English

English 9 (REQUIRED)                                                                    
1 credit                                                
9

This year-long course involves the strengthening of reading, comprehending, and analyzing literature as well as a detailed study of literary terms and figurative language devices with their application to short stories, author biographies, and the following genres: novels (To Kill a Mockingbird), dramas (The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet), and poetry. There will also be a deepening study of grammar and mechanics and a strengthening of their writing skills by composing a small research paper in MLA format that incorporates outside sources with library research skills.
 

English 10 (REQUIRED)                                                       
1 credit                                   
10

This is a year-long, genre-based literature and composition course. Together we will read and analyze short stories, poems, nonfiction (memoir), novels, and a play. Discussions and writing assignments will focus on literary elements and incorporating borrowed passages from the text and information and criticism from outside sources. Students will further develop their familiarity with the MLA (Modern Language Association) format for writing research papers. Strengthening vocabulary, reading comprehension, and library research skills are primary objectives. In addition, we will review grammar and mechanics rules, particularly those that writers need to know in order to form effective sentences. Students will also be given opportunities to strengthen their listening and speaking abilities.
    

REQUIRED (Choose one: English 11 or AP English 11)
English 11 (offered to juniors only)                                                        
1 credit                                                
11

This year-long course focuses on a close study of American Literature: authors, historical and cultural influences, and the application of literary terms and elements. Students will read and analyze poetry, autobiographies, biographies, and novels (Of Mice and Men, The Scarlet Letter, and chapters of Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee). Development of grammar and writing skills will also be a focus. Students will write paragraphs, essays, and a research paper which uses MLA format.
 

AP English 11: English Language and Composition             
1 credit                                                
11

This Advanced Placement English course “engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of rhetorical contexts, and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes” (The College Board, AP English Course Description, p. 7). This course also focuses heavily on the use of non-fiction texts, ranging in length and complexity from short news articles to professionally-written essays, to full, book-length works, in order to teach the writing process. By the end of the year, students should adequately be able to incorporate outside information with their own ideas to create a unique argument on a given topic. Prerequisites:  1. A grade of B or better in previous English class 2. Completion of summer reading and writing assignment 3. Summer writing assignment must be evaluated and approved by English faculty.
 

REQUIRED (Choose one: English 12 or AP English 12)
English 12                                                                              
1 credit                       
12

This is a year-long literature and composition course which focuses on a chronological study of British literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present day.  Students will study the literary elements of short stories, poetry, nonfiction, drama, and novels.  Essays will stress critical analysis and research; thus, students will further develop their familiarity with the MLA (Modern Language Association) format for writing research papers.  In addition, students will strengthen their vocabulary, reading comprehension, and library research skills.  They will review grammar and mechanics rules, especially those that writers need to form effective sentences. Students will also be given opportunities to practice and develop their listening and speaking skills.
 

AP English 12: English Literature and Composition             
1 credit (SM)                          
12

This class is an introduction into the scholarly world of college-level English. It focuses on literature, meaning fiction of all types – novels, poems, short stories, plays – and from all eras – from the 14th Century to the 21st. The ultimate goal is for students to increase their critical reading and critical thinking skills; to be able to read any kind of written text, analyze it, and develop thoughtful and intelligent ideas about it which can then be transferred into an effective written response. Prerequisites: - 1. A grade of B or better in previous English class 2. Completion of summer reading and writing assignment 3. Summer writing assignment must be evaluated and approved by English faculty.