English II

World Literature at Woods ~ Students explore key moments in the great span of literary ideas, starting with the first known stories and looking at a spectrum of texts across time and cultures. We’ll look for overarching metaphors, recurring symbols, cultural insights, and common themes as we read works from different genres, places, and times.

Assignments vary in form, but frequently require reading and writing outside of class. Be prepared to write essays and informal pieces, read nightly, and study and learn new vocabulary. We will have quizzes in class (some announced, some not) and tests at the end of most of our books. Please see the chart below for details on the grading breakdown.


Trimester grading breakdown:

Classwork

20 %

Homework

20 %

Essays

20 %

Tests

20 %

Writing Notebook

10 %

Participation

10%

 

Final grading breakdown:

1st term

28 %

2nd term

28 %

3rd term

28 %

Mid-term exam

8 %

Final exam

8 %


General reading timeline

(Please note that this is subject to adjustment as we go through the year)

 

1st term  -- The Very Beginnings of Literature

The Epic of Gilgamesh

The Odyssey by Homer

Oedipus Rex by Sophocles

Selected poems and other readings

 

2nd term – Key Pieces of World Literary Tradition

 Selected myths and tales from around the world

Candide by Voltaire

The Death of Ivan Ilych by Leo Tolstoy

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

Marquez and magical realism

Night by Elie Wiesel

Formal research paper

 

3rd term – Contemporary World Literature

Short stories - international authors

Independent literary study – your choice


Classroom expectations

 

  • Students will participate in class activities and discussion, reading in and outside of class, and other assigned work, every day.
  • Students will be respectful members of the classroom and school community.
  • Students will be responsible for their work.

Logistics and details


Supplies needed:

Pens and pencils

Spiral or composition notebook dedicated for journal

Section or binder for notes, handouts, loose paper

Loose-leaf paper

Planner / homework diary

 

Homework:

Homework will vary according to what we do in class. Students must make every effort to complete their homework on time; late work will be marked down 5 points per day – NO EXCEPTIONS. Please have work printed and ready to turn in at the beginning of class; daily points will be deducted from that time.

Missing work:

If students miss school, they must ask for any missed work. Make-up time will be granted for excused absences.

Tardiness is not acceptable. Students who are late to class 3 times in a marking period will be assigned after school detention.

 

Email me:  aberg@woodscharter.org