Course Name: World Literature
Credits: 5
Grade 10
Course Description
Students will engage in the reading of works from a variety of places and perspectives to
understand how universal themes span culture and time periods. Through the use of a variety
of mentor texts and supplemental works (novels, short stories, poems, articles, etc.), students
will further develop their ability to interpret and analyze literary and informational selections.
Students continue to develop more precise writing skills and write literary analyses,
arguments, and narrative pieces, focusing on the skills of topic development, organization,
diction/syntax, and the use of textual evidence. Grammar is reviewed through writing to
emphasize the finer points of mechanics and word choice, and vocabulary is drawn from both
the readings and from other sources. Students will prepare for and participate effectively in a
range of conversations to express their ideas and learn from/build on the ideas of others.
They will formally and informally present their knowledge and ideas, utilizing various forms of
digital media to enhance their message.
Essential Questions
How does literature illustrate that the human experience is universal?
How do audience and purpose impact the writing process and structure?
Instructional Objectives
Students will…
• Utilize the stages of the writing process (pre-writing, outlining, drafting,
editing/revising, publishing, reflection)
• Write for various purposes and audiences
• Write in multiple formats, including creative, persuasive, personal
narrative/memoir, poetry, and reading reflections
• Utilize the steps of the research process to produce multiple short and extended
research-based papers and presentations
• Demonstrate knowledge of correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Utilize various forms of technology for research, writing, editing, and publishing
• Utilize proper MLA format when appropriate
• Connect themes in a range of texts across genres and cultures
• Provide critical analysis, both written and oral
• Identify and analyze key literary terms and elements
• Analyze author style and its impact on literary and informational works
• Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown words and phrases based on
Grade 10 reading, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies
• Develop speaking and listening skills through Socratic seminars and oral
presentations
The World Literature course is based on the MA Curriculum Framework Standards, including
the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).
Thematic Concepts
Individual Versus Society
Use/Misuse of Power
Universal Human Experience
Cultural Influence
Required Anchor Texts and Instructional Materials
• Lord of the Flies
• Night
• Macbeth/Hamlet/Othello (one complete work and/or excerpts)
• PPS High School Writing Guide
Supplemental/Choice Texts
• Beowulf
• Great Expectations
• Nectar in a Sieve
• Chronicles of a Death Foretold
• The Joy Luck Club
• The Kite Runner
• In the Time of the Butterflies
• I Promised I Would Tell
• Oedipus
• A Thousand Splendid Suns
• Chekhov Plays
• Cry the Beloved Country
• The Canterbury Tales (excerpts)
• Oliver Twist
• A Tale of Two Cities
• Multicultural Perspectives and Tapestry
• A Christmas Carol
• Things Fall Apart
Plagiarism Policy (excerpts taken from Plymouth Public Schools Student Handbook)
9.0 Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement
Existing copyright law will govern the use of material accessed through network. The
user will not plagiarize works found on the Internet. Plagiarism is taking the ideas or
writings of others and presenting them as if they were yours. All copyrighted material
used must have the express written permission of the person or organization that
owns the copyright.
Cheating/Plagiarism
Any student who has cheated on any academic exercise will receive no credit for that
exercise. Plagiarism is a form of cheating. A parent/guardian will be notified by the
involved teacher in all instances of cheating. The investigation of the claim of cheating
and plagiarism will involve the student, teacher, and administration.
Grading Policy and Assessment
Grades will be based on the following components:
80%
• Formal Writing Pieces (as determined by Plymouth High School Writing Guidelines)
*Prewriting, outlines, drafts, and revision assignments fall under this category
• Tests and Quizzes
• Projects
• Formal Presentations
20%
• Class Work and Homework (reading responses, notes, language practice, etc.)
• Participation (Socratic Circles, Informal Presentations, Think, Pair, Share, etc.)
The final year average will be calculated as follows:
•
•
•
•
•
Term 1 Grade
Term 2 Grade
Term 3 Grade
Term 4 Grade
Final Exam
20%
20%
20%
20%
20%
Additional Information (to be teacher specific)
• Required Course Materials
• Student Expectations/Responsibilities
• Course Policies/Procedures
• Contact Information
Note: Each high school may choose to add their “School-wide Learning Expectations” as
appropriate.