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.

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.

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 course engages students in the “doing” of philosophy as an activity rather than a subject matter. Through the use of philosophical principles students will analyze arguments from history and develop their own written and spoken arguments. Students will be asked to engage in the careful critical inquiry of, discourse about, and reflection upon some of the perennial questions and most noted philosophers in recorded history.

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.

One semester.

This course centers around the belief that we learn about ourselves and our world through a close, critical study of the stories found within different cultures. Critical emphasis will be placed on studying diverse authors and texts, as well as a critical self-reflection of the reader’s own evolving cultural frame in conversation with texts studied. Literature in the course contains mature content.

One semester.

This course allows seniors to explore language skills essential to a critical study of both poetic traditions and recent innovations with the goals of empowering community, self-reflection, critical thinking, and strong writing. Through the use of a diverse collection of voices, students will be encouraged to develop their own unique voice and become part of an ongoing conversation with poetry’s past, present, and future.

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.

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.