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English 9
Grade 9
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation
Semesters 1 and 2, Two credits
This course counts as the first of four years of English required for graduation while focusing primarily on effective reading strategies, often times in the context of the freshmen World History course. In addition, students' writing skills will be further developed.
English 1 - Grammar and Composition
Grade 9
Prerequisites: None
Semester 1 or 2, One credit
This course stresses composition techniques and basic grammar, mechanics, usage and vocabulary. The composition process of pre-writing, writing, and revising is emphasized. Students will write a variety of essays, including one on a required novel and one on the play A Raisin in the Sun. Research techniques are taught in connection with one of the essays.
Writing 9
Grade 9
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation
Semester 1 or 2, One credit
Writing 9 is an elective course offered to freshmen students who need to improve their writing skills. Taken concurrently with English 1, the course instruction works to enhance the students' skills as they complete their English 1 requirements and also offers other writing experiences to increase general composition proficiency.
English 2 - Literature
Grade 9
Prerequisites: None
Semester 1 or 2, One credit
English 2 is an introduction to different genres of literature including the short story, the novel, poetry, drama, and mythology. Vocabulary study continues in this course.
English 2R
Grade 9
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation
Semester 1 or 2, One credit
This course is available to students in grade nine who have demonstrated a need for continued reading skill improvement. Like English 2, English 2R is a general introduction to types of literature including the short story, the novel, poetry, and mythology and uses the same English 2 text. The course also includes writing and reading comprehension strategies to help the student cope with the increased amount of reading and the more difficult level of text required in high school. In addition, students are taught study skills that can be applied to future courses.
Grade 10
Prerequisites: English 1 and English 2
Semester 1 or 2, One credit
This required sophomore course introduces students to the practice and study of public communication. Students present eight prepared speeches including a final examination speech, as well as classroom impromptus and body and voice exercises. Textbook work focuses on research techniques, outlining interpersonal communication skills, and group dynamics. Students are encouraged to explore a variety of cultures in their choices of speech topics.
Honors English 3 – Speech & Rhetorical Studies
Grade 10
Prerequisites: Honors English program placement
Semester 1, One credit
This course will involve a study of communication theories as applied to speech in addition to a study of rhetorical analyses and practical experience in public speaking. Students are required to write and deliver different types of speeches ranging from impromptus to persuasive to research speeches. Critical thinking and analytical writing skills will be emphasized.
English 4 - Literature/Composition
Grade 10
Prerequisites: English 1 and English 2
Semester 1 or 2, One credit
This course emphasizes composition skills and their application in written analyses of pieces of literature. The course introduces an approach to literary study based on archetypes. Literary works include myths from various cultures, poetry, The Odyssey, and modern novels related to archetypal patterns.
Honors English 4
Grade 10
Prerequisites: Honors English program placement
Semester 2, One credit
Students will engage in an in-depth study of traditional works like The Odyssey, Gilgamesh and selections from the Old Testament, noting the move from matriarchy to patriarchy, as well as studying several modern works. The purpose of this study is to examine archetypal symbolism, characterization and plot from ancient literature as well as to examine how cultural factors shaped these great works. In addition, students will be introduced to aspects of literary analysis key to the AP approach of studying literature.
General Freshman/Sophomore English
Grade 9-10
Prerequisites: None
Semester 1-2, One credit per semester
This course emphasizes reading, writing and oral communication skills. The literature component consists of short stories, novels, drama and mythology. Students will master the one and two paragraph essay format as well as grammar and usage skills. Students will also work on research techniques and speeches. Teachers and counselors will determine placement.
THE FOLLOWING COURSES FULFILL ENGLISH GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GRADES INDICATED.
Advanced Composition
Grade 11
Prerequisites: English 1-4
Semester 1 or 2, One credit
Advanced Composition is intended to give students a wide variety of writing experiences in preparation for the demands of college. While writing assignments may vary, the course includes instruction on personal narrative; college essay; process essay; classification/division essay and persuasive research essay. Review and learning of more sophisticated grammatical structures as well as vocabulary and sentence combining are carried on throughout the semester.
Honors Advanced Composition
Grade 11
Prerequisites: Honors English program placement
Semester 1 or 2, One credit
Students will become skilled writers who compose for many different purposes and utilize multiple rhetorical modes. Students will also learn how to effectively study nonfiction literature, disciplines and rhetorical contexts in order to improve their own composition skills. To fully develop these skills, this course requires students to actively participate in the process of writing, creating and revising many different drafts of their work. Additionally, students will learn how to use various advanced grammatical structures in order to improve their writing and will take part in a rigorous vocabulary study which focuses on Latin and Greek roots.
American Literature
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: English 1-4
Semester 1 or 2, One credit
American Literature is a study of the rise and development of American poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and drama from the American Indians to the present. In addition, students will read a major African-American novel and another novel of their choice from a pre-approved list.
British Literature
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: English 1-4
Semester 1 or 2, One credit
British Literature provides exposure to the great works which form the foundation of our English heritage. Course content focuses on representational literature from each of the major literary periods, and includes Seamus Heaney’s translation of Beowulf, an excerpt from Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, William Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth, poets of the Romantic movement, a nineteenth century novel -- Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, or Mary Shelley's Frankenstein -- and an outside reading novel. Emphasis is given to developing analytical skills through close reading of the texts, and tying ideas and themes to contemporary concerns.
World Literature
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: English 1-4
Semester 1 or 2, One credit
Readings include commentaries on mythology, Greek Tragedy, selections from the Hebrew Scriptures, the Qur'an, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and Chinese and Japanese literature. The view is historic and philosophic; the intent is to provide a literary and cultural background for understanding the roots of Western thought and values and to expose the reader to non-western thought and values while also noting universal similarities. Three to four formal papers and six tests are required. Student evaluation options are available during the second half of the course.
Modern Thought in Literature
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: English 1-4
Semester 1 or 2, One credit
Students read and respond to literary selections ranging from the early moderns to the more contemporary authors of England and America. The course deals with this literature as a reflection of the concerns of individuals in modern society, with an emphasis on Modern and Postmodern philosophy. While the course content will vary from semester to semester, it will include established writers such as Aldous Huxley and James Joyce as well as recently acclaimed writers like Anne Petry, Leslie Marmon Silko, Nella Larson, John Gardner, Jonathan Safran Foer and others.
Literature Seminar
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: English 1-4
Semester 1 or 2, One credit
This class is a literary analysis seminar, with students playing a major role in discussions. Each individual in this class will be the sole class leader four days of the semester, teaching the material assigned and providing additional background information based on independent research. Readings include Latin American and Russian short stories and European drama and longer works by such authors as Solzhenitzen, Kafka, Achebe, and Ishiguro. Composition includes writing minor papers and a major research paper.
Popular Literature
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: English 1-4
Semester 1 or 2, One credit
Popular Literature seeks to develop in students appreciation for literature through the reading of a variety of literary genres, including contemporary fiction, mystery, science fiction & fantasy, poetry, graphic novels and non-fiction. Students will explore this fine, high interest literature by discussing ideas in small and large groups, watching films, participating in projects, and writing creative, reaction, and analytic essays. Authors may include Walter Dean Myers, Art Spiegelman, Billy Collins, H. G. Wells, and Agatha Christie.
AP English
Grade 12
Semesters 1 and 2, Two credits
Prerequisites: Semester grade of B or better in Advanced Composition and junior year literature course or
English Department approval, and completion of assigned pre-course summer work
AP English engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As they read, students consider a work's structure, style, and themes as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. The course includes intensive study of representative works from various genres and periods, concentrating on works of recognized literary merit.
Along with the close reading of great literary works, students will engage in impromptu essay writing, timed writing activities, and writing and revising of prepared essays. All testing will be in essay form, including final examinations. Students will be responsible for leading class discussions as well as giving oral presentations of seminar papers based on some of the works read.
Because AP English is designed as a year-long course, students who wish to drop at mid-year can do so only with the consent of their counselor and course teacher.
Honors AP English
Grade 12
Prerequisites: Honors English program placement
Semesters 1 and 2, Two credits
Honors AP English is the culminating experience for students in the Honors English program. The goals of this course are to offer participants an opportunity to explore multiple genres of literature in great breadth and depth and to explore various rhetorical contexts. As the students work toward these goals, they will also engage in vocabulary, sentence structure, critical thinking and debate activities to further their writing and oral presentation skills. Thus, the purpose of the course is to enable students to read complex texts with understanding and to write prose of sufficient richness and complexity to communicate effectively with mature readers. Finally, to work toward this complex aim requires students to become aware of their own composing processes: the way they explore ideas, contemplate strategies, and revise their essays.
Writing activities in class will include impromptu essay writing, timed writing activities, writing and revising of prepared essays and creative writing opportunities. To further improve students' writing skills, all testing will be in essay form, including the final examination. Finally, students will be responsible for leading class discussions, as well as giving oral presentations of seminar papers based on some of the works read.
Because Honors AP English is designed as a year-long course, students who wish to drop at mid-year can do so only with counselor and course teacher consent.
THE FOLLOWING COURSES ARE ELECTIVE OPTIONS FOR THE GRADES INDICATED.
Acting (Meets Fine Arts graduation requirement)
Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None
Semester 1 or 2, One credit
The aim of this class is to introduce students to the world of theatre through creative dramatics and acting experiences, with emphasis on development of self-esteem, self-confidence and personal expression. Students will learn stage movement, improv techniques, scene study, and technical aspects of theatre, with a focus on personal and creative expression.
Stagecraft (Meets Fine Arts graduation requirement)
Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None
Semester 1 or 2, One credit
Students will be introduced to a variety of technical theater skills such as operating and designing light and sound as well as basic set-building. The stagecraft class will support the school's main stage and student productions.
Journalism
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: English 1 and English 2
Semester 1 or 2, One credit
Journalism will provide students with instruction in being effective consumers and positive producers of journalism. Students will produce news, feature, sports, and editorial writing using journalistic style. This class will also examine journalism ethics and responsibilities. Students will learn skills of research, interview, survey and observation, as well as writing, editing, production and layout. Students will discuss, analyze and evaluate a variety of national and local publications for their style, bias, impact and value.
Mass Communication
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: English 1-4
Semester 1 or 2, One credit
Students "learn by doing" within one quarter each in radio production and television production. Topics learned include history of broadcasting, station management, programming, sales and ratings, and news and information. After one semester of Mass Communication, students may apply for additional semesters via Independent Study.
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