your paper on its own sheet.   We will go over how to create a        works cited page in class.

Visuals (May 18, 2011_)- You must dress to impress!!

• The final part of your research is to create a political poster/Collage, or PowerPoint presentation.  You are responsible to give a 5 minute presentation.  Give the highlights from your paper.  Do not read your paper to the class.  There must be an element of memorization to this presentation.  Stand up straight, no fidgeting.  You are now responsible to teach the class about your genocide.
• If for some reason you are absent on Thursday, you will give your presentation on Friday.  Those two days are your only opportunity.  You will receive a zero if you do not give your presentation-End of discussion.  I will assign you a day.  Let me know ahead of time if there are any problems.

Poster or Collage 

• You must use your own drawings, photographs from magazines, words that represent your country and the genocide.  This representation should help you teach the class.  You must give a brief explanation of your visuals.  For this I had better see more graphics then poster.

PowerPoint

• If you decide to create a Power Point Presentation, you may combine your oral presentation with graphics that will help deepen our understanding about your topic.
• You must have visuals!!!!  Your Power Point may not simply be pretty pages with writing on them.