Syllabus: The World of Harry Potter 2018-19 Mrs. Taylor School Phone 654-9005 [email protected] Course Description
The purpose of this course is to foster critical thinking about the ways in which identity, power, and social control impact individuals, groups and organizations. To begin our study, we will read some of the books in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. We will augment our study of the novels with an in depth look into various essays, articles, and other non-fiction pieces that will help us appreciate the scope of Rowling’s reach in the literary and film industries. Additionally, we will ponder the ways in which the themes of this series both reflect and influence modern culture. Much of the course work will consist of group/pair/whole class discussion and will culminate in completion of individual &/or group projects and presentations. All students will be expected to maintain the academic performance required at this level as established by Corinth High School (see student handbook).
Anchor Texts—we will study some or all of the following works by J.K Rowling: ● Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (1997) ● Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998) ● Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999) ● Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2000) ● Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2003) ● Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince (2005) ● Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007) ● Tales of Beedle Bard (2008) Supplementary Texts—we will study some or all of the following: ● Critical Perspectives on Harry Potter (2009) E.E. Heliman (ed) ● Privilege, Power, and Difference (2005) A.G. Johnson ● J.K. Rowling: Banned, Challenged, and Censored (2008) Joan Vos Macdonald ● Harry, A History: the True Story of a Boy Wizard, His Fans, and Life Inside the Harry Potter Phenomenon (2008) Melissa Anelli Films—we will study some or all of the following films (or film excerpts): ● Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) ● Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) ● Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) ● Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) ● Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) ● Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) ● Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010) ● Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011)
Supplies: 1) Pen--Blue or Black ink only 2) Loose leaf paper 3) Pocket folder 4) Highlighters (2-3 of varying colors)
Grades: Grades will be computed on a point/percentage system. Each assignment, test or quiz will be assigned a point value. The length, difficulty, and overall importance of the assignment will determine the point value. Written assignments, projects and major tests will be assigned a much greater point value than minor quizzes or assignments. Assignments not submitted, tests or quizzes not taken, and projects not completed will be given a grade of zero. (SEE GRADE BREAKDOWN NEXT PAGE).
The approximate breakdown of your final grade is as follows:
Tests/Projects 40% Quizzes/Journal/Response Papers 20% Homework/Bell Ringers 10% Class Participation/Oral Presentation 30% Absences: When a student is absent (legally or illegally), it is the student’s responsibility to ask the teacher for missed work. This should be done before class, after class or after school. The student should not request this information during the class period. All other grading policies regarding late work, etc., will be instituted as set forth in the Student Handbook. Homework: Homework is an important part of our educational program and will be assigned on a regular basis. Assignments will be purposeful continuations (or extensions) of the instructional program and an integral part of the total evaluation. Assignments will be given for the purpose of review, practice, reinforcement, inquiry, application, and enrichment. The completion of homework will help students become responsible, self-directed learners. In order to earn full credit, students must turn in their homework by the date due.
Writing: All final works must be: ● word processed in Times New Roman style and 12 point font—no work will be accepted in electronic forms (including by email) unless pre-approval from the teacher has been ascertained and/or a digital assignment has been created in Google Classroom. ● proofread for errors in grammar and spelling written in accordance with the requirements of MLA format
Class Rules: 1) Be Respectful— to your peers, to the faculty, and to yourself. 2) Be Responsible— this means that you must be on time and prepared for class (texts, pen, notebook, homework, etc.) 3) Be Ready to participate— this means you must be here—physically and mentally! Your class participation grade will be reduced for illegal absences, illegal tardiness and sleeping in class. Academic Integrity: All work submitted must be the student’s own and must be originally created for this course. Any cheating or plagiarism will result in a zero for the assignment and possible disciplinary action by the principal or dean of discipline.
Teacher Availability: I am usually available daily after school to provide extra help and/or allow students to make up missed work.
World of Harry Potter Syllabus Agreement Mrs. Taylor ([email protected]) 2018-2019 School Year
We have read the entire syllabus and reviewed the criteria and conditions set forth for completion of The World of Harry Potter. Our signatures below represent our understanding of the requirements of the course and indicate our permission for the student to view the films and read the literature listed in the curriculum.
Student’s Signature ______Date ______
Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature ______Date ______
Parents/Guardians: Although interim reports will be issued regularly to advise you of your child’s performance, you may wish to contact me in regards to questions or concerns that may arise. Please feel free to call or send email at any time for this purpose (phone number and email address on first page of course syllabus). It is my goal to maintain open communication with you. Below, please indicate what level of communication you wish to maintain and provide applicable contact information.
Please check all that apply:
_____ I can be reached at home at the following phone # ______.
_____ I can be reached at work at the following phone # ______.
_____ I can be reached online at the following e-mail address ______.
_____ Please do not call or send e-mail. I would rather be sent a letter.
Thank you for taking the time to review this outline and complete this syllabus agreement. I look forward to a great year with your student and hope to make a positive experience out of this class.
Sincerely, Mrs. Christina Taylor