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English I CP Course Syllabus
This class is designed to develop students’ communication abilities, especially focusing on reading, writing, and speaking. English I students will also participate in a variety of activities that foster independent thinking and critical analysis. Instructional Philosophy Though my goal is to do everything possible to foster my students’ learning, my students will get from this class what they put into it; I cannot make them learn. However, students who work hard will pass this class. Not only will they at least pass, but they will also leave this class better communicators and thinkers. After all, the foundation of a productive society is effective communication! Course Goals This course will focus on the following sub-topics: 1) Reading ---a. Reading fluency ---b. Reading comprehension (understanding what one has read) ---c. Reading comprehension concepts (i.e. plot, main idea) ---d. Literary concepts (i.e. tone, theme, figurative language) 2) Writing ---a. Writing fluency (meaningfully communicating one’s ideas) ---b. The writing process ---c. Mechanics and spelling 3) Literature ---a. Major authors and their works ---b. Literary period study 4) Vocabulary 5) Grammar 6) Research ---a. Obtaining and using information from a variety of sources ---b. Using a variety of strategies to present such information **All units, assignments, and activities will be based on the South Carolina English I Curriculum Standards. Major Course Projects and Assignments We will complete the following major units/works during the year: 1) Darkness before Dawn by Sharon Draper 2) Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare 3) The Miracle Worker by William Gibson 4) Mythology by Edith Hamilton 5) The Odyssey by Homer 6) Great Expectations by Charles Dickens 7) Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes 8) Short Stories 9) Poetry Unit 10) Vocabulary Unit (ongoing throughout the year) 11) Grammar Unit (ongoing throughout the year) 12) 4 Individually-Chosen Novels (ongoing throughout the year) 13) Research Project 14) End-of-Course Test Practice **This list is subject to change! Course Assessment Plan Though “typical” assignments such as unit tests, quizzes, and writing activities will be completed throughout the semester, the following assignments specific to this English I class will be given: 1) Weekly vocabulary tests 2) Weekly journal writing (completed as homework) 3) Daily Freewriting Notebook writing 4) 4 Independent Novel Projects 5) Major Research Project Grade Breakdown Freewriting Notebook 10% Weekly Journal 10% Tests 45% Quizzes/Classwork/Homework 30% Participation/Behavior 5% Required Materials 1) One-subject spiral notebook 2) Two-pocket folder with center clasps 3) Three-ring binder with loose-leaf notebook paper and subject dividers 4) Pencils and pens |
