FRESHMAN ENGLISH
Teacher: Mrs. Feil
Course Description:
This class is a full year course. We will focus on written and spoken language
with emphasis on grammar, structure, formal and informal composition, and
public speaking. We will also cover
various genres of literature and aspects of literary elements.
Course Objectives:
By the end of the course, students will have been given
opportunities to independently and cooperatively:
* sharpen writing skills, focusing on the aims and modes of each
stage of writing for a variety of audiences, purposes and contexts.
* use a variety of media to
gain and sharpen skills for self expression in all major parts of the communication
process, for different occasions
* be exposed to a wide
range of ethnically diverse literary models
* study writing, reading,
speaking, listening, and applied English (grammar), accommodating a variety of
learning styles
* reinforce language structure
- the fundamentals of effective communication, stressing application and
proficiency
Outcomes:
The learner will demonstrate skills
reading a variety of materials for a variety of purposes.
The learner will write effectively for
a variety of audiences, purposes and contexts.
The learner
will demonstrate knowledge of literature from a variety of cultures, genres and
time periods.
The learner will demonstrate skills
needed to read and respond to literature.
The learner will retrieve information
from a variety of appropriate sources.
The learner
will effectively use a variety of media to create products to communicate for a
variety of audiences, purposes, occasions and contexts.
The learner will participate
effectively as listeners within formal and informal situations.
The learner will speak effectively for
a variety of audiences, purposes, occasions and contexts.
The learner will demonstrate skills in
viewing for a variety of purposes.
Materials:
* Textbook: Literature and Integrated Studies: Forms of
Literature
* Paper
* Pen or pencil (blue or black ink)
* A red writing utensil!!!
* Folder or notebook for taking notes and keeping handouts
* 70 page spiral bound
notebook to be kept in the classroom and used exclusively for journals
(suggested)
* At least one package of notecards(suggested)
* various art supplies may be required throughout the year
Class Format and Activities:
The first five minutes of most class periods will require that
you are attentive and in your seat immediately after the bell rings; we will be
doing activities to sharpen your grammar and creative writing, thinking,
listening, problem solving, and spelling skills. You will have weekly quizzes and a book
report due every six weeks. Activities
associated with the study of language may include lecture, reading, group
discussions, videos, written and oral projects, worksheets, research, formal
and informal presentations, and tests.
Important Dates:
While some in-class time will be allotted for selecting and
reading books for reports, these are mostly independent projects. Guidelines for book genres and report styles
will be assigned individually. Book
reports are due the following dates:
Oct.
6
(free choice) Nov.
17 (biog./auto biog.) Dec. 15 (science fiction)
Feb. 16 (historical fiction) April 6 (classic/award winner) May 18 (non fiction)