English I

English I provides a foundational understanding of English language skills, literary exploration, and effective communication techniques, preparing students for advanced studies.

Key Course Objectives:

Foundational Language Skills: Master core communication skills including reading, writing, listening, and speaking to build a strong foundation in English.
Literary Analysis: Explore various genres such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama while learning to critically interpret and discuss key themes, contexts, and structures.
Writing Proficiency: Develop clear and effective writing, focusing on sentence construction, essay structure, grammar, and vocabulary, tailored to different audiences and purposes.
Communication Development: Enhance listening and speaking abilities, with an emphasis on presentations, collaborative discussions, and persuasive communication.
Research and Digital Literacy: Strengthen research skills and digital literacy, helping students become more effective learners in the modern world.

By the end of this course, students will be well-prepared for the challenges of university-level writing and critical thinking, as well as future academic and professional pursuits.

Semester 1 (0.5 credits)

Unit 1: Fundamentals of English

Grasp the rules of English grammar and employ them correctly in writing and speech.
Use a variety of sentence structures to convey meaning effectively.
Identify and correct common punctuation and grammatical errors.
Expand vocabulary and use new words appropriately in context.
Understand and properly use parts of speech in English.
Apply learned grammar skills to enhance clarity and sophistication in writing.
Understand the structure of paragraphs and essays including thesis statements, topic sentences, supporting details, and transitions.
Develop editing and revision skills to improve written works.

Unit 2: Introduction to Literature

Understand, identify, and analyze different literary genres: short stories, novels, poetry, and drama.
Identify and analyze key literary elements such as plot, character, setting, theme, tone, and point of view in a given work.
Analyze the use of figurative language including simile, metaphor, personification, and symbolism in literature.
Practice critical reading skills to interpret and understand complex literary texts.
Develop a personal response and interpretation of various literary works.
Compare and contrast the styles of different authors and genres.
Appreciate the role of cultural and historical context in literature.
Form written and verbal arguments about a text using evidence from the text itself.

Unit 3: Developing Writing Skills

Understand and practice the steps of the writing process: pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing.
Develop a clear and focused thesis statement for essay writing.
Produce well-structured persuasive and argumentative essays with clear support and evidence.
Experiment with creative writing styles through narrative and descriptive essays.
Correctly use in-text citations and references to avoid plagiarism.
Practice proofreading and editing for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.
Assess, revise, and improve their own writing based on feedback from peers and teachers.
Utilize a variety of sentence structures and rhetorical devices to enhance writing.

Unit 4: Public Speaking and Listening Skills

Understand the basic principles of effective public speaking, including organization, tone, and delivery.
Develop and present persuasive and informative speeches.
Practice impromptu speaking and learn strategies to handle nervousness.
Learn to use voice projection, pitch, speed, and body language effectively in public speaking.
Develop active listening skills and provide constructive feedback to peers.
Engage in group discussions and debates using respectful and effective communication strategies.
Analyze and critique public speeches and presentations, understanding the power of rhetoric and persuasive techniques.
Utilize digital tools or visual aids to enhance presentations.

Semester 2 (0.5 credits)

Unit 5: Research Skills and Digital Literacy

Understand the role and importance of research in academic writing.
Learn to develop a research question and construct a research plan.
Identify, evaluate, and cite reliable and credible sources of information.
Learn the difference between primary and secondary sources and how to use them in research.
Develop skills in summarizing, paraphrasing, and directly quoting sources in research papers.
Build proficiency with citation styles such as MLA or APA to correctly format research papers.
Understand the dangers of plagiarism and learn strategies to avoid it.
Develop skills for using digital tools and platforms in academic research and communication.

Unit 6: Examining Diverse Perspectives

Understand the importance of diverse perspectives in literature.
Explore literature from varying cultural, social, and historical contexts.
Analyze how authors’ background and context can impact their writing.
Compare and contrast diverse narratives and themes in literature.
Develop perspective-taking skills and empathy through engagement with diverse texts.
Investigate how themes of power, identity, and social justice emerge in literature.
Reflect on and discuss personal responses to diverse texts in thoughtful and respectful ways.
Critically examine representation and diversity in literature.