Course Descriptions

English I 

English I is a comprehensive study of literature by genre (i.e. short story, drama, epic poetry, nonfiction, poetry, and novel).  With literature as the core of the curriculum, additional study is given to grammar, vocabulary, composition, editing, research, multimedia, speaking and listening, and higher-level thinking skills.

English I Honors

Students in Honors English I will explore literature more widely and deeply, including more challenging texts. Students will also explore the ways that audience, purpose, and context shape oral communication, written communication, and technology and will engage in meaningful communication for expository, argumentative, and literary purposes.

A Note on Honors English Courses: Honors/AP English courses require students to work as self-directed and reflective learners. These courses entail extension, acceleration, and enrichment of the NC Standard Course of Study. As students interact with increasingly complex texts, they approach course material with greater depth and rigor, accelerated pacing and complexity, and higher expectations for creativity. These courses are expected to challenge students beyond the expectations for standard level courses. Higher level thinking skills, collaboration, and project-based learning are emphasized, as well as student performance in oral and written language, and interaction with media/technology.

A Note on the Freshman English Experience

Freshman English (English I) is a course of particular significance to the rest of your high school career. This course is one of few that determines promotion to the next grade level. (Therefore, it is important that you do everything you can to pass this course!) That being said, it is my job to not only teach you the curriculum but also other skills you will need in order to be successful in high school, including organization, time management, etc. While I will push you harder than you think you can handle, you will have every opportunity to succeed - if you TRY. 

Course Standards & Objectives

This course is guided by the North Carolina Standard Course of Study, which establishes standards and objectives for reading literature and informational texts (RL/RI); writing (W); language (L); and speaking & listening (SL). I have structured this course to ensure that each student has an opportunity throughout the semester to demonstrate mastery and understanding. A complete list of the standards for this course is available on the Department of Public Instruction website. 

The following are our “Power Skills” for English I, aligned to the specific standards

• Cite textual evidence to support claims and make inferences (RL1, RI1, W9) and cite sources (W8)

• Participate in collaborative discussion (SL1)

• Identify the theme or central idea (RL2/RI2)

• Identify key elements of a text (RL3)

• Explain the impact of word choice (RL4, RI4)

• Identify and explain text structure (RL5, RI5)

• Identify the point of view / perspective (RL6/RI6)

• Write clearly and coherently for purpose, task, & audience (W4) and develop writing through process (W5) 

• Determine or clarify words; context clues, word patterns (L4)

• Identify, explain, and use figurative language; connotation / denotation (L5)

The Essential Question

The study of English is focused on the ability to communicate (through writing, speaking, and viewing) and interpret (through reading, listening, and viewing) ideas. 

How does the author use language (X) to create meaning (Y)?

• X = device / technique

• Y = Mood (What does it make you FEEL?) / Theme (What does it make you THINK?)

Grateful nod to Mrs. Shannon Hanson, a colleague and friend, for sharing this Essential Question with me many years ago. 

Units, Texts, & Areas of Study

Note: Though we will modify the course of study for our class needs, the following are the typical units of study for English I. We may add or omit texts as needed. Additionally, depending on class and individual needs, we may conduct a Book Club or book of choice study.