ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

English 9 CP (2 semesters) 

Prerequisite: Adequate scores on placement test, writing sample, and student achievement in 7th and 8th grade English.

All aspects of language arts are studied. Students will attain primary skills in reading and interpreting poetry and prose contained in the five literary types: the short story, the poetic form, the drama, nonfiction, and the novel. Included in the course is a study of structural grammar, spelling and vocabulary. Writing skills are established and reinforced with emphasis on development of the critical essay.  The students will learn the MLA format and research skills that will culminate in a research paper. 

English 9 Honors (2 semesters)

Prerequisite: Qualified scored on freshman placement test, writing sample, and student achievement in 7th and 8th grade English.  

The course involves the study and analysis of literature for greater understanding of the following genres:  The short story, poetry, drama, nonfiction and the novel.  This course will cultivate and develop progress with grammar and syntax.  The writing program will introduce the development of the critical essay as well as increasing the students’ abilities for college-level written analysis.  The students will be introduced to the MLA format and process for research that will culminate in a research paper.  Critical thinking and reading are essential and students are required to read several novels and texts in addition to grammar and vocabulary course work.    

English 10 CP (2 semesters)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 9 CP.

This course involves the study and analysis of literature for greater understanding of the following genres: the short story, poetry, drama, nonfiction and the novel.  This course continues the study of structural grammar and vocabulary from English 9. Writing skills are further developed to include analytical skills such as tone, diction and point of view. The students will continue to learn the MLA format and process for research that will culminate in a research paper.

English 10 Honors (2 semesters)

Prerequisite:  Completion of English 9 Honors with a B or higher with the recommendation of English 9 Honors teacher; Completion of English 9 CP with a B+ (88%) or higher with the recommendation of English CP teacher and passing score on the Honors placement test; approval of the Placement Committee.

This course involves the study and analysis of literature for greater understanding of the following genres: the short story, poetry, drama, nonfiction and the novel.  This course will also continue with the development and mastery of grammar and syntax.  The writing program will reinforce the development of the critical essay as well as reinforcing the students' abilities for college-level written analysis. The students will continue to learn the MLA format and process for research that will culminate in a research paper. Critical thinking and reading are essential and students are required to read several novels and texts in addition to grammar and vocabulary course work.

English 11 CP - American Literature (2 semesters)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 10.

This course is a chronological study of American literature with an emphasis on critical reading through a historical lens.  Writing instruction focuses on grammar, rhetoric, correct usage, organization, and voice. In addition to literary analysis essays, students will complete a research paper in MLA format.  There is also an SAT preparation component.

English 11 Advanced Placement English Language and Composition

(2 semesters)

Prerequisite: Completion of English 10 Honors with a B or higher with the recommendation of English 10 Honors teacher; Completion of English 10 CP with a B+ (88%) or higher with the recommendation of English CP teacher and passing score on the Honors placement test; approval of the Placement Committee.  Includes an AP Exam fee.

Students read and study a variety of literary works with an eye to critical thinking and analysis. Students will study all grammatical constructions for precise speaking and writing.  Emphasis is placed on the development of unity and coherence in writing and the ability to develop viable arguments about literature through essays, Socratic seminar, and online discussion. Students will demonstrate effective rhetoric and literary analysis in the national College Board Advanced Placement Language and Composition Exam in May.

English 12 CP - British Literature (2 semesters)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 11.

This course focuses on a chronological survey of British literature and critical writing. Analysis of literature in the various genres is a main component in the course. The writing skills of the previous three years of English are reinforced and mastered through thematic essays which focus on synthesis and evaluation. The research skills of English 11 CP will be reinforced as well as introducing students to research skills needed for the first year of college English. Students will have a research project in the second semester.  Along with writing assignments, students will be required to give oral presentations utilizing current computer technology.

English 12 Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition (2 semesters)

Prerequisite: Completion of English 11 AP with a B or higher with the recommendation of English 11 AP teacher; Completion of English 11 CP with a B+ (88%) or higher with the recommendation of English CP teacher and passing score on the Honors placement test; approval of the Placement Committee.  Includes an AP Exam fee.

This course primarily focuses on British and American literature, but also includes a number of literary works in translation. It also focuses on critical and analytical writing at the college level.  English 12 AP is given as a first-year college level course as well as preparing the students to take the national College Board Advanced Placement English Literature/Composition test in May (see information on AP classes). The class continues the work of English 11 AP with emphasis on analytical and evaluative writing. The research skills of English 11 AP will be reinforced. Research assignments are utilized throughout the course. Along with writing assignments, oral presentations and the use current computer technology to present work are also required.

Mythology (1 semester) Grades 10, 11, and 12

This course is a survey of world mythology, legends, and folklore with an emphasis on Greek and Nordic myths that also includes world myths from African, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, and Native American cultures. Students will study myths for their historical value to develop a broad understanding of world cultures, as well as analyzing how mythology has affected modern society and popular media. Students will learn to identify how myths have created archetypes throughout modern literature and movies that follow the narrative template of the “Heroes Journey.” This course fulfills the UC/CSU G requirements.

Creative Writing (1 semester) Grades 10, 11, and 12

Creative writing is a one-semester course. Course is designed to introduce students to three areas of creating writing: fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Students will be read and analyze pieces from each genre which will provide guidelines and techniques for writing short stories, memoirs, free form and rhyme scheme poetry. The course will encourage students to improve writing skills as well as develop creative potential. This course fulfills the UC/CSU G requirements.

Speech (1 semester) Grades 10, 11, and 12

During this course, students will build confidence and skill in public speaking, learn effective delivery methods for informative, persuasive, and special occasion speeches, and write speeches using different structural methods to achieve specific goals. Students will analyze how historical and iconic speeches use fallacious reasoning and rhetoric to persuade their audiences. Students will be assigned small groups and learn the formal process for argumentation and debate and will practice these skills against their peers debating current controversial topics important to society.  This knowledge will be applied to prepare students for the real world in studying and practicing for job interviews.  This course fulfills the UC/CSU G requirements.