The English Department Courses
The four-year English program is designed to provide students with reading, writing and oral skills, to encourage responsible social interaction, and to generate enthusiasm for the power of language - particularly imaginative language.
All students are required to take four years of English: English 9, English 10, English 11, and one of the Senior Required Offerings. In addition, students are encouraged to select English electives which will broaden their experience and enrich their knowledge of language and literature.
The English curriculum emphasizes skills needed for the CAPT test, especially for the Response to Literature, Editing, and Interdisciplinary sections. In order to prepare students for their role in a diverse society, literature encompasses texts from a multitude of cultures.
COURSE OFFERINGS
30 ENGLISH 9
31 ENGLISH 10
32 ENGLISH 11
330 AP ENGLISH
200 APPLIED COMMUNICATIONS
373 SENIOR ENGLISH
331 SURVEY OF ENGLISH LITERATURE
332 THEMES IN LITERATURE
325 COMMUNICATIONS
336 CREATIVE WRITING
327 JOURNALISM
335 SPEECH
374 SPORTS LITERATURE
343 WRITING WORKSHOP
381 WRITING CENTER
This course is devoted to developing all of the language arts (reading, writing,
listening, speaking, viewing, and enacting). The goal of the writing program
is the development of fluency, focus, and structure in a variety of genres,
including the persuasive and narrative essay, response to literature, and other
modes. Appropriate attention is paid to editing skills. Literature instruction
encourages thoughtful interpretation of various genres and includes adolescent
fiction, mythology, and a Shakespearean play as well as the novel, short story,
essay, poem, and nonfiction article.
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ENGLISH 10.
5 Points
Prerequisite: English 9
Instruction includes the persuasive essay, literary response, and a variety
of other modes of written and oral expression. Special attention is given to
interpretation of literature through the medium of the short story, novel, and
expository articles, with a view toward understanding the scope of world literature.
Attention is paid to developing interpretive skills and encouraging fluent written
response to literature in preparation for the CAPT. Research skills are emphasized.
Instruction includes a focus on the richness of language in all its varieties
and its appropriate use in formal and informal situations. Editing skills are
addressed.
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ENGLISH 11.
5 Points
Prerequisite: English 10
This course develops an understanding of the American experience through the
study of novels, biographies, drama, essays and poetry. Attention is paid to
reading the literature of the many cultures that make up and contribute to the
American experience. Continued attention is given to developing fluent, well
structured, and well-edited written expression. Many occasions for formal and
informal oral expression are provided. Attention is given to developing vocabulary
in context in preparation for the SAT.
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ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH.
5 Points
Prerequisite: English 11
This course offers students the opportunity to participate in an intensive
program intended to prepare students both for the Advanced Placement test and
for the rigors of college English. Successful scores on the Advanced Placement
test often excuse the student from both semesters of freshman level English
at participating colleges. English literature, as well as literature from other
countries and cultures is emphasized. Critical analysis of literature, advanced
levels of academic writing, intensive group discussion, projects, occasional
creative writing, the personal narrative essay, and critical reading form the
core of the course.
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APPLIED COMMUNICATIONS.
10 Points - 5 Points. English/5 Points. Unified Arts
Prerequisite: English 11
This course is taught by a business and an English teacher. It meets graduation
requirements for senior English, including the completion of the senior paper
and the reading of a variety of literature, including a Shakespearean play.
This course is designed to help students develop and refine career-related communications
skills: reading, speaking, problem-solving, visual, and nonverbal skills. This
activity-oriented course will offer the students the opportunity to learn and
practice communication skills in business activities such as conversations and
meetings, interviews, presentations, and group participation.
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SURVEY OF ENGLISH LITERATURE .
5 Points
Prerequisite: English 11
This course is a survey of British literature and a comparative study of other
world writers. Units of study provide opportunities to polish analytical and
communication skills. Students share independent research through cooperative
learning and peer teaching. Lectures, discussions, and seminars are supplemented
by films and guest speakers. An extensive senior paper is required.
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THEMES IN LITERATURE.
5 Points
Prerequisite: English 11
This course presents a selection of literary works emphasizing a number of
themes such as "Search for Identity," "Good and Evil," "People's
Inhumanity to People." Authors such as Shakespeare, Fuller, Walker, and
Weisel are read.
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SENIOR ENGLISH .
5 Points
Prerequisite: English 11
Senior English is a general English course designed to meet the diverse needs
of twelfth grade students. The program includes both academic and career components.
Areas of concentration include reading, writing, and basic language skills.
Corporate volunteers and speakers are utilized to promote wider understanding
of the world of work. Students study resumes, interviewing techniques, and interpersonal
skills. They read and respond to short stories, novels, and plays. They write
a senior paper, participate in oral projects, and review the practical art of
revision.
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COMMUNICATIONS.
5 Points
Prerequisite: English 9
Communications exposes students to a variety of media techniques and theory.
The course highlights all current media forms including print and TV journalism.
Students write in the various modes of newswriting; learn the techniques of
interviewing, researching, verifying, and reporting; and become effective users
of language. Students become critical readers able to recognize bias and to
recognize and apply the techniques of editorializing. Students work closely
with Journalism tutors to become proficient in newswriting, page makeup, photojournalism,
and advertising sales.
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CREATIVE WRITING.
5 Points
Prerequisite: English 9
Students participate in the publication of the school paper. The course includes
a broad range of activities such as: basic newswriting, layout techniques, basic
copy-editing and working with Communications' students in a leadership capacity.
Prospective students must demonstrate a mastery of newspaper fundamentals and
a strong commitment to improving the role of the newspaper in the high school
setting.
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JOURNALISM.
5 Points
Prerequisite: English 9
Students participate in the publication of the school paper. The course includes
a broad range of activities such as: basic newswriting, layout techniques, basic
copy-editing and working with Communications' students in a leadership capacity.
Prospective students must demonstrate a mastery of newspaper fundamentals and
a strong commitment to improving the role of the newspaper in the high school
setting.
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PEOPLE IN LITERATURE .
5 Points
Prerequisite: Senior standing
People in Literature is a humanities course that covers the areas of philosophy,
literature, drama, and religion. Using a wide range of literary traditions,
in addition to film, lectures, speakers, class discussion, and collaborative
groups, the course explores past and present social issues, cultural and historical
developments, psychological concepts, and the theme of men and women's responses
to the human condition. A major concern of the course is to examine humankind's
attempts to struggle against and live with the forces that surround us.
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SPEECH.
2 1/2 Points
Prerequisite: English 9
This course develops students' abilities to speak and to present oral material.
Principles of effective speaking (purpose, organization, etc.) and mechanics
of speech (voice, control, placement, enunciation and pronunciation) are introduced
and practiced. Public audiences are used whenever possible.
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SPORTS LITERATURE.
2 1/2 Points
Prerequisite: English 9
Sports Literature examines a variety of universal themes as portrayed in the
literature and media. The course features stories, articles, readings, and films
of the greatest sports figures, past and present. Through frequent writing and
researching, students demonstrate and learn to improve basic skills in composition.
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WRITING WORKSHOP.
2 1/2 Points
Prerequisite: English 9
Writing Workshop concentrates on developing structured writing in the descriptive,
narrative, and expository modes. It fosters writing skills through frequency
and fluency. It emphasizes the process of writing from pre-writing activities
through conferring, writing, revising, editing, and self-evaluating. Mini-lessons
are presented as needed on grammar and usage problems.
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WRITING CENTER.
2 1/2 Points
Prerequisite: English 9
The Writing Center is a course of study for those interested in improving their
own writing skills while also serving the school as peer coaches. Students concentrate
on the writing process to develop personal style in their own writing and to
help others in classrooms and in one-on-one conferences. This course is appropriate
for juniors and seniors who are serious about the importance of writing in their
lives and who are anxious to explore language, genre, and professional writing
opportunities.
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