Elements of Literature/Earth Science
Spring 2008
Office hours: 1:004:30pm (appointments must be made 24 hours in advance)
I. Overview:
This course integrates English Literature studies with Earth Science, focusing on literary analysis and
comprehension. Students will gain both an academic edge upon entering toptier high schools and an appreciative
understanding of Literature and Earth Science.
II. Course Aims and Objectives:
1. Understand the approach and methods of using basic literary elements and advanced reading skills to fully
comprehend and appreciate selected works from classic literature authors such as Isaac Asimov and Edgar Allen
Poe. Application of these skills will be exercised through essay writing, presentation skills, and TOEFL testing.
2. Gain knowledge and understanding of Earth Science topics and specialized vocabulary for use in future high
school courses and tests.
Specific Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will have:
• Increased understanding of vocabulary/expressions
• Refined knowledge of grammar
• Reinforced usage of vocabulary and grammar through speaking/listening drills
• Developed skills in reading comprehension
• Applied advanced paraphrasing methods
• Established essay writing and arrangement skills
• Discussed and exercised basic analysis of classic literature and science
• Prepared, constructed, and performed a public presentation
III. Format and Procedures:
Language of Literature organization around clusters of standards allows for the teaching of major literary concepts
across genre. Standards that belong together are taught together through this integrated course. Students analyze
fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, and media across clusters of standards. Special features support visual and media
literacy, along with research strategies.
Earth Science provides a wide range of teaching options and gives teachers the flexibility to choose the resources
that meet the needs of their classroom. Reliable content, opportunities for inquirybased learning, and online
resources help students understand the concepts of earth science.
Accessible content:
1
Reading strategies, paired diagrams, and visualizations complement the strong visual appeal and the dynamic,
interactive content, making the program accessible to a wide variety of students.
Realworld connections:
A variety of handson labs and investigations help students experience earth science as vital, engaging, and relevant.
Integrated technology, funded by the National Science Foundation:
Pointofuse references in the Pupil’s Edition and ancillaries direct students to current and reliable NSFfunded,
online resources that were developed in conjunction with TERC. These innovative resources extend and reinforce
the concepts of the text.
IV. Course Requirements:
Course readings:
1. Global Language M Book 1
2. Global Language M Book 2
3. Vocabulary
4. Newbery Medal Novels
V. Tentative Course Schedule [based on level course that meets twice a week for two hours]:
Topics Assignments Test Projects
Week 1 Rain, Rain Go Away Reading Comprehension
Isaac Asimov Earth Science 123 Vocabulary
Earth as a System Vocabulary 14
Week 2 The Dinner Party Reading Comprehension
Mona Gardner Earth Science 2441 Vocabulary
The Nature of Science Vocabulary 58 Novel Book Report
Week 3 The Enormous Crocodile Reading Comprehension Literature Essay
Roald Dahl Earth Science 4261 Vocabulary
Models of Earth Vocabulary 912
Week 4 A Running Brook of Horror Reading Comprehension
Daniel P. Mannix Earth Science 165 Vocabulary
Unit Review Vocabulary 1316 Novel Book Report
Week 5 Southbound Freeway/Moon Reading Comprehension
May Swenson/E.E. Cummings Earth Science 6687 Vocabulary
Earth’s Structure and Motion Vocabulary Review
Week 6 The Lady, or the Tiger Reading Comprehension Earth Science
Frank R. Stockton Earth Science 88115 Vocabulary Essay
Atoms to Minerals Vocabulary 14 Novel Book Report
Week 7 The Choice Reading Comprehension Presentation
Dorothy Parker Earth Science 116141 Vocabulary preparation
2
Rocks Vocabulary 58 begins
Week 8 Future Tense Reading Comprehension
Robert Lipsyte Earth Science 142163 Vocabulary
Resources and the Environment Vocabulary 912 Novel Book Report
Week 9 Various Short Stories Reading Comprehension
Isaac Asimov Earth Science 66167 Vocabulary
Unit Review Vocabulary 1316
Week 10 Writing Workshop Reading Comprehension Final
Writing Vocabulary Review Vocabulary Presentation
Earth Science Presentation
VI. Academic Integrity
Should copying occur, both the student who copied work from another student and the student who gave material to
be copied will both automatically receive a zero for the assignment. Penalty for violation of this can also be
extended to include failure of the course and disciplinary action.
During examinations, you must do your own work. Talking or discussion is not permitted during the examinations,
nor may you compare papers, copy from others, or collaborate in any way. Any collaborative behavior during the
examinations will result in failure of the exam, and may lead to failure of the course and disciplinary action.