Year-long. Weighted grade.

This course includes mythology, short story, novel, poetry, and tragic drama. Refinement of the principles of grammar, usage, and precision of expression is taught through emphasis on effective composition skills. Students will analyze literature and utilize critical thinking through the writing of expository, argumentative, and narrative essays. Through the study of literature, composition, and argumentation, this course begins the preparation for Advanced Placement courses as juniors and seniors.

Year-long.

This course focuses on the development of reading skills through the analysis of fiction, nonfiction, short story, novel, poetry, and drama. Descriptive, expository, argumentative, and narrative writing, as well as basic research techniques and communication skills are addressed. In addition, students refine grammar and usage skills through the writing process and effective composition strategies. This full-year course meets for two consecutive periods providing time for practice and growth in reading. This course is not NCAA core approved.

Year-long.

This course targets literary analysis through the study of mythology, short story, novel, poetry, and drama. Descriptive, expository, argumentative, and narrative writing, as well as basic research techniques and speaking and listening skills are emphasized. In addition, students will refine grammar and usage skills through the writing process and effective composition strategies.

 Grade 9-11. Year-long. Placement required.

This course counts toward graduation as general electives, but NOT as fulfillment of the four-year English graduation requirement.

Literacy Strategies is a year-long course designed to improve a student’s reading skills. Literacy Strategies will emphasize comprehension strategies, vocabulary development, study skills, transference of reading strategies to content-area classes, enjoyment of reading, and written response to text.

Year-long.

This course includes the study of American Literature from colonial through contemporary periods using thematic strands. Students will read journals, biographies, essays, novels, short stories, plays, and poetry representing American authors of various ethnic backgrounds. The literature will promote students’ analytical abilities and will encourage critical thinking through the writing of expository, argumentative, and narrative essays. Speaking and listening skills are also emphasized.

Year-long. Weighted grade.

This course includes the study of American literature from colonial through contemporary periods using thematic strands. Students will read journals, biographies, essays, novels, short stories, plays, and poetry representing American authors and authors of various ethnic backgrounds. The literature will promote students’ analytical abilities and will encourage critical thinking through the writing of expository, argumentative, and narrative essays. In addition, the literature will serve as models and material for speaking in persuasive, informative, and entertainment forums. Through the study of literature, composition, and argumentation, this course continues to prepare students for Advanced Placement courses as juniors and seniors.

Year-long.

This course focuses on the development of reading skills through the analysis of fiction, nonfiction, short story, novel, poetry, and drama. Descriptive, expository, persuasive, narrative, and literary analysis writing, as well as basic research techniques and communication skills, are addressed through instruction. In addition, students refine their grammar and usage skill through the writing process and the application of essential composition strategies. This full-year course meets for two consecutive periods providing time for practice and growth in reading and writing. This course is not NCAA core approved.

This course counts toward graduation as general electives, but NOT as fulfillment of the four-year English graduation requirement.

Grade 10-12. One semester.

This course develops essential oral communication skills introduced previously in the language arts experience. Individual speeches, such as children’s stories, prose reading, award acceptance, impromptu speaking, radio speaking, and original essays are performed in this semester program. Special attention is given to acquiring poise, confidence, and dignity as a speaker.

Grade 9-12. One semester.

This course counts toward graduation as general electives, but NOT as fulfillment of the four-year English graduation requirement.

This course is a student-oriented class that focuses on the theory of acting, the process of directing, and the elements of technical theatre. Theory will be interlaced with opportunities for hands-on involvement at all levels of the theatrical experience.

Grade 10-12. One semester. Prerequisite is Theatre Arts 1

This course counts toward graduation as general electives, but NOT as fulfillment of the four-year English graduation requirement.

This course builds upon concepts learned in Theatre Arts I while still centering on student participation and involvement. The focuses will be on more advanced styles of acting and more specific responsibilities inherent to the directing process, including technical aspects of theatre.

Grade 10-12. One semester.

This course counts toward graduation as general electives, but NOT as fulfillment of the four-year English graduation requirement.

This course enhances creative and imaginative expression by developing the skills, style, and commitment essential for effective writing. Students will create within a variety of genres: journals, short stories, poetry, essays, and drama.

Grade 11-12. One semester. Prerequisite is Creative Writing 1

This course counts toward graduation as general electives, but NOT as fulfillment of the four-year English graduation requirement.

This course significantly extends the writing experiences introduced in Creative Writing 1 Its primary focus will be on poetry and short story writing. Students will create a portfolio for both poetry and short stories and will submit some of their work for publication.

Grade 10-12. Prerequisite is instructor’s permission based on teacher recommendations regarding the student’s writing ability, creativity, and dependability. A test of basic writing skills and an interview may also be administered.

This course counts toward graduation as general electives, but NOT as fulfillment of the four-year English graduation requirement.

This course develops writing, interviewing, and design skills which are applied when students produce the school newspaper. NOTE: This course may be repeated from the sophomore through the senior year with permission of the instructor.

Grade 10-12. Prerequisite is instructor’s permission based on teacher recommendations regarding the student’s writing ability, creativity, and dependability. A test of basic writing skills and an interview may also be administered.

This course counts toward graduation as general electives, but NOT as fulfillment of the four-year English graduation requirement.

This course develops skills such as writing copy, designing spreads, and desktop publishing. Students develop computer literacy skills and meet specific deadlines in order to produce the annual high school yearbook. NOTE: This course may be repeated from the sophomore through the senior year with permission of the instructor.

Grade 9-11. Year-long. Placement required.

This course counts toward graduation as general electives, but NOT as fulfillment of the four-year English graduation requirement.

Literacy Strategies is a year-long course designed to improve a student’s reading skills. Literacy Strategies will emphasize comprehension strategies, vocabulary development, study skills, transference of reading strategies to content-area classes, enjoyment of reading, and written response to text.

Grade 10. Year-long. Prerequisite is prior completion of a Social Studies course.

The goal of American Society is to examine and analyze what it means to be an American in an interdisciplinary format.  To facilitate that study, this two-period block course will take a humanities approach, connecting history and literature to art, architecture, entertainment, propaganda, and fashion.  American society emphasizes the skills that will prepare students for life beyond high school, including written and oral communication, critical thinking, problem solving, technological competency and making connections between disciplines.  This course is open to all sophomores who need to fulfill the graduation requirements for American History and English 2.

Grade 10-12 One Semester.

This course counts toward graduation as general electives, but NOT as fulfillment of the four-year English graduation requirement.

This online eLo course provides a historical overview of African-American literature, from Frederick Douglass’ slave narrative to contemporary hip-hop music. Students will examine the importance of literacy, story craft, and social responsibility in the African-American literary tradition. Course materials include poetry, drama, non-fiction, novels, film and music.

Year-long.

This required course (except for students taking ENGL3000R or ENGL3000A) continues college preparation of language and composition through a skills-based study of a wide variety of texts representing multiple cultures and genres. Students will utilize skills to critically analyze information, synthesize valid sources, and develop cogent arguments while implementing 21st-century skills and technologies.

Year-long. Weighted grade.

This course emphasizes the study of verbal and written language, rhetoric, and argumentation. Students in this course participate in the reading and writing of a variety of challenging texts. Students who successfully complete this course and the AP English Language and Composition exam may receive college credit and/or higher placement in college.

Year-long.

This course emphasizes a range of fiction and non-fiction texts arranged in thematic units. It is designed to improve reading, writing, and speaking skills. It is designed to reinforce valuable principles and usage of reading along with an emphasis on improving composition skills. Students complete a research project during the second semester. This course is not NCAA core approved.

Grade 9-11. Year-long. Placement required.

This course counts toward graduation as general electives, but NOT as fulfillment of the four-year English graduation requirement.

Literacy Strategies is a year-long course designed to improve a student’s reading skills. Literacy Strategies will emphasize comprehension strategies, vocabulary development, study skills, transference of reading strategies to content-area classes, enjoyment of reading, and written response to text.

Year-long.

This course focuses on various aspects of film study including the technical viewpoint, the historical significance, and the visual approaches used to demonstrate thematic ideas in film. Also, students will focus on communication skills needed to effectively connect with others in their environment, personal relationships, daily activities, and professional settings. Students will focus on logically developing ideas with appropriate evidence, clear and precise language, and varied sentence structure. In this course students will utilize and refine their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. This course is not NCAA Eligibility Center approved.

One semester.

This semester course compares literature to media, the study of historical periods in media development, and the technology of media production, in order to have seniors become visually literate, critical thinkers, and evaluative writers when interpreting media. To show mastery, students will respond through a variety of venues such as written analyses and class presentations. This class will hone critical thinking and composition skills learned in previous English courses while instructing students on the concept of visual literacy. This course is not NCAA Eligibility Center approved.

One semester.

This course allows seniors the opportunity to read a variety of contemporary novels, plays, and short stories. Building on textual knowledge, critical thinking, and composition skills developed in previous English classes, students will question and determine the role of contemporary literature in society through a variety of written analyses, class presentations, and quarterly projects. Literature read in this course contains mature content.

Year-long. Weighted grade.

Through the study of a variety of genres (poetry, short story, novel, essays, media) and exposure to various text styles, students will enhance their verbal and written text analysis skills. Students who successfully complete this course and the AP English Literature and Composition examination may receive college credit and/or higher placement in college. Students in this course also frequently add a senior choice to their semester studies. Literature read in this course contains mature content.

One semester.

This course allows seniors the opportunity to enhance their creative expression by developing the skills and commitment essential for reading and writing poetry. Through the study of classical, modern, and contemporary poetry, students will be asked to respond to a wide variety of poetic prompts, and, in a workshop setting, to analyze and learn from one another’s writing. Students will be encouraged to submit their writing for publication.

One semester.

In this course students will analyze the cultural roots of civilization through an examination of selected literature and its philosophies, preparing students for further study and enhancing their understanding of broader profound concepts such as knowledge, truth, the difference between right and wrong, justice, evil, fate, freedom, and beauty. Through this study students will hone critical thinking skills, study the basic principles of argumentation, and create cogent arguments in both discussion and writing.

One semester.

This course concentrates on communicating effectively in the academic environment, personal relationships, daily activities, and professional settings. Students will utilize and refine their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Students will focus on logically developing ideas with appropriate evidence, clear and precise language, and varied sentence structure. They will learn how to effectively communicate in different settings through instruction on teamwork, problem solving, technological application, leadership skills, and interaction with people in various roles and work situations, all to help them become successful communicators in the world beyond high school.

One semester.

This one-semester course will provide students with an overview of timeless literary works from around the world. Students will read and respond to selected novels, plays, short stories, essays, and poetry. Students will gain an understanding of works of literary merit from other cultures and the universality of the human condition. Literature read in this course contains mature content.

One semester.

This course offers a continuation of the curriculum and intent of World Literature 1, although World Literature 1 is NOT a prerequisite. The course provides students with further exploration of timeless major literary works from around the world. Students will read and respond to selected novels, plays, short stories, essays, and poetry, gaining an understanding of works of literary merit from other cultures and the universality of the human condition. Literature read in this course contains mature content.