English

  • Diane Tancredi, Department Chairperson – MVHS
  • Karen Lawson, Department Chairperson – NVHS
  • Diana Schill, Department Chairperson – WVHS

A student must be registered in a core English course each semester. The curriculum builds language skills sequentially from freshman through senior levels. Writing-based courses introduce, develop, and refine student skills in all aspects of the writing process including literary analyses, personal essays, and creative writings. In addition, reading development is approached through the various literature studied in each course. Literature at the high school level contains mature content.

The first THREE years of English course work consist of Three full-year core courses: English 1, 2 and 3. Senior year, the student must take a minimum of two semester courses from the list of senior choices.

The Communication Electives (special-interest courses) may be taken in addition to the core curriculum, but do not count toward fulfillment of English requirements for graduation.

Because Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) course work is accelerated and more sophisticated, upper level work of high quality in a compacted time frame is demanded of students. The English Department has developed a recommendation process for student placement. These placement criteria are indicators of performance levels or standards for the Honors or AP courses and are available from the English Department.

English Course Listings

FRESHMAN COURSES

Course# Title Level Recommended prior course work includes
ENGL1001 English 1-Academic Literacy and Composition Yr. 9 Does not meet NCAA requirement
ENGL1020 English 1-Literature, Language and Composition Yr. 9 Teacher recommendation
ENGL1000H English 1-Honors Literature, Language and Composition Yr. 9 Teacher recommendation

SOPHOMORE COURSES

COURSE# TITLE LEVEL RECOMMENDED PRIOR COURSE WORK INCLUDES
ENGL2002 English 2-Academic Literacy and Composition Yr. 10 Does not meet NCAA requirement
ENGL2000 English 2-American Literature and Composition Yr. 10
ENGL2000H English 2-Honors American Literature and Composition Yr. 10
ENGL2025B English 2-American Society (2-period block) Yr. 10

JUNIOR COURSES

COURSE# TITLE LEVEL RECOMMENDED PRIOR COURSE WORK INCLUDES
ENGL3000 English 3-Comparative Studies and Composition Yr. 11
ENGL3000A English 3-Advanced Placement Language and Composition Yr. 11
ENGL3000R English 3-Comparative Studies and Composition Yr. 11

Juniors not in ENGL3000R or ENGL3000A must take ENGL3000.

SENIOR COURSES

Course# Title Level Recommended prior course work includes
ENGL4000R English 4 – Media Communication and Composition Yr. 12 Does not meet NCAA requirement
ENGL4003A English 4-Advanced Placement Literature and Composition Yr. 12

Seniors not in ENGL4000 or ENGL4003A must take two courses from the following seven choices:

Course# Title Level Recommended prior course work includes
ENGL4001 English 4-Composition and Media Sem. 12 Does not meet NCAA requirement
ENGL4002 English 4-20th Century Literature and Composition Sem. 12
ENGL4004 English 4-Poetry and Composition Sem. 12
ENGL4012 English 4-World Literature 1 and Composition Sem. 12
ENGL4013 English 4-World Literature 2 and Composition Sem. 12
ENGL4007 English 4-Philosophy through Literature and Composition Sem. 12
ENGL4008 English 4-Communication and Composition Sem. 12

COMMUNICATION ELECTIVES

Course# Title Level Recommended prior course work includes
ENGL2012 Public Speaking Sem. 10-12 None
ENGL2013 Theatre Arts I Sem. 9-12 None
ENGL2014 Theatre Arts 2 Sem. 10-12 Theatre Arts I
ENGL2015 Creative Writing I Sem. 10-12 None
ENGL2016 Creative Writing 2 Sem. 11-12 Creative Writing I
ENGL2017 Newspaper Journalism Yr. 10-12 Instructor Approval
ENGL2018 Yearbook Journalism Yr. 10-12 Instructor Approval
ENGL2002L Reading – Academic Literacy Yr. 9 Placement required
ENGL1035 Literacy Strategies 1 Yr. 9 Placement required
ENGL2023 Literacy Strategies 2 Yr. 10 Placement required
ENGL3022 Literacy Strategies 3 Yr. 11 Placement required
ENGL2034C Online African American Literature Sem. 10-12 None

ENGL1000H English 1 Honors – Literature, Language and Composition

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 prepares students for the Advanced Placement test as juniors and seniors.

ENGL1001 English 1 Academic Literacy and Composition

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.

ENGL1020 English 1 Literature, Language and Composition

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.

ENGL1035 Literacy Strategies 1

 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.

ENGL2000 English 2 – American Literature and Composition

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.

ENGL2000H English 2 Honors – American Literature and Composition

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 tests as juniors and seniors.

ENGL2002 English 2 – Academic Literacy and Composition

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.

ENGL2012 Public Speaking

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.

ENGL2013 Theatre Arts 1

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.

ENGL2014 Theatre Arts 2

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.

ENGL2015 Creative Writing 1

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.

ENGL2016 Creative Writing 2

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.

ENGL2017 Newspaper Journalism

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.

ENGL2018 Yearbook Journalism

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.

ENGL2023 Literacy Strategies 2

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.

ENGL2025B American Society – 2 period block: English 2 & American History

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, the 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 II.

ENGL2034C ONLINE African-American Literature

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.

ENGL3000 English 3 – Comparative Studies and Composition

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.

ENGL3000A English 3 – Advanced Placement Language and Composition

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.

ENGL3000R English 3 – Comparative Studies and Composition

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.

ENGL3022 Literacy Strategies 3

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.

ENGL4000R English 4 – Media Communication and Composition

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.

ENGL4001 English 4 – Composition and Media

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.

ENGL4002 English 4 – 20th Century Literature and Composition

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.

ENGL4003A English 4–Advanced Placement Literature and Composition

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.

ENGL4004 English 4 – Poetry and Composition

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.

ENGL4007 English 4 – Philosophy through Literature and Composition

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.

ENGL4008 English 4 – Communication and Composition

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.

ENGL4012 English 4 World Literature 1 and Composition

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.

ENGL4013 English 4 – World Literature 2 and Composition

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.