English

ENGLISH 1 • 9TH GRADE • 1 CREDIT
This course focuses on the fundamental language
skills needed by high school students. It emphasizes
the writing process, reading skills, and effective study
techniques. Literature study includes classic and
popular adolescent titles representing various genres:
drama, poetry, novel, short stories, and essays. In
addition, the course prepares students to understand
the powerful influence of mass media. Opportunities to
improve listening and speaking skills are provided daily.

ENGLISH 2 • 10TH GRADE • 1 CREDIT
This course integrates reading, composition, and oral
communication. It also includes a world literature
survey. Special units on mythology, folklore, and mass
media are featured. Teachers construct literature units
to reinforce reading skills and to expand vocabulary.
Research projects related to the literature provide
opportunities for students to combine reading, critical
thinking, writing, and speaking as they gather and
synthesize information, revise their written reports,
and organize class presentations. Journal writing
assignments encourage students to reflect upon their
growing mastery of English.

ENGLISH 3 • 11TH GRADE • 1 CREDIT
This course combines the study of American literature
with advanced composition and language analysis.
Students probe their complex heritage by reading works
that reflect the diverse experiences of the American
people. They learn to perceive literature as a bridge
that communicates universal human concerns across
cultural and ethnic barriers. They continue to refine
their composition skills by writing summaries, essays,
autobiographies, journals, and a short research paper.
They sharpen their critical thinking skills to detect
various propaganda techniques, the need for supporting
evidence, and the implications of dialect.

ENGLISH 4 • 12TH GRADE • 1 CREDIT
This course is a survey of British and world literature
that enables students to explore the works of writers
from the past as well as the voices of modern times. In
this course students discuss the conventions of specific
genres and interpret plays, novels, and poems in terms
of their structure and their universal themes. Students
continue to grow as critical readers and writers through
the preparation of a major research paper that brings
together all of the skills acquired in previous courses.

HONORS ENGLISH CLASSES • 10TH AND 11TH
GRADES • 1 CREDIT
Honors level courses are offered in English 2 and
English 3. These courses are taught at a faster pace
with extended assignments and requirements for those
students who wish to further challenge themselves.
Students interested in these courses must see the staff
in the roster office.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH • 1 CREDIT
Students enrolled in this literature-based program are
eligible and expected to take the “Advanced Placement
Examination” as published by the College Boards. Those
students who pass the exam may be awarded college
credit for completion of this course. Students interested
should see the Lead English teacher for details.

INTRODUCTION TO FILM MAKING • 1 CREDIT
Students will gain hands-on experience in every
aspect of film making: writing, acting, lighting, direction
and editing a series of short films. Projects run the
gamut from documentary to drama, from industrial to
improvisation. Student portfolios include monologues,
dialogues, documentary and interview projects as well
as a screenplay.