English
The English Department promotes high expectations in its courses so that students will learn to
express ideas in an organized manner, both orally and in writing. Students will gain appreciation
for traditional and current literature and value a free exchange of ideas in a group situation for
learning.
It is the intent of this department to have all students follow the sequential order of courses
beginning with designated levels of English 9 through English 12. Electives are designed as additional
courses for students wishing to pursue the topics covered.
Teachers
Courses
Course #0027 English 9
Prerequisite: None
Grade level: 9 Course length: two semesters Course credit: 1
This course is designed for students who need to build upon reading, writing, research, listening and public speaking and to review the conventions of grammatical structure, usage and agreement. Students will survey literature from a variety genre, including prose, poetry, biographies and essays. Students will write intensively for a variety of purposes and experience the basics of public speaking.
Course #0028 Advanced English 9
Prerequisite: None
Grade level: 9 Course length: two semesters Course credit: 1
This course is for students who have demonstrated solid reading, writing, research, listening and speaking skills. Students will be required to achieve the necessary skills and knowledge associated with reading/writing purposes, focus, organization, unity, coherence, style, sentence structure and conventions of usage and punctuation. Students will write intensively throughout the course completing several oral, written and literary assignments and assessments that will prepare them to meet college expectations.
Course #0070 Honors English 9
Prerequisite: Department approval
Grade level: 9 Course length: two semesters Course credit: 1
In this writing intensive course, students are expected to have mastered the basic rudiments of grammar, research, writing and literary analysis. Students will use sentence refining and combining techniques to originate and style essays by revising writing for content, coherence and transition. Students will delineate ideas, summarize passages, and analyze relationships among people, objects, events and ideas as presented in various literary genres including prose, poetry, drama and essays.
Course #0029 English 10
Prerequisite: None
Grade level: 10 Course length: two semesters Course credit: 1
This writing intensive course focuses on vocabulary enhancement, writing skills, and essay development. In addition to writing a selection of essays, students will read several novels and other literary works, complete a research project with computer lab activities, and work on presentation (speaking and listening) skills.
Course #0030 Advanced English 10
Prerequisite: Department approval
Grade level: 10 Course length: two semesters Course credit: 1
This writing intensive course will prepare students for writing, speaking, reading, research and various assessment challenges. Students will write essays, complete a research project and deliver speeches demonstrating a variety of rhetorical patterns. Students will also read novels and plays representing various styles and literary eras.
Course #0071 Honors English 10
Prerequisite: Department approval
Grade level: 10 Course length: two semesters Course credit: 1
This writing intensive course is designed for students who have advanced skills in writing, speaking, and research. Students will read several novels, complete vocabulary enhancement activities, compose outlines and essays, engage in computer lab activities, investigate topics, deliver speeches, write literary essays, and complete a research project.
Course #0014 English 11
Prerequisite: None
Grade level: 11 Course length: two semesters Course credit: 1
This writing intensive course offers a study of American writers and literature through contemporary times. Students will read diverse works and selected novels. Students will write compositions, literary essays, complete a major project and prepare for state testing.
Course # 0031 Advanced English 11
Prerequisite: Department approval
Grade level: 11 Course length: two semesters Course credit: 1
This writing intensive course offers a chronological examination of American literature from Native American civilization through contemporary times. Students will complete several presentations and discussions on various authors and their works. Students will read selected novels, compose several literary essays and complete research projects.
Course #0072 Honors English 11
Prerequisite: Department approval
Grade level: 11 Course length: two semesters Course credit: 1
This writing intensive course is designed for college-bound students who possess and demonstrate sophisticated reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Students will concentrate on a chronological examination of American literature from Native American civilization through contemporary times. Students will be expected to contribute in discussions, write several literary essays and complete research projects.
Course #0081 Advanced Placement Language and Composition
Prerequisite: Department approval
Grade level: 11 Course length: two semesters Course credit: 1
This writing intensive course will follow the curriculum recommended by the College Board. Students will read and write extensively as they practice a variety of college level writing assignments. They will identify and explain an author’s use of rhetorical strategies and techniques; apply effective rhetorical strategies and techniques in their own writing; create and sustain arguments based on readings, visual texts, research, and personal experience; demonstrate mastery of standard written English as well as stylistic maturity in their own writing; and participate fully in all phases of the writing process. Students will also learn a variety of test-taking skills and techniques that will enable them to satisfactorily complete both the multiple-choice and essay portions of the Advanced Placement English Language and Composition Exam.
Course #0040 English 12
Prerequisite: None
Grade level: 12 Course length: two semesters Course credit: 1
This writing-intensive course empowers college-bound students to communicate effectively and confidently. This course will explore contemporary interpersonal issues through reading, writing, and speech. Students will read contemporary literature from various genres. After conducting independent research, students will engage in critical discussions and small group decision-making. Students will master skills needed to construct written and spoken messages for particular audiences.
Course #0041 Advanced English 12
Prerequisite: Department approval
Grade level: 12 Course length: two semesters Course credit: 1
This writing-intensive course empowers college-bound students to communicate effectively and confidently. This course will explore contemporary issues through reading, writing, and speech. Students will read and analyze novels, short stories, essays and speeches by important contemporary figures from around the world. After conducting independent research, students will engage in critical discussions and debates. Students will master skills needed to construct written and spoken messages for particular audiences.
Course #0073 Honors English 12
Prerequisite: Department approval
Grade level: 12 Course length: two semesters Course credit: 1
This writing-intensive course empowers college-bound students to communicate effectively and confidently. Designed for upper-level, college-bound students, this course will explore contemporary issues through reading, writing, and speech. Students will read and analyze novels, short stories, essays and speeches by important contemporary figures from around the world. Students will be required to complete extensive literary and rhetorical analyses. After conducting independent research, students will engage in critical discussions and debates. Students will master skills needed to construct written and spoken messages for particular audiences.
Course #0082 Advanced Placement Literature
Prerequisite: Department approval
Grade level: 12 Course length: two semesters Course credit: 1
This AP course engages college-bound seniors in the careful reading and critical analysis of classic and contemporary literature. Through the active reading of a rigorous selection of texts, students will deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. Writing assignments focus on the critical analysis of literature, including expository, analytical, and argumentative essays. Toward that end, writing instruction focuses on developing coherence, unity, precision, structure, and stylistic maturity. Students will also learn a variety of test-taking skills and techniques that will enable them to satisfactorily complete both the multiple-choice and essay portions of the Advanced Placement Literature and Composition Exam.
Course #1319 Reading Workshop
Prerequisite: Department approval
Grade level: 9, 10 Course length: two semester Course credit: 1
This course is designed for freshman and sophomore students who need to improve their basic reading skills. By focusing on reading comprehension, vocabulary building, organization and critical thinking, students in this class will build upon the fundamental skills learned concurrently in English 9 and 10. Identified students will be assigned to this course based upon test scores and teacher recommendations. This English course does not fulfill the English requirements for graduation. Reading workshop can be repeated for non-English elective credit.
Course #1320 Writing Workshop
Prerequisite: Department approval
Grade level: 9, 10 Course length: one semester Course credit: .5
This course is designed for freshman and sophomore students who need to improve their writing skills. By focusing on writing, sentence structure, paragraph development, organization, word choice and revision skills, students will build upon the fundamental skills learned concurrently in English 9 and 10. Assignments will be writing intensive. Identified students will be assigned to this class based upon their test scores and teacher recommendations. This English course does not fulfill the English requirement for graduation. Writing workshop can be repeated for non-English elective credit.
Course #1321 Theatre
Prerequisite: None
Grade level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Course length: one semester Course credit: .5
This non-English credit elective course offers a study of the basic elements of theatre. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of acting including blocking, directing, set design, and writing dramatic material. Students will create a portfolio, participate in class performances, and may attend a professional performance.
Course #1317 Publications - Newspaper
Prerequisite: Department approval
Grade level: 10, 11, 12 Course length: two semesters Course credit: 1
This non-English credit elective course reinforces the techniques of research, interviewing, writing, and editing in the context of print journalism. Utilizing these skills, students will assume a high level of personal accountability by meeting deadlines and producing high quality articles. By focusing on process writing and encouraging critical thinking, the class builds upon foundational skills learned in all levels of English 9, 10 and 11, and is recommended for students who are experienced in writing and who have an interest in journalism. Newspaper can be repeated for non-English elective credit.
Course #1318 Publications - Yearbook
Prerequisite: Department approval
Grade level: 10, 11, 12 Course length: two semesters Course credit: 1
This non-English credit elective course introduces and reinforces skills related to yearbook design. These include interviewing, writing, editing, and layout. Students will assume a high level of personal accountability by meeting deadlines and producing high quality yearbook pages. Aside from enhancing intermediate computer skills, the class also builds upon basic writing abilities and is recommended for students who are interested in computer graphics, photography, and print media production. Yearbook can be repeated for non-English elective credit.
Course #1315 Creative Writing
Prerequisite: None
Grade level: 11, 12 Course length: one semester Course credit: .5
This non-English credit elective writing intensive course offers a study of the elements of personal narratives, short stories, poetry and journal writing. Following extensive writing in each genre, students will select promising pieces to revise and edit for publication in a portfolio.
Course #1316 Mythology
Prerequisite: None
Grade level: 11, 12 Course length: one semester Course credit: .5
This non-English credit elective course offers a study of classical Greek and Roman mythology, national myths, epics, legends, and fantasy. Using research and imaginative creations, students will design projects on selected works.