English
- Language Arts Lab
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- 11
- 12
2 Semesters / 1 Credit(s)
NOTE: THIS COURSE COUNTS AS AN ELECTIVE TOWARD GRADUATION BUT DOES NOT FULFILL ENGLISH GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS.
This course is for students who have not passed the End of Course Assessment for English 10. Language Arts Lab is a multi-disciplinary course which provides students continuing opportunities to develop the basic skills of English. Students will focus primarily on reading comprehension and writing development.
- Composition
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- 9
1 Semester / 1 Credit(s)
This course is required for all 9th grade students.
Compositionprovides students with an opportunity to learn to write by writing. Students will have frequent opportunities to write for different audiences and purposes, using a process that includes: (1) prewriting, (2) drafting, (3) peer sharing, (4) revising (content, structure, or presentation), (5) editing (grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage), and (6) producing a final product. For peer sharing, students receive specific training in providing constructive, substantive feedback, while role playing as members of the author’s target audience. This is done for each essay. Selected readings provide models of effective writing techniques and opportunities to evaluate and discuss the writings of others. In addition to providing instruction in writing clear, coherent, and organized text, this course will teach strategies for collecting and transforming data for use in writing and using criteria to evaluate and revise writing. Instruction in grammar, usage, and mechanics will be integrated with writing so that students develop a functional understanding of language and a common vocabulary for discussing writing. Though not every piece of writing has to be put into final form, those that are should follow accepted conventions of language, style, mechanics, and format. It is strongly recommended that computers be used to support writing instruction.
- English 9
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- 9
2 Semesters / 2 Credit(s)
Through the integrated study of language, literature, writing, and oral communication, English 9 students further develop their use of language as a tool for learning and thinking. Students practice identifying, analyzing, and composing with different elements, structures, and genres of written language. In this course, students will write for a variety of audiences and purposes while strengthening their skills in writing. Student will receive instruction and practice in the writing process using technology. This class emphasizes effective listening and speaking techniques and provides opportunities for students to integrate other reading and language arts skills as they learn to express ideas verbally. Summer reading and essay is required.
- Honors English 9
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- 9
2 Semesters / 2 Credit(s)
This course is designed for the advanced English student and covers all material included in English 9. The course also includes additional reading and an introduction to etymology. Students will be expected to write lengthy papers, covering a variety of topics and purposes. Supplemental novels will be read in this class. Summer reading and essay is required.
Prerequisite: High School Placement Test score in the 90th percentile
- English 10
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- 10
2 Semesters / 2 Credit(s)
This course reinforces and continues the activities and skills of English 9. Beyond these, English 10 adds emphasis to a given canon of literature, usually American Literature, and increases focus on the self-conscious choice of comprehension and writing strategies. Students use the basic modes of oral and written expression through the development of effective descriptive and narrative procedures, including focus and logical organization of ideas. The formal study of grammar, usage, spelling, and language mechanics is integrated into the study of writing. Students are required to write a research paper using the guidelines found in the Modern Language Association (MLA) manual. Supplemental novels will be read in this class. Summer reading and essay is required.
- Honors English 10
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- 10
2 Semesters / 2 Credit(s)
Designed for the advanced English student, this course covers all the material included in English 10 but also entails a much more in-depth approach to the class material at an accelerated pace. Additional readings in world literature, as well as critical writing, are emphasized. Further research techniques are taught as students write their research papers. Students are required to write a research paper using the guidelines found in the Modern Language Association (MLA) manual. Supplemental novels will be read in this class. Summer reading and essay is required.
Prerequisite: B average in Honors English 9 or an A average in English 9.
- English 11
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- 11
2 Semesters / 2 Credit(s)
Through the integrated study of language, literature, composition, and oral communication, English 11 students further develop their use of language as a tool for learning and thinking. In English 11, students move from predominantly analyzing and using the elements of written language to making judgments based on those analyses. English 11 also incorporates a literary canon, much of which is from a culture or time period different from that of the students – usually a survey of American Literature from different periods. Composition in English 11 continues to refine students’ abilities to articulate sophisticated ideas in an organized manner. Students are required to write a research paper using the guidelines found in the Modern Language Association [MLA] manual. Students are also required to complete a Job Shadowing experience and written work. Summer reading and essay is required.
- Honors English 11
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- 11
2 Semesters / 2 Credit(s)
Designed for the advanced English student, this course covers all the material included in English 11. Additionally, the course includes the study of drama, independent reading of classic novels, vocabulary, and intensive essay and research writing. Students are also required to complete a Job Shadowing experience and written work. Summer reading and essay is required.
Prerequisite: B average in Honors English 10 or an A average in English 10.
- English 12
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- 12
2 Semesters / 2 Credit(s)
English 12 continues to refine a student’s ability and desire to learn and communicate about language and literature. The emphasis on different cultural contexts is intensified in a focus on world literature. Students learn to identify and communicate about the broad themes, trends, and cultural issues present in world literature. The composition component of English 12 continues to provide students with opportunities to improve their writing through a variety of essays. Students are required to read and study supplemental novels. Summer reading and essay is required. Students are also required to complete a year long Senior Project.
- English Language and Composition, Advanced Placement
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- 12
2 Semesters / 2 Credit(s)
This course follows College Board Entrance Examination guidelines for advanced placement English and engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts. Writing assignments will be frequent, including weekly in-class essays and periodic research papers. Students will also be expected to participate fully in class discussions and make presentations. Students should make use of technological resources both in researching and in producing their papers. Students taking this course are required to take the AP Exam. Summer reading and essay is required. Students are also required to complete a year long Senior Project.
Prerequisite: B + average in Honors English 11 or an A in English 11 . Not eligible for a waiver.
- Classical Literature
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- 11
- 12
1 Semester / 1 Credit(s)
Classical Literaturesurveys Greek and Roman literature, including great authors, such as Homer, Virgil, Ovid, Pluto, and Aristophanes. This course includes the study of a variety of literary genres including: (1) tragedy, (2) comedy, (3) epic, (4) lyric, (5) novel, and (6) oratory. Possible themes include the transition from oral to literate cultures, the emergence of cities and empires, the use of mythology, and the rise and fall of democracy. Influences of classical literary patterns, themes, and conventions on modern literature may also be explored. Emphasis is placed on reading, oral discussion, and written discourse.
Prerequisite: B average in previous Honors English or an A average in previous regular English class.
- Ethnic Literature
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- 11
- 12
1 Semester / 1 Credit(s)
Ethnic Literature is a study of literature focusing on specific multicultural issues produced by writers representing various ethnic cultures. Students examine works exploring ethnic experiences and ideas as well as the contributions of authors to multicultural themes. Students analyze the expressions of cultural identities within ethnic literature and how problems or issues of interest to a given group relate or interconnect with national issues and history. Students are expected to conduct a great deal of reading outside the classroom.
- Etymology
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- 10
- 11
- 12
1 Semester / 1 Credit(s)
Etymology provides instruction in the derivation of English words and word families from their Latin and Greek origins. It also provides the connotative and denotative meaning of words in a variety of contexts. Students study the origins and meanings of English words, including roots, suffixes, prefixes and reasons for language change. This course introduces students to tools and resources for etymological study and encourages them to be curious about the English language. The analytic study of word history and semantics is reinforced through a written and oral component that involves specific analyses of texts that require etymological sensitivity, and encourages students to exchange Anglo-Saxon vocabulary that derived from Latin or Greek.. As it enables students to increase their vocabularies, this course helps prepare students to perform well on the SAT.
- Speech
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- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
1 Semester / 1 Credit(s)
Speech provides the study of and practice in the basic principles and techniques of effective oral communication. This course includes instruction in adapting speech to different audiences and purposes. Students have opportunities to make different types of oral presentations including: (1) viewpoint, (2) instructional, (3) demonstration, (4) informative, (5) persuasive, and (6) impromptu. Students are given opportunities to express subject matter knowledge and content through creative, analytical, and expository writing, as well as reading a variety of literary genre related to course content and speaking assignments. This course emphasizes research using technology and careful organization andpreparation. Students also practice and develop critical listening skills.
Class size limit: 26
- Advanced Speech and Communication
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- 10
- 11
- 12
1 Semester / 1 Credit(s)
Advanced Speech and Communication continues with the basic principles and techniques of effective oral communication. This course includes instruction in adapting speech to different audiences and purposes. Students have opportunities to make different types of oral presentations including: rhetorical analysis, impromptu, controversial discussion, informative, persuasive, group debate, and epideictic. Students will use MLA and APA documentation. Students are given opportunities to express subject matter knowledge and content through creative, analytical and expository writing, as well as reading a variety of literary genre related to course content and speaking assignments. This course emphasizes research using technology and careful organization and preparation. Students also practice and develop critical listening skills.
Class size limit: 20
Prerequisite: Speech
- Theatre Production
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- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
2 Semesters / 2 Credit(s)
Students enrolled in Theatre Production will read and analyze plays and apply criteria to make informed judgments. They will create scripts and theatre pieces, conceive scenic designs, and develop acting skills. These activities should incorporate elements of theatre history, culture, analysis, response, creative process and integrated studies. Additionally, students explore career opportunities in the theatre, critique theatrical productions, and recognize the responsibilities and the importance of individual theatre patrons in their community. The nature of this course allows for two successive semesters (Theatre Production I and Theatre Production II) of instruction at this level, provided that defined standards are utilized. Although the course may meet during a regularly scheduled class period, the scope of activities may require additional time. Consequently, the course may meet for a lengthened class period or outside of the school-day hours.
Class size limit: 22
- Theatre Arts
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- 10
- 11
- 12
2 Semesters / 2 Credit(s)
Students enrolled in Theatre Arts will take on responsibilities associated with rehearsing and presenting a fully-mounted theatre production. They will read and analyze plays to prepare for production, conceive and realize a design for a production, including set, lighting, sound and costumes, rehearse and perform roles in a production, and direct or serve as assistant director for a production. These activities should incorporate elements of theatre history,
Although the course may meet during a regularly scheduled class period, the scope of activities may require additional time. Consequently, the course may meet for a lengthened class period or outside of the school-day hours.
Class size limit: 22
- Student Publications/Advanced Student Publications
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- 10
- 11
- 12
2 Semesters / 2 Credit(s)
This course provides the study of and practice in gathering and analyzing information, interviewing, and note taking for the purpose of writing, editing, and publishing student publications. This course includes instruction and practice in effective journalistic writing forms and techniques as well as layout, design, and photojournalism. Representative examples of amateur and professional journalism are studied. The concept of responsible journalism also is discussed. Student Publications offers practical training in publishing the school newspaper and yearbook. Students plan, publish, and conduct an advertising sales campaign for their school publications. Some after school time is required, especially for photographers.
Class Size Limit: 25 students
Prerequisite: C average in previous English class and Instructor approval
- Journalism
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- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
1 Semester / 1 Credit(s)
Journalism is a study of the art of journalism and the profession of journalists. This course includes the process involved in: 1) reporting and writing news stories, 2) the legal and social responsibilities involved in newspaper publications, and 3) the ethics of accurate and fair reporting. This course includes extensive reading of models of excellent journalistic techniques and evaluates and analyzes journalistic writing through discussions and critiques.
- Advanced Composition
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- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
1 Semester / 1 Credit(s)
Advanced Composition further develops and refines writing skills introduced in other composition courses. This course provides students frequent opportunities to write for different audiences and purposes, using a process that includes: (1) prewriting, (2) drafting, (3) peer sharing, (4) revising, and (5) editing. Techniques of persuasive writing and formal argument are studied, and increased emphasis is placed on language and style. This type of course encourages students to: (1) take risks as writers, (2) choose some of their own topics for writing, and (3) publish their writing in the most appropriate formats available, such as school and local newspapers, contests, and literary magazines. Students will do presentations critiquing their own writing. It is recommended that computers be used to support writing instructions in this course. At the end of the class, students will be expected to compose a portfolio of their writings to demonstrate their improvement in writing. Students will also routinely have their work published in the class where it will be discussed in a critical context by peers and the teacher.
Prerequisite: Students must have taken Composition or Journalism and will need to submit a writing portfolio due to the teacher the semester prior to the class.
- SAT Prep
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- 10
- 11
- 12
1 Semester / 1 Credit(s)
This class is designed to prepare students to take the SAT exam by learning time management skills and test-taking strategies specific to the SAT exam. The class is co-taught by one math instructor and one English instructor who alternate their instruction each class. Half of the class period consists of teacher-led instruction and practice, while the other half of the class period allows for more individual practice using online tutorials, practice quizzes, and worksheets. Small homework assignments are given weekly, as well as quizzes and exams. A $50 fee will be collected at the start of the course.