English I


David Jester                                                                     
djester@woodscharter.org

 

Course Overview:


In this course, students will read complex fiction and nonfiction, extend their understanding of literature, write for a variety of purposes, and make connections between literary themes and their own experience. Students will explore the theme of coming of age in literature through selected readings and demonstrate comprehension and engagement through informal and formal writings, oral discussion, and other assessments. We will be guided by the NC Standard Course of Study as we explore fiction, poetry, drama, nonfiction and other genres throughout the year. Literary selections will be supplemented by poems, informational readings, articles, and essays. Please see the NC Standard Course of Study at www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum for details of the curriculum goals.

 

Learning Objectives:

  • Comprehend and analyze material from a variety of genres, including fiction, poetry, and drama.
  • Develop writing skills and fluency with the writing process to allow students to communicate ideas, opinions, and information.
  • Understand and use the conventions of grammar and other elements of language


Readings:      

Trimester 1
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Into the Wild by John Krakauer
Black Boy by Richard Wright

Trimester 2
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison
Betsey Brown by Ntozake Shange

Trimester 3
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

 


Classroom Expectations:

  • Students will participate in class activities and discussions, reading in and outside of class, and other assigned work, every day.
  • Students will be respectful members of the classroom and school community.
  • Students will be responsible for their work.


Missing work:

Students must ask for missed work the day they return to class.  Make-up time will be granted for excused absences.

Late work policy:
Please turn in work on time. Late work will result in the loss of ten points per day. I prefer to have students complete, rather than abandon late work, but cannot give full credit for it. Any work not turned in prior to the end of the grading period will be credited a “0” (incomplete).
 
Supplies Needed:
Pens and pencils
Composition notebook
Section or binder for notes, handouts, and loose paper
Planner / homework diary


Grades:

Quarter Grades:
Projects and Essays: 35%
Tests: 25%
Classwork, Participation, Homework: 40%

Final Grade:
1st Quarter:   25%
2nd Quarter:  25%
Midterm Exam:   10%
3rd Quarter:   25%
EOC:   15% *


*(This is currently pending approval from the Department of Instruction. If not approved by the state, percentage will be 25%)