English I

Periods 5 & 8

Ms. Hickey & Ms. Breitenbach

Course Overview

The main goal of English I is to examine how individual people, communities, and cultures form and maintain distinctive identities in an increasingly globalized world. The literature study, which may be organized by essential questions, explores the ways in which written and oral language reflect the foremost aspects of the human condition as well as examine the diversity of people and cultures. Many of the texts focus on rites of passage, development of moral and ethical codes, and various cultural and social identities.

The study of literature is complemented by an emphasis on the writing process to develop skills in crafting expository, argumentative, personal, narrative, and research-based writing forms. Students concurrently develop an extended understanding of the contextual use of grammar and vocabulary.

Through a variety of pedagogical approaches, the course provides experiences in all forms of communication: reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing. English I offers rigorous academic preparation as a basis for logical and critical thinking, and a challenging, creative opportunity for self-expression.

Potential Course Readings

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian, Sherman Alexie (novel)
The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger (novel)
Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi (graphic novel)
Anthem, Ayn Rand (novella)
All But My Life, Gerda Weissmann Klein (memoir)
A Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry (play)
A Midsummer Night's Dream or Othello, William Shakespeare (play)
Student selected non-fiction texts for research
Additional full length works of literature and supplementary texts and media appropriate to each unit of study

Student Expectations

Respect each other, our classroom, and ourselves
Listen, share and remain open minded to learning about other's experiences
Abide by the policies listed in the WHS Student Handbook
Be punctual, prepared, and positive about your opportunity to learn each day

Grading Policy

Gradebook:

You will have at least ten (10) opportunities to earn points in each marking period. The points earned/points possible will determine your marking period average.
Assignment Categories:
- - Class Participation (general participation 2x/mp; graded discussion, debate, presentations)
  - Assessments (formal and informal writing assignments; quizzes; tests)
    - Projects (individual and small group; the Junior Research Paper process/product)
    - Homework (includes both graded and "checked" assignments)
- Anticipate a formal midterm and final exam for this course.

Late Work:

Homework/Classwork: 50% credit, if submitted late. No credit will be earned one week past the original due date.
Essays/Projects: 10% credit deduction every day after the assignment's original due date.

Academic Integrity.

Any work that violates the Academic Integrity Standards set forth in the student handbook will not be eligible to earn credit

Absences:

If you are absent for a presentation, graded discussion, or other formal activity, we expect to be notified before class begins so we can make accommodations.
Check out Google Classroom for what you missed in class and ask a classmate, before emailing us.
Absent for the day due to illness, family emergency, religious event, etc?
- You will have one school day per day absent to make up the work.
Absent from class due to a school field trip, chorus/band event, sport or activity?
- Please email us of your absence prior to class and make up the missed work. You are still accountable for the night's homework and upcoming deadlines.
Absent for 3 or more days in a row?
- Please email us to check in, if you can, and please feel free to set up a time to review what you missed in class with us and set up a schedule for submitting missed work.

Recommended Student Materials

Student planner / homework pad
Charged, school-issued Chromebook and its charger
Pencils, notebook, and pencil sharpener
Folder/binder

Contact Information

Kate Hickey

khickey@westfieldnjk12.org

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