English

English I
Grade 9
2 Semesters

The purpose of this course is to assist students in developing good writing skills through the understanding of the function of the parts of speech in a sentence, the structure of sentences, and the use of different kinds of sentences and phrases.  This is a structured study program where the students will eventually have a basic understanding of how to write a five-paragraph essay.  There will also be an emphasis on public speaking and speech etiquette through oral presentations and structured vocabulary work.  The students will be responsible for reading three novels and a play in class and two novels independently.

English II
Grade 10
2 Semesters

This course includes: formal vocabulary study; grammar review with emphasis on proper usage; beginning of literary analysis of world literature through short stories; heavy emphasis on composition skills, especially the expository essay which will include writing a research paper; proper format for letter writing; and outside reading program of one book each semester; and continued practice in the formal oral presentation with at least one presentation per semester by each student, with evaluation.

English III
Grade 11
2 Semesters

This is a college preparatory course that emphasizes the understanding of both writing skills and social issues specifically related to American Literature and History.  Because of the great diversity in America of ethnicity and culture, there is an emphasis on literature from a culturally varied milieu of authors.  The course includes instruction in literary analysis, practice in both formal and creative writing, structured vocabulary study, listening and reading comprehension, and critical reading of four novels.  The completion of a formal research paper that synthesizes the information gathered by the student is the final requirement.

English IV
Grade 12
2 Semesters

This course encompasses a survey of World literature from the mid-twentieth century into contemporary world literature.  There will also be a focus on Shakespeare.  Emphasis is placed on increasing the students’ ability to analyze literary works on both an oral and written level.  The course will also stress the continued development of composition, language, and vocabulary skills.  A focus will also be placed on book and library research skills.  Assigned readings are from the book list; oral presentations are integrated into the literature curriculum, and grammar reviews accentuate the improvement of writing and proofreading skills.  A ten-page research paper is required to pass this course.

Journalism
Grade 10, 11, 12
2 Semesters

PREREQUISITE: Teacher Approval (limited to about 12 students)

This course is designed for students who have a serious interest in writing for the student newspaper and producing the school’s yearbook.  The basic principles of journalism are studied and the class investigates the process of running a student newspaper and publishing a yearbook.  Students will use time after school and some weekends in order to prepare the yearbook for production.

S.A.T. Preparation – Verbal
Grade 11
1 Semester

This course focuses on the verbal portion of the SAT  It is designed to help students improve their verbal scores on the SAT.

Reading I
Grade 9
2 Semesters

This course is designed to improve reading comprehension skills.  The course concentrates on vocabulary development and core readings.  Students read high quality literature, organized by genre: short stories, novels and poetry.

Reading II
Grade 10
1 Semester

(no course description)

Creative Writing
Grade 11 and 12
2 Semesters

This class focuses on highlighting the many forms self-expression may take.  Students are encouraged to develop curiosity and creativity in their writing.  Journaling, Poetry, Short Story, Songwriting, Playwriting and college essay writing are all taught and explored in this class. Students are graded on the various writing assignments and class participation.  

Speech/Drama
Grade 11 and 12
2 Semesters

The intention of this course is to introduce students to all forms of the performing arts.  The emphasis is on improvisation, theater and debate, both published and original works.  Each quarter will be devoted to a separate discipline and will end with a performance highlighting the discipline learned in that quarter.

Honors English 1
Grade 9
2 Semesters

This course covers an in-depth look at poetry, short story writing, the works of Shakespeare and SAT vocabulary.  Grammar review is light, as needed, with more intense study of clauses, verbal structures, and style.  Essays are graded more critically.  Emphasis is placed on abstract thinking and on the students’ ability to conceptualize.  Special authors and titles are required for both the outside reading and in-class literature study

Honors English II
Grade 10
2 Semesters

(Same description as Honors English I)

Honors English III
Grade 11
2 Semesters

This course follows the survey of American Literature from the late 19th century through the 20th century.  The course attempts to reconstruct the historical and cultural context in which these literary works were produced.  Additionally, the course will look at the politics of literary reputation and trace the trajectory of fame and literary repute for each writer.  This course is designed to make the student a better reader and writer with emphasis on critical thinking and writing.

Honors English IV
Grade 12
2 Semesters

(Same description as Honors English III)

2005-06 Academic Departments:

• Religious Studies
• English
• Science
• Mathematics
• Foreign Language
• Social Studies
• Computer / Business
• Fine Arts / Physical Education / Counseling
• Rites of Passage