English 1E&G Syllabus
Fall Semester 2023
Mr. Gosalia
Course Description
English 1 is a general background course in the reading, interpretation, evaluation, and criticism of literature in various genres. The course will focus on classic works (short stories, essays, novels, poetry, plays) from throughout the world and history. Students will take tests and write essays to demonstrate their understanding, analysis, and interpretation of these works. Writing skills and techniques will be taught and developed—we will focus on the creative essay. Weekly vocabulary exercises will be given for ACT preparation.
Goals and Outcomes
The fabric of our human experience is recorded in literature. If we want to learn and improve ourselves from what others have seen and done, we should study what others have written. If you do your assignments, pay attention in class, participate, you will see an improvement in your reading comprehension and writing skills. These skills will help you to think clearly and make sound judgments and decisions throughout your life. Literature is a means for intellectual, aesthetic, and spiritual growth—it will foster your creativity and social awareness.
Evaluation
Quarter 1 - 40%
Quarter 2 - 40%
Final exam - 20%
Each quarter will be comprised of two tests, weekly vocabulary assignments, and an essay. The essay will be worth 40%, the vocab assignments 20%, and the tests 40% (2 tests, 20% each). You can rewrite your essay up to two times. You won’t necessarily get a better grade if you rewrite it, but I will average your initial grade with your rewrites to give you a final score. If you decide to rewrite and follow my comments in your paper, you should be able to improve it. So, say you get an 82% first grade, then an 89% on your first rewrite, and then a 95% on your second, your average grade will be an 89%. You are not required to do rewrites.
Materials
Bring a notebook and a pen to class along with your assigned books and textbook.
Assignments
Assignments will be written on the board each week. Write them down in your notebook and complete them at home or in study hall.