English I

English 1 Course Curriculum

 

English 1 is an introductory course that provides a foundation in the mastery of the English language, along with an exploration of various genres of literature. This dynamic course targets essential communication skills such as reading, writing, listening, speaking, and language usage.

A deeper dive into literature is facilitated through reading and examining influential works of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama. Students will learn to critically interpret and discuss these texts, understanding key themes, contexts, and narrative structures.

The course emphasizes the development of proficient writing skills, including crafting coherent sentences and paragraphs, structuring effective essays, and writing in various styles for different audiences. Enhancing skills in grammar, punctuation and vocabulary is a crucial component to hone students’ linguistic abilities.

Furthermore, students will be exposed to various strategies for effective listening and speaking, amplifying their ability to engage in collaborative discussion and deliver presentations. Careful consideration will also be given to enhancing students’ research skills, and applying digital literacy.

Completion of English 1 will leave students armed with a robust foundation in English language arts, preparing them for more advanced discourse and literature studies in subsequent English courses.

Semester 1 (0.5 Credits )

  • Grasp the rules of English grammar and employ them correctly in writing and speech.
  • Use a variety of sentence structures to convey meaning effectively.
  • Identify and correct common punctuation and grammatical errors.
  • Expand vocabulary and use new words appropriately in context.
  • Understand and properly use parts of speech in English.
  • Apply learned grammar skills to enhance clarity and sophistication in writing.
  • Understand the structure of paragraphs and essays including thesis statements, topic sentences, supporting details, and transitions.
  • Develop editing and revision skills to improve written works.
  • Understand, identify, and analyze different literary genres: short stories, novels, poetry, and drama.
  • Identify and analyze key literary elements such as plot, character, setting, theme, tone, and point of view in a given work.
  • Analyze the use of figurative language including simile, metaphor, personification, and symbolism in literature.
  • Practice critical reading skills to interpret and understand complex literary texts.
  • Develop a personal response and interpretation of various literary works.
  • Compare and contrast the styles of different authors and genres.
  • Appreciate the role of cultural and historical context in literature.
  • Form written and verbal arguments about a text using evidence from the text itself.
  • Understand and practice the steps of the writing process: pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing.
  • Develop a clear and focused thesis statement for essay writing.
  • Produce well-structured persuasive and argumentative essays with clear support and evidence.
  • Experiment with creative writing styles through narrative and descriptive essays.
  • Correctly use in-text citations and references to avoid plagiarism.
  • Practice proofreading and editing for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.
  • Assess, revise, and improve their own writing based on feedback from peers and teachers.
  • Utilize a variety of sentence structures and rhetorical devices to enhance writing.
  • Understand the basic principles of effective public speaking, including organization, tone, and delivery.
  • Develop and present persuasive and informative speeches.
  • Practice impromptu speaking and learn strategies to handle nervousness.
  • Learn to use voice projection, pitch, speed, and body language effectively in public speaking.
  • Develop active listening skills and provide constructive feedback to peers.
  • Engage in group discussions and debates using respectful and effective communication strategies.
  • Analyze and critique public speeches and presentations, understanding the power of rhetoric and persuasive techniques.
  • Utilize digital tools or visual aids to enhance presentations.

Semester 2 (0.5 Credits )

  • Understand the role and importance of research in academic writing.
  • Learn to develop a research question and construct a research plan.
  • Identify, evaluate, and cite reliable and credible sources of information.
  • Learn the difference between primary and secondary sources and how to use them in research.
  • Develop skills in summarizing, paraphrasing, and directly quoting sources in research papers.
  • Build proficiency with citation styles such as MLA or APA to correctly format research papers.
  • Understand the dangers of plagiarism and learn strategies to avoid it.
  • Develop skills for using digital tools and platforms in academic research and communication.
  • Understand the importance of diverse perspectives in literature.
  • Explore literature from varying cultural, social, and historical contexts.
  • Analyze how authors’ background and context can impact their writing.
  • Compare and contrast diverse narratives and themes in literature.
  • Develop perspective-taking skills and empathy through engagement with diverse texts.
  • Investigate how themes of power, identity, and social justice emerge in literature.
  • Reflect on and discuss personal responses to diverse texts in thoughtful and respectful ways.
  • Critically examine representation and diversity in literature.