English I is a required yearlong course. Composition will emphasize the writing process in developing well-constructed paragraphs and extended compositions. Grammar will focus on a review and reinforcement of basic skills and an introduction of new skills as they are required in writing and editing. Literature will focus on reading and analyzing short stories, novels, drama, mythology, poetry and nonfiction. Oral communication will focus on speech content and delivery. (Prerequisite: None)
English II is a required yearlong course. Composition will continue to emphasize the writing process. English II will stress the refinement of the following skills introduced in English I:
The reading of nonfiction, short stories, novels, drama and poetry will highlight literary study.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of English I.)
Speech is a semester course which introduces students to the following communication processes:
Advanced Speech is a semester course which builds upon the written and oral communication skills presented in Speech. Students will research, write and edit manuscripts, outlines and debate. The major units of study include public speaking, debate, parliamentary procedure, mass communication, drama, and oral interpretation of literature. (Prerequisite: Successful completion of English II and Speech; Junior or Senior Standing)
Creative Writing is a writing-intensive semester course in which students study the crafts of fiction, nonfiction, script and poetry writing. Students will study the methods and works of various authors, demonstrating understanding through explication and analysis. Students will write and publish poetry, short fiction pieces, and a dramatic script. Individual participation through discussion and sharing is integral to success in this course. (Prerequisite: Successful completion of English II; Junior or Senior Standing)
Advanced Composition is a semester course designed for students who excel in writing and want to further develop their writing skills. Composing effective essays of process, division and classification, definition, description, narration and especially the rhetorical patterns of exemplification, comparison and contrast, cause and effect, and research-based argumentation will be stressed. In addition, students will write two critical reviews. (Prerequisite: Successful completion of English II; Junior or Senior Standing)
Research Writing is a semester course designed for students to study the more complex structures of logical and persuasion language and to further refine their research skills. The course emphasizes analytical reading, critical thinking, and research methodology. Both MLA and ARA documentation styles will be taught. Students will compose four papers in the following areas: history, science, literature, and contemporary issues. (Prerequisite: Successful completion of English II; Junior or Senior Standing)
American Literature I and Composition is a required writing- intensive semester course which introduces students to early American literature from the pre-colonial era to the twentieth century. Students will read, analyze, and respond to literary genres. Students will refine their skills in vocabulary, oral communication, research, and composition using various methods of development. This course, in addition to American Literature II and Composition, meets the Junior English requirement and may be taken first or second semester. (Prerequisite: Successful completion of English II and Junior Standing)
American Literature II and Composition is a required writing- intensive semester course which introduces students to twentieth century American literature from 1915 to the present. Students will read, analyze, and respond to literary genres. Students will refine their skills in vocabulary, oral communications, research, and compositions using various methods of development. This course, in addition to American Literature I and Composition, meets the Junior English requirement and may be taken first or second semester. (Prerequisite: Successful completion of English II and Junior Standing)
Advanced Literature Survey is a semester course designed for students to read selections from British and European literature. Emphasis is on viewing literature in its social, political, and historical perspective and analyzing, interpreting, and responding to literature. Active participation in class discussion, literary analysis essays, and research report will be required. (Prerequisite: Successful completion of English II: Junior and Senior Standing)
Introduction to Newspaper Production is a yearlong course designed to teach students how to be objective investigative reporters and to familiarize them with the concepts to produce the school newspaper. Students will learn the newsworthiness of stories, journalistic writing styles, editing, identifying and finding reliable sources and writing for particular audiences. Along with learning journalistic practices, students will learn to use computers for word-processing and page layout, to work within a budget, to sell and design advertising, to produce a school newspaper, and to take quality pictures using basic photography skills. Students need to be aware that this is a co-curricular class that will include after-school hours to complete satisfactorily. (Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Standing with teacher recommendation through student application)
Newspaper Production is a yearlong course designed to enhance the skills of those students who have successfully completed Introduction to Newspaper Production. The students will continue to develop their writing and editing skills as well as their knowledge and use of proper journalistic technique. In addition, they will learn leadership skills as they take over more responsibility for the content and design of the monthly student newspaper. They will master the concepts and skills involved in desktop publishing, darkroom and video production, marketing and advertising. Students need to be aware that this is a co-curricular class that may include after- school hours to complete satisfactorily. (Prerequisite: Successful completion of Introduction to Newspaper Production, teacher approval; Senior Standing)
Introduction to Yearbook Production is a yearlong course designed to familiarize students with the concepts necessary to produce the high school yearbook. These skills include investigating, feature writing, editing, computer page layout and design, photography skills, coverage, thematic development, working within a budget, marketing and selling and designing advertising. Students need to be aware that this is a co-curricular class that may include after-school hours to complete satisfactorily. (Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Standing with teacher recommendation through student application)
Yearbook Production is a yearlong course designed to enhance the skills of those who have successfully completed Introduction to Yearbook Production. Students will continue to develop their writing, editing, design, reporting, advertising and marketing skills while taking on more responsibilities. These students will learn leadership skills as they take responsibility for the content, design, theme, deadlines (including photography) and production of the school yearbook and spring supplement. Students need to be aware that this is a co-curricular class that may include after-school hours to complete satisfactorily. (Prerequisite: Successful completion of Introduction to Yearbook Production, application to teacher; Senior Standing)
Science Fiction, Fantasy and Mystery is a semester course which provides a thought-provoking format for learning about three popular thematic forms of literature: science fiction (the impact of real or imagined science on the contemporary world and the world of the future), fantasy (highly imaginative works dependent on unusual settings and characters), and mystery (suspenseful literature). Students will focus on critical reading, and writing, as well as thoughtful examination of literary selections. (Prerequisite: Successful completion of English II; Junior or Senior Standing)
The Modern Novel is a semester course which explores major themes in modern literature. Through reading, discussion, research, and analysis, students will identify themes, gain insight into literary selections, develop an understanding of the components of fiction and examine techniques used by prominent authors. Students will learn organization and expression of ideas through varied writing exercises. Students will gain awareness of how literary works reflect society, themselves, and their world. (Prerequisite: Successful completion of English II; Junior or Senior Standing)