Curriculum Course Catalog

This required 9th grade course combines an introduction to the major literary genres of short story, poetry and drama with the study of basic writing skills of paragraph development and essay assessment. Writing assignments include personal and expressive writing, description, narration, exposition, persuasion, observation and reporting. Additionally, students keep a journal and are instructed in spelling, vocabulary, punctuation and grammar skills in a manner which integrates these skills with the writing process.

This required 10th grade course emphasizes writing and reading skills. Students will learn the elements of essay writing in a variety of styles in response to literary selections. Writing and reading assignments will gain complexity in development and style in response to various classic novelists as well as a survey of short stories, poetry and drama. In addition to the anthology, three novels will be studied each semester and written assignments will analyze the elements of fiction, drama and expository writing. A research paper will be written and assessed.

This required 11th grade course traces the development of American Literature from the 1600’s to the 21st century. Study will include the Colonial, Revolutionary and Romantic Periods of American writings, essays and novels. Various styles, genres, opinions and ideas of American authors will be presented for class discussion, writing assignments and projects. Classical literature as well as correlating contemporary non-fiction writing will be studied in conjunction with historical relevance of socio-economic, political and artistic issues of the different eras. Students will actively engage in various written analyses, oral presentations and an extensive research paper in response to a variety of American Authors, poets, essayists and dramatists.

This required 12th grade course is a comprehensive study of English/World literature from the Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance, Restoration and Romantic Periods to the beginning of the eighteenth century. Students will read various genres inclusive of drama, morality play, epic, poetry, essays and correlate the historic, social and cultural significance of the literature to the events, people, philosophy, rhetoric and ethos of the time period. Students will be required to
write personal reflective, persuasive, synthesis, comparison/contrast and evaluative responses to the readings as well as commit investigative research with focus on critical examination, logical thought development and the necessary use of textual support of ideas. The course will emphasize the universality of cultural/social/interpersonal themes as they apply to today’s world through investigative reading, discussion, research and writing.

This course is designed to support students that are having academic struggles gain the skills they need to be successful in high school and beyond. Students in this course receive extra support in their academic classes, as well as instruction on organization, careers, budgeting and other necessary soft skills.

AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational, literary, and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in research- based written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments

The AP course in English Language and Composition will assist students to become skilled readers of college level essays, narratives and prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts. This college level course will also give students the practice and helpful criticism necessary to make them flexible writers who can compose in a variety of modes and for a variety of purposes. Both their reading and their writing will make them aware of the interaction between authorial purpose, audience needs, the subject itself, generic conventions, and the resources of language: syntax, word choice and tone. Extensive writing assignments will be designed to make students mature writers who will be able to write competently at the college level and be successful on the AP Exam. The course will emphasize expository, analytical and argumentative essays inclusive of an extensive research paper.

Recommended prerequisite: B or better in Honors Language Arts 1-4 or recommendation of teacher

In this course, students will actively engage in the careful reading of advanced college level literary works. Through such study, students will sharpen their awareness of language and understanding of the writer’s craft. Students will develop critical standards for the independent appreciation of literature and will increase sensitivity to literature as a shared experience. To achieve these goals, students will study the individual work, its language, characters, action and
themes. They will consider its structure, meaning and value, and the relationship to contemporary experience as well as the times in which it was written. Students will be involved in both the study and practice of writing and the study of literature. They will learn to use the modes of discourse and recognize the assumptions underlying various rhetorical strategies. Through speaking, listening, reading and writing, students will become more aware of the resources of language: connotation, metaphor, irony, syntax and tone. Writing assignments will focus on the critical analysis of literature and will include essays in exposition and argumentation. The desired goals are the honest and effective use of language and the organization of ideas in a clear, coherent and persuasive manner.

Recommended prerequisite:
B or better in AP English Language and Composition

This writing course introduces the basics of newspaper writing. Students will study the First Amendment, libel laws, journalism ethics, editing and publishing. Students will compose a wide variety of journalistic articles and learn the basic concepts of graphic newspaper design. Focus will include the study of style, vocabulary, grammar, mechanics and form. Students are encouraged to participate in the publication, The Observer.

This course focuses on the publication of The Observer, the weekly school newspaper. While improving writing skills, students will also gain experience in the use of computer programs designed for newspaper and magazine publishing. Student journalists will have the opportunity to view school and community issues of concerns and formulate writings that present editorials, features, news, essays, political cartoons, reviews and critiques.

This course is primarily a student-operated, advisor-directed production class. Students design and produce the school annual (yearbook). Students learn various skills of design, layout, copy writing, editing, graphic art skills, desktop publishing, digital and 35 mm photography, sales, product promotion, accounting, advertising, budgeting and inventory. Students should have a working knowledge of computers, have a strong sense of time commitment and be able to work both independently and in group projects.

This class will examine the history and development of film from the 1900’s to the present. Study will include film style, social relevance, propaganda, entertainment and historical value, societal effect in relation to the dynamics of American cultural development. Student will research, critique, and analyze various film genres through class discussion, written and oral presentations, and various creative projects of differing focus. Readings will include materials pertaining to the various film presentations. Parents and students should be
aware that PG and PG-13 films that have met the school administration’s approval will be shown. Students who are not allowed to view these films should not take this course.

This class is a continuation of Film Study 1 and will examine the history & development of film from 1940 to current date. In depth analysis, will include a research project and written presentation that examines the themes, cultural and historical relativity, profundity levels, media influence and the effects of the film industry upon personal and societal group behaviors. Class discussion, group and individual oral and written presentations will be assigned throughout the semester. Readings will include supplementary materials that correspond to the various film presentations. Parents and students should be aware that PG and PG-13 films that have met the school administration’s approval will be shown. Students who are not allowed to view these films should not take this course.

Film Study 1

Language Arts Laboratory courses provide instruction in basic language skills, integrating reading, writing, speaking, and listening, while placing great emphasis on the progress of individual students. Course content depends upon students’ abilities and may include vocabulary building, improving spelling and grammar, developing writing and composition skills, reading silently or aloud, and improving listening and comprehension abilities.

This course is designed to support students that are having academic struggles gain the skills they need to be successful in high school and beyond. Students in this course receive extra support in their academic classes, as well as instruction on organization, careers, budgeting and other necessary soft skills.

American Literature courses focus upon commonly known American authors and their work. Students improve their critical-thinking skills as they determine the underlying assumptions and values within the selected works and as they understand how the literature reflects the society of the time. Oral discussion is an integral part of literature courses, and written compositions are often required.

This writing course instructs the process of creating the literary forms of short story and poetry. Individual interest and talent will determine the writer’s major area of concentration. Students will create a variety of writings based on personal journal entries and literary readings. Mechanics, vocabulary and syntax will be studied to enhance the creative process.

This course presents the various facets of writing, listening and speaking through the study and presentation of speeches, discussion, debate and oral interpretation. Students will research and write outlines, essays and critiques based on class presentations and projects.

This course is designed to introduce students to social justice issues and assist them in discovering their ability to create positive change in their own world. Students will critically analyze various social movements related to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, class, and other topics students bring up. Students will explore and discuss how these concepts influence human understanding, relationships, and behavior looking at a historical, political and social lens. Students will understand how individuals operate within community contexts created through interactions and relationships structured by sociability, belonging and responsibility. This course will encourage students to think critically and expansively about the social world and the conditions of humanity. Social justice will provide a foundation for students to explore social justice concepts, issues, and remedies, thereby developing the necessary analytical tools and information to see inequality and injustice and address historical and contemporary issues relevant to students’ present-day lives.

World Literature courses use representative literature selections from ancient and/or modern times from countries around the world. Students improve their critical-thinking skills as they comprehend the diversity of literary traditions and the influences of those traditions. Oral discussion is an integral part of literature courses, and written compositions are often required.

This level is specifically designed for literacy/beginning level students. The program introduces the basics of American culture to students at the basic level with limited or has no English proficiency. Students will be using the texts: Visions and English Yes which will focus on reading a variety of genres, writing, listening, speaking and viewing based on a variety of themes. PLACEMENT: Entering students are evaluated by staff for proper assignment in these ability levels: English Literacy to Transitional.

Students who are not native speakers of English may take advantage of the English-as-a-Second Language courses. These classes offer instruction in English and serve to help the student with limited English language skills progress into the regular curriculum. Students will be using the texts: Visions and English Yes which will focus on the reading a variety of genres, writing, listening, speaking and viewing based on a variety of themes. Students will demonstrate familiarity with world literature, including authors beyond American and British literary traditions. PLACEMENT: Entering students are evaluated by staff for proper assignment in these ability levels: English Literacy to Transitional.

These introductory English courses will continue the sequence of the 7th and 8th grade in literature, grammar and composition. All readings will be chosen to accommodate the reading level of ESL students and incorporate elements of the American culture and historical background. Emphasis will be placed on elements of the short story, novel and drama in an elementary but comprehensive manner. Several texts as well as hardbound and paperback books will be utilized to acquaint the student with these genres. Grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, diction and usage, spelling syntax, sentence and paragraph development will be an integral part of the first semester program.

This course emphasizes writing skills. Students will learn the elements of essay writing in a variety of modes: descriptive, personal, comparison/contrast, cause/effect, persuasive and argumentative. Composition will be supplemented by the study of several novels, which have similar themes (e.g., The Miracle Workers, To Kill a Mockingbird…). Students will examine and write about such elements of literature as plot, setting, characterization, point of view and theme.