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Program of Studies » English Department

English Department

This course, which is organized into thematic units, includes the study of grammar, vocabulary, short stories, non-fiction, poetry, and drama. Writing includes essay tests, short compositions, and expository, narrative and descriptive papers. Thus students write extended pieces on a regular basis. An extensive research paper is required in the second semester. Oral work includes reports, an individual oral presentation, group discussion, reading of compositions, and presentations of plays and poetry. A number of supplemental novels and plays are covered during the school year in addition to numerous selections from the four genres. These novels will be read independently, and students will be expected to be able to annotate the novels as they are being read, illustrating a higher level of critical reading and thinking. This course is both reading and writing intensive and requires students to be able to do both independently as well as critically. This course is designed for students who have disciplined work habits, a love of reading, and a natural ability for writing. Students should expect homework on a nightly basis. Placement by Student Personnel Services; review of standardized test scores; and an “A” average in 7th and 8th grades.  
 
 
Advanced English I, which is organized into thematic units, offers the student a concentrated study of literary genres including the novel, the short story, drama, and poetry. Students are taught to apply the literary devices and elements that are associated with each area. The course also demands a high level of proficiency in grammar and usage rules in an effort to improve the language skills of writing and speaking. On-going work in vocabulary building is done in the context of reading and in regular vocabulary lessons to supplement the full-length composition work. Instruction on study skills such as managing time, note-taking, and library and research skills will be included in the curriculum. Supplemental full-length classic works are covered in addition to the text. This class is intended for academically able students with established reading and writing skills who desire rigorous preparation for higher level work. Students will develop skills in reading critically the major types of literature; in performing, listening to, and evaluating oral presentations; in writing effectively and critically for various audiences and purposes; in developing oral and written commentary skills; in thinking critically about material presented; and in developing an appreciation and tolerance of other cultures and of ideas different from those held by the student through a critical study of relevant literature. Students should expect homework on a regular basis. Placement by Student Personnel Services; review of standardized test scores; and a “B” average in 7th and 8th grades.
 
 
This is a basic level class, which is organized into thematic units, is designed for the student who needs reinforcement of the fundamental skills of reading of writing. Textual and functional reading comprehension and the application of grammar usage and mechanics will be the main focuses of this class, supporting students needing both reading comprehension support and students needing grammar support. This course concentrates on study skills such as note-taking, test-taking, time management, library skills, summarizing, finding the main idea, paraphrasing, and comparing and contrasting. It will emphasize weekly vocabulary, basic grammar skills, and correct sentence and paragraph structure leading up to the five-paragraph paper. Students will read and analyze short stories, poems, drama, and supplementary novels. There is also emphasis placed on grammar and the foundations of good writing. Students will be required to read supplemental novels; however, their reading will be teacher guided to help with comprehension. This class is designed for a student who needs more individualized instruction and guided directions. Students should expect homework that reinforces what has been learned in class that day. Placement by Student Personnel Services; successful completion of 8th grade English is required and review of standardized test scores.  
 
 
This course presents a survey of the growth of literature in America with special emphasis on literary forms and style of the 19th and 20th centuries. It is organized into thematic units and will provide an awareness of the philosophies, which shaped American thought, the cultural heritage, and specific literary study of major works. An extensive research paper will be required during the second semester. Subjective analysis papers are introduced. Several major classic works are studied in addition to various selections from the text. Critical thinking, reading comprehension and vocabulary skills for the SAT will be stressed. This course is both reading and writing intensive and requires students to be able to do both independently as well as critically. This course is designed for students who have disciplined work habits, a love of reading, and a natural ability for writing. Students should expect homework on a nightly basis. Successful completion of Honors English I with a “B” average and teacher recommendation, or successful completion of Advanced English I with an “A” average and teacher recommendation is required.
 
 
This course, which is organized into thematic units, further develops language skills, an understanding of literature, paragraph construction and composition writing culminating in an extensive research paper in the second semester. The course also demands a high level of proficiency in grammar and usage rules in an effort to improve the language skills of writing and speaking. The study of American literature in an historical survey approach will closely examine representative selections in prose, poetry and drama. Several books and plays will be read during the school year. Increasing a student’s vocabulary level with regular vocabulary lessons will be stressed. Critical thinking and reading comprehension skills for the SAT testing will also receive emphasis. Students should expect homework on a regular basis. Successful completion of Advanced English I with a “B” average and teacher recommendation, or successful completion of English I with an “A” average and teacher recommendation is required.
 
 
This course, which is organized into thematic units, is designed to further develop language skills, an appreciation of literary types, and paragraph writing leading to short compositions. A research paper will be required during the second semester. Representative selections in American literature will be studied in an historical survey approach. Additional classic works will be read during the school year. Weekly vocabulary lessons will be stressed in preparation for college testing. There is also emphasis placed on grammar and the foundations of good writing. Students will be required to read supplemental novels; however, their reading will be teacher guided to help with comprehension. This class is designed for a student who needs more individualized instruction and guided directions. Students should expect homework that reinforces what has been learned in class that day. Critical thinking and reading comprehension skills for the SAT testing will be stressed. Successful completion of English I is required.
 
 
This is a survey course organized by thematic units with chronological bases. It is designed to introduce the student to the renowned British writers of prose and poetry, to give the student an appreciation of the scope and depth of British literature, and to present to the student a thorough, in-depth study of several major works.
 
Although the chief emphasis in the course is on extensive reading and critical analysis of the major works from the Anglo-Saxon period through the 20th century, time will be given to teaching and reviewing basic literary forms, developing the techniques of effective expository writing and enriching the students’ vocabulary. Students in this program will be expected to read and examine on their own the historical background against which the specific works were created as well as the personal biographies of the authors. Formal, academic writing assignments will be given. Mastery of elevated vocabulary, critical thinking and reading comprehension skills for the SAT testing will be stressed.
 
This course is both reading and writing intensive and requires students to be able to do both independently as well as critically. This course is designed for students who have disciplined work habits, a love of reading, and a natural ability for writing. Students should expect homework on a nightly basis.  
 
Successful completion of Honors American Literature with a “B” average and teacher recommendation, or a successful completion of Advanced American Literature with an “A” average and teacher recommendation is required.
 
 
This is a survey course organized by thematic units with chronological bases. Specific focus will be placed on major works of Shakespeare, Chaucer and Milton. An in-depth study of British poetry and short stories will also be included.
 
The course also demands a high level of proficiency in grammar and usage rules in an effort to improve the language skills of writing and speaking. Writing assignments will be given frequently. Other aspects of this course will include formal public speaking and panel discussions. Mastery of elevated vocabulary, critical thinking and reading comprehension skills for the SAT testing will be stressed. In-class as well as outside reading assignments are an integral part of this course.
 
Students should expect homework on a regular basis. Successful completion of Advanced American Literature with a “B” average and teacher recommendation, or successful completion of American Literature with an “A” average and teacher recommendation is required.
 
 
British Literature is a course organized by thematic units with chronological bases. This is a survey course with an emphasis on classic authors of British Literature, including Shakespeare. Varied genres of British Literature will be covered with focus on poetry of the Renaissance, Romantic and Realistic Periods.
 
This course places emphasis on applied proficiency of grammar, usage, mechanics, sentence structure and sequencing of ideas in student essays. Analysis of literature serves as the basis for content of each in-class, timed essay. Students will be required to read supplemental novels; however, their reading will be teacher guided to help with comprehension. Also, students will learn the basic techniques of composition and essay writing as well as types of expository writing. There is also emphasis placed on grammar and the foundations of good writing. Mastery of weekly vocabulary, critical thinking and reading comprehension skills for the SAT testing will be stressed. Successful completion of American Literature is required.
 
The ultimate goal of the course is to help students develop an appreciation for and understanding of British literature and reinforce the fundamental skills of reading and writing. This class is designed for a student who needs more individualized instruction and guided directions.
 
Students should expect homework that reinforces what has been learned in class that day.
 
 
This course is designed to give the advanced student a critical look at Western Literature. The approach is thematic with works selected and arranged to fit specific topics of study. Time will be spent on reviewing the craft of certain advanced literary forms and on developing the techniques of effective expository writing and formal speaking. Eighteen (18) major classic works are read in their entirety with a major subjective analysis paper assigned every two weeks. The chief emphasis of the course is on extensive and varied reading, and on the critical analysis of major literary works.
 
Students will be required to examine independently the historical and cultural milieu in which specific works were created, as well as the personal biographies of the authors. Critical thinking and reading comprehension skills will be stressed. This course will prepare students to take the Advanced Placement English Literature exam for possible college credit. Successful completion of Honors British Literature with a “B” average and teacher recommendation is required.
 
Students are required to take the AP exam.    
 
 
This course provides the student with a broad overview of world literature and encompasses many genres. It is designed for the honors student who will be going to college and, as such, targets specific skills that will better enable him/her to succeed at a higher level. Using a thematic approach to literature, students will examine the commonalities among world cultures, thus helping them gain a global perspective necessary to succeed at a higher level. Students will also deepen their understanding of the connectedness of literature and culture through the text as well as through several additional novels and plays read throughout the course of each semester. Several major writing assignments will be given throughout the year, so students will be familiar the different types of writing which will be expected of them in a college level composition course. Thus, analytical and writing skills receive special emphasis. The ultimate goal is to make the student a better thinker and writer using a wide variety of literary sources.
 
Successful completion of Honors British Literature with a “B+” average or higher and teacher recommendation, or successful completion of Advanced British Literature with an “A” average or higher and teacher recommendation is required.
 
 
Advanced World Literature is a survey course organized thematically with works recorded from ancient oral tradition to those of the 20th Century writers. The extensive reading required addresses each genre of literature with supplemental reading. The course also demands a high level of proficiency in grammar and usage rules in an effort to improve the language skills of writing and speaking. School year readings include major works of the great authors such as Homer, Sophocles, Shakespeare, Ibsen, Kafka and LaoTzu. Specific emphasis will be placed on the ancient epic, Greek tragedy, and contemporary novels with additional emphasis on French, Russian and Norwegian authors. Additional focus will be placed on speaking and grammar review as well as formulation of the college application essay. Regular writing assignments and one major analytical paper a month are required. Vocabulary study will enhance the level of writing.
 
Students should expect homework on a regular basis.
 
Successful completion of Advanced British Literature with a “B” average and teacher recommendation, or successful completion of British Literature with an “A” average and teacher recommendation is required.  
 
 
World Literature is a course organized by thematic units. The reading and writing requirements come predominantly from the text. Additional major supplemental reading of four works will be required. School year reading and writing analysis projects as well as the formulation of a college application essay are requirements of the course. There is an average of two compositions assigned each academic quarter. This course seeks the further expansion of a student’s vocabulary.
 
This class is designed for a student who needs more individualized instruction and guided directions. Basic college and career readiness are the goals of this class.
 
Students should expect homework that reinforces what has been learned in class that day.
 
Successful completion of British Literature is required.   
 
 
  1. JOURNALISM (Semester) This course is a comprehensive study of the role of the journalist in today’s society. Students will develop journalistic skills and techniques regarding researching and delivering the news. Issues such as the future of print media, journalistic ethics, and fair and accurate reporting are explored. Oral and written communication skills are developed and include editorial and feature writing, hard news reporting, and writing for television and radio.
Projects will include publishing the school newspaper; writing editorials and news articles that inform or entertain; creating photo essays; and making oral presentations on topics of the day. The course includes an emphasis on writing skills, grammar and usage, knowledge of current events, and active reading of daily or weekly publications. Enrollment in Advanced English class is recommended.
  1. CREATIVE WRITING (Semester) This course will develop the student’s ability to write creatively by building a positive climate for writing. There will be an emphasis on the elements of varied styles of writing such as descriptive, narrative, expository, and persuasive. Mechanics such as grammar and usage will be a priority.
Students will enhance their creativity by writing essays, short stories, poetry, literary analyses, and personal narratives. Oral communication skills also will be an essential part of the course. Students will contribute to the school newspaper. Enrollment in Advanced English class is recommended.  
 
 
This course will critically explore the “art” and the “skill” of human communications. Emphasis will be placed upon the methods required for competent oral communication (public speaking) and written communication (composition). Various categories of speeches will be studied and performed. This course also involves the study and practice of the skills used in interviewing for college admission and job placement. The clear formulation of ideas and their coherent presentation especially will be the primary focus of this course. A review of the basic structure of grammar, usage, and mechanics will be covered. This course will also study the impact of the internet, television, radio, films, magazines, and newspapers on our daily lives. Students will examine how communication techniques of mass media influence our lives and affect our culture by shaping beliefs and attitudes. Enrollment in Advanced English is recommended.
 
This course is recommended for all college-bound students, notably those students considering the fundamental study of Communications or Media Studies.