Instructor:
Elizabeth Hatfield
Room: 135
Phone #: (815) 844-6113
Email: hatfielde@pontiac.k12.il.us
Daily Office Hours: 7:45-7:55 3:10-3:30 and by appointment
English I covers a variety of writing skills and understanding literature genres as a foundation for the reading and writing required in high school course work. In order to increase reading proficiency, each student will be required to read a novel of choice every day in class followed by a written reflection on what was read. In addition to the practice, it is hoped that this will lead to more reading outside of school and cultivate lifelong readers.
This is a participation-based class. You will succeed in this class by being an active participant and an active learner. My job is to guide you towards understanding and to assist you in building, improving and strengthening your skills in reading, writing, research, speaking and other such skills related to the subject of English. My hope is you will enjoy this class and the material that we will discuss. However, regardless of your enjoyment, the skills you will learn and practice in this class will benefit you in all your classes and beyond. Be prepared to work! Again, as stressed in the beginning of the year and in the “classroom rules” worksheet, late work is not accepted unless excused.
Lack of preparation on your part, does not equal an emergency on my part.
Elements of Literature: Third Course.
Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1997.
Elements of Writing: Third Course. Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1998.
“Twelve Angry Men.” Reginald Rose
Supplemental handouts will be passed out as needed.
3-Ring Binder (for this class only)
Red Pen
Black or Blue Pen
Pencil
A Novel

( subject to change )
Unit I: Prewriting and Writing Paragraphs
Students will focus their ideas in prewriting situations and form them into paragraphs. Emphasis will be on generating ideas for various types of writing and organizing those ideas into logical and coherent paragraphs. Several writing opportunities will enable the sophistication of the students writing to grow.
Unit II: Short Stories
Students will read a variety of short stories. Emphasis will be on literary terms including plot, suspense, conflict, characterization, setting, satire, theme, irony, point of view, symbolism, author’s purpose and technique.
Unit III: Modern Drama
Students will read the play “Twelve Angry Men” and give oral presentations based on the reading and research. Emphasis will be placed on dramatic terms and techniques. Literary terms will be readdressed with the addition of flashbacks and foreshadowing.
Unit IV: Writing an Expository Paragraph and Theme .
Students will develop writing skills in researching and organizing information into a well-structured composition. Emphasis will be on focus, support, elaboration, organization and conventions. Use of peer response and writer revision will be central elements to the composition.
Unit VI: Sentence Structure
Students will learn to integrate a variety of sentences into their writing. Students will focus on will be on elements of sentences and using multiple types of sentences in paragraph writing. Emphasis is on revising grammatical errors and improving clarity and coherence.
Unit V: Non-Fiction
Students will read a selection of non-fiction essays. Emphasis will be on literary terms, figures of speech, reading for understanding, clarity, and purpose.
Review
Unit study guides should be retained for use as final exam study guide. Class time will be spent on overall review of all material from the semester. Practice questions will be given.
*This syllabus is subject to changes/revisions.
Grading Scale:
100-92=A 91-83=B 82-74=C 73-65=D 64-0=F