FRESHMAN GENRE STUDIES - English I Honors

Textbook, Goals, Course Materials

TEXTBOOK:

• Literature: Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes--GOLD, Diane Cappillo, et. al. eds., Prentice Hall, 1999. (NOT PURCHASED; distributed in school)

• Elements of Language, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2001. (GRAMMAR TEXT - Use all 4 years)

• Vocabulary for Achievement (4th course), Richek, 2005.

• To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee, Grand Central Publishing, 1960 (paperback)

• Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare, Folger Shakespeare Library, 1992.

• The Good Earth, Pearl S. Buck, Pocket Books, 2005.

• Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte, Penguin Classics, 2006.

GOALS:  LITERATURE

1.      To read and understand literature from various genres (short story, nonfiction, drama, poetry) and be able to identify the central questions posed, explain the author’s message, summarize main ideas, draw inferences and reach conclusions.

2.      To identify and relate the themes of literature to human experience.

3.      To understand the role of literature in various historical time periods; its purposes, and influences and the values and culture it represents.

4.   To learn literary terms and be able to apply them to literature encountered.

5.   To appreciate the writer's craft and identify the author's purpose, tone, point of view and mode of discourse.

6.   To recognize and employ rhetorical strategies, figures of speech, and poetic devices.

7.   To compare and contrast literary works to draw conclusions about purpose and style.

8.   Identify, assess, and apply effective  reading  strategies to deepen comprehension and enhance critical thinking.

GOALS:  GRAMMAR, VOCABULARY, WRITING, SPEAKING

ü      Effectively use the principles of English grammar in speaking and writing.

ü      Work on crafting well-written sentences which show clarity of thought.

ü      Learn the elements of the 5-paragraph essay.

ü     Practice writing general and overview statements, thesis statements and organizing sentences in order to craft effective opening paragraphs.

ü      Practice writing logical concluding paragraphs.

ü      Learn to conduct and cite research to support or challenge a thesis.

ü      Speak confidently and articulately in front of an audience of peers.

ü      Listen critically to an oral presentation and be able to challenge or question ideas.

ü      Apply appropriate vocabulary in speaking and writing.

ü      Participate actively in class discussions and produce individual or group projects as required.

COURSE MATERIALS:

1.  Laptop computer.

2. 3-section spiral notebook with pocket folders for handouts. 

3. Blue or black pens for writing, pencils, highlighters, a good eraser.

4. Novels, texts, or other class materials as needed.

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