Required Course Descriptions

• Grade 9
• Grade 10
• Grade 11
• Grade 12
• Electives

English
(Full year, 1 credit)
0900 (Honors), 0920 (Standard)

Middle level English classes integrate reading, literature study, writing, researching, speaking, and thinking skills. This course provides a thematic approach to the study of literature.  Novels, short stories, plays, poetry, and non-fiction are used to develop various themes, which are often integrated with other subject areas.  A core of classic literature is balanced with contemporary and culturally diverse selections, and reading workshops also offer students opportunities for self-selected reading.  In ninth grade there is a greater emphasis on understanding the craft of literature.

Four thematic or interdisciplinary units will be taught, including Reality: A Matter of Perception and Relationships: Portraits from Life.  Core novels to be read by all students include To Kill a Mockingbird, Romeo and Juliet or Julius Caesar, plus Lord of the Flies, A Separate Peace or Great Expectations.

A process approach to writing is used, and students write in narrative, informative, and persuasive modes.  Formal composition skills are taught, and students also participate in writing workshops using self-selected writing topics.  Writing assignments will include personal narratives, literary character sketches, informational and literary analysis essays, persuasive essays, and a research or "I Search" paper.

Language study is integrated with reading and writing, and oral communication skills are taught and applied in context, with students giving a persuasive speech integrating technology.  Students apply research skills to the completion of an "I Search" or a researched thesis paper with in-text documentation of sources.

The course of study includes variations in materials, tasks, and assessments for honors level classes.

In this extension of the ninth grade English and Social Studies courses, students identified as gifted have an opportunity to study themes in American history from 1860-1932 in concert with the exploration of these themes as reflected in literature.  For two periods each day, students will participate in an interdisciplinary learning experience designed to heighten awareness of the connection between literature and the social institutions of the time period.  Independence in learning and critical and creative thinking are fostered.

This course is designed for students who have not mastered basic reading, writing, and study skills.  Students will be involved in all aspects of communication:  reading, literary analysis, writing, speaking, listening, language, and study and research skills.

This course will combine whole group instruction with self-selected topics for reading and writing.  Computers will be an important resource for developing writing and higher level thinking skills.  Students will be scheduled for the Reading/Writing Workshop for two periods each day and will receive one English and one Arts and Humanities credit.

These courses are designed to meet the needs of special education students.

Grade 10
 

American Literary Connections is a language arts and communication skills course which integrates reading and literature study with composition, research, and oral communications.

The study of classic and contemporary American literature, both fiction and nonfiction, will enable students to develop an understanding of our common literary heritage.  Students will read works by major American authors, will trace common themes throughout literature, and will sample works representing a variety of genres and cultural heritages.

Students will receive instruction in personal, informative, and persuasive writing using a process approach.  Students will receive feedback and coaching to improve their effectiveness as writers.  Students will extend their knowledge of research skills through writing a research paper.  Language skills will be addressed in the context of writing.  Students will practice and refine their oral communications skills.

Variations in materials, activities, and assessments will be made for each level.

Click here to review required course readings for Honors, Standard, or Basic.

American Literary Connections may also be elected as a full-year course.  Students will have 90 minutes of English each day for the entire year and earn two credits, one English credit and one Arts and Humanities credit.

This format offers additional time for extending reading, writing, and speaking activities.  Students will complete the one-semester English 10 curriculum and will also have time to read, study, and discuss literature in depth, enhancing understanding and building vocabulary and comprehension skills.  Additional focus will be placed on multi-cultural and modern literature.  Students will have the opportunity to select particular themes or authors for further independent study.

Extended writing workshop time will offer more experiences for students in responding to and evaluating first drafts, improving their own writing, and polishing writing skills.

Extended oral activities are designed to promote confidence and poise in various settings.  Students will practice and refine their speaking skills.

Students will exhibit their learning through creative projects, presentations, and other student-centered activities.  This full-year course will enhance students' skills, providing a strong foundation for achievement in reading, writing, and speaking tasks in all subject areas during their high school years.

Required readings will be selected from the Honors and Standard lists, although more works will be studied than in the 18 week course.

British Literary Connections is a course which integrates reading and literature study with composition, research, and oral communications.

The study of classical and contemporary British and European literature, both fiction and nonfiction, will enable students to develop an understanding of the evolution of Western literature.  Students will read works by major British and European authors and will trace the cultural heritage by looking at common themes and genres.

Students will receive instruction in writing, with an emphasis on explanatory, analytic, and persuasive papers that are thesis-based.  Students will receive feedback and coaching to improve their effectiveness as writers.  Students will extend their knowledge of research skills through writing a research paper.  Language skills will be addressed in the context of writing.

Click here to review required course readings for Honors, Standard, or Basic.

Grade 12
 

English 12: Contemporary World Literature is a language arts and communications skills course which integrates literature study with oral communications, composition, and research skills.

Students will study modern world literature (post World War II) to expand their global perspectives.  The course begins with the essential question, "How can we use literature to help us live in the modern world where we are constantly separated by cultural differences but also united by our common humanity?"

Students will study the four literary genres (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama) to refine their understanding of literary elements, to appreciate literary craft, and to analyze literature.

Students will refine their oral communications skills in informative, persuasive, and oral interpretive language by researching topics and then writing and delivering formal speeches.  They will receive coaching and feedback to improve their effectiveness as speakers.

Students will refine their writing skills with instruction in informative writing, literary analysis, and persuasive writing, focusing on the skills of thesis development and support.

Click here to review required course readings for Honors, Standard, or Basic.

Advanced Placement English is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement English examination.  Acceptable scores on this annual exam can result in credit and/or advanced placement status at many of the nation's colleges.  Students taking this course should plan to take the Advanced Placement English exam given in May.

In AP English, students learn how to read literature perceptively and how to express responses to it.  Students will study a representative sampling of works from several genres and literary periods.  The Advanced Placement course requires the study and practice of writing in many forms.  Students learn to respond to language with increasing sensitivity and discrimination.

Prerequisites: a grade of B or better in British Literary Connections, recommendation of English teacher, completion of formal application, and satisfactory completion of summer reading and writing project.

Required course readings not available.

This course, required of students not meeting grade-level competencies, has been designed for students having difficulty with reading, writing, and other basic language skills.  Students who have not met the standards for these skills at the conclusion of middle school will be scheduled into English-Reading Workshop until they attain these competencies.  Students may spend one or more semesters in this class.