ACADEMICS: ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

English 9 CP (2 semesters)
Prerequisite: Adequate scores on placement test, writing sample, and student achievement in 7th and 8th grades.

All aspects of language arts are studied. Students will attain basic skills in reading and interpreting poetry and prose contained in the five literary types; the short story, the poetic form, the drama, nonfiction, and the novel. Included in the course is a study of structural grammar, spelling and vocabulary. Writing skills are established with study of the paragraph as an introduction to composition. Students focus on writing skills in the first quarter as they learn a very specific writing technique. Basic library skills will also be reinforced.

English 9 Advanced (2 semesters)

Prerequisite: Qualifying scores on placement test, writing sample, and student achievement in 7th and 8th grades.

This course includes the same material as covered in English 9 CP, but at a more rapid pace. It also includes an introduction to style analysis with a focus on identifying tone and diction. Students complete a research project.

English 10 CP (2 semesters)

Prerequisite: Completion of English 9 CP.

This course continues the work of English 9 including the study of structural grammar and vocabulary. Writing skills are developed further to include analytical skills such as tone, diction and point of view. Literature is studied and analyzed for the understanding of the basic genres: drama, short story, nonfiction and the novel. Library and computer skills are further developed. Students complete a research project.

English 10 Advanced (2 semesters)

Prerequisite: Recommendation of English 9 Advanced teacher; approval of English department.

This course emphasizes grammatical skills to enhance writing abilities. Literature is studied and analyzed for the understanding of basic genres: the short story, poetry, drama, nonfiction and the novel. Students team the research skills in order to write a term paper. Some analytical writing is be taught. Critical thinking and reading is essential and students are required to read several novels in addition to class work.

English 11 CP - American Literature/Composition (2 semesters)

Prerequisite: Completion of English 10 CP with a grade of C or better, recommendation of teacher.

The focus is on American literature. Students continue to develop their critical thinking and writing skills through the study and analysis of the five literary types; the short story, poetry, drama, nonfiction and the novel. This course also continues the study of vocabulary and grammar. Students will also learn research skills as they write a structured research paper. Analytical writing is taught.

English Language 11 AP (2 semesters)

Prerequisite: Grade of A or high B in English 10 Advanced, satisfactory performance on a writing test, recommendation of teacher, approval of English Department. (AP test fee)

This course focuses on knowledge of grammatical construction as a part of style. Critical thinking and the analysis of literary works are developed. Major stress is placed on the development of unity, coherence, and emphasis in essay writing. The research skills of English 10 Advanced are reviewed; one research paper is required. The reading of many novels, plays and articles is required. Development of SAT testing skills is emphasized. Major works of American literature are studied.

English 12 CP - English Literature/Composition (2 semesters)

Prerequisite: Completion of English 11 CP with a grade of C or better, recommendation of teacher.

This course focuses on a chronological survey of British literature and critical writing. Analysis of literature in the various genres is a main component in the course. The writing skills of the previous three years of English are reinforced and mastered through thematic essays which focus on synthesis and evaluation. The research skills of English 11 CP will be reinforced as well as introducing students to research skills needed for the first year of college English. Students will have a research project for each semester.  Along with writing assignments, students will be required to give oral presentations utilizing current computer technology.

English Literature 12 AP (2 semesters)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 11 AP, satisfactory performance on a writing test, recommendation of teacher, approval of English Department. (AP test fee)

This course primarily focuses on British and American literature, but also includes a number of literary works in translation. It also focuses on critical and analytical writing at the college level.  English 12 AP is given as a first-year college level course as well as preparing the students to take the Advanced Placement English Literature/Composition test in May (see information on AP classes). The class continues the work of English 11 AP with continued emphasis on analytical and evaluative writing. The research skills of English 11 AP will be reinforced. Research assignments are utilized throughout the course. Along with writing assignments, oral presentations and the use current computer technology to present work are also required.

Film Composition & Literature (1 semester) Grades 11 and 12

Students explore the adaptation of specific literary works into film. This course builds upon basic literary terms and specifically focuses upon how emphasis and meaning is transformed when literature is adapted into film. Films genres include but not be limited to mystery, romantic comedy, social commentary. Students master film terms as they apply to camera angles, lighting, sound effects, frame and more. Fulfills G requirements.

Mythology (1 semester) Grades 11 and 12

This elective surveys world mythology, legends and folklore with emphasis on classical, Nordic, Germanic and Celtic myths. The student develops critical thinking skills and analyzes literature through research and essay writing. Fulfills G requirements

Creative Writing (1 semester) Grades 10, 11 and 12

Creative Writing is a one semester course which teaches composition of plays, poetry, short stories—fiction and nonfiction—children's books, and screenplays. Fulfills G requirements.

Speech (1 semester)

During the course of the semester, students learn vital elements of structure in various kinds of speeches. They practice the basics of good delivery, and learn the art of effective communication with particular attention to real-work applications. Students cultivate critical thinking skills and can identify the use of introductive and deductive logic as well as be able to identify erroneous reasoning.