Communications and Language Arts

130 - ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LANGUAGE

         AND COMPOSITION      (AP Comp)

1 Credit

Grades 11 - 12                                     

This rigorous writing-centered course for college-bound juniors and seniors provides intensive preparation in expository, descriptive, narrative, and persuasive writing techniques.  Peer feedback and critiquing is an integral part of the course.  The reading list focuses on non-fiction essays and texts, drawing most significantly from 20th century writers.  The Advanced Placement English Language and Composition Test is an additional opportunity offered in this course. 

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Language Arts 10 and approval of advanced placement course instructor/communications teacher.

144 - ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LITERATURE

           AND COMPOSITION      (AP Lit)

1 Credit

Grades 11 -12                             

AP English Literature and Composition will give students a learning experience equivalent to a typical undergrad introduction to literature class. Through close reading of literary texts, students will come to understand how writers use language to provide meaning and to answer the big questions in life. We will ask, "What is art?" and try to determine the qualities of great literature. Our literary analysis will look through the lenses of style and structure, literary theories, diction, figurative language, imagery, selection of detail, language and syntax. Students will also master literary terms. Writing well about literature is a key component of the class. The Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition Test is an additional opportunity offered in this course.

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Language Arts 10 and approval of advanced placement course instructor/communications teacher. 

85 - COMMUNICATIONS 9

1 Credit

Grade 9

The purpose of this class is for each student to become an accomplished writer and speaker.  Students will learn and practice with spelling, grammar, and stylistic skills while writing paragraph and multi-paragraph compositions.  The main model of writing will be the five-paragraph essay.   For public speaking, students will learn to speak extemporaneously from an outline.  Each student will learn to handle various public speaking situations and develop critical listening skills.  The course is designed so that writing and speaking are viewed as variations of a single communication method. 

92 – HONORS HUMANITIES:  CLASSICAL WORLD

1 Credit (1/2 Art and 1/2 Communications)

Grade 11-12        

Over the centuries the existence of humankind on this earth has been recorded in many ways.  Writing, art, music and architecture can give us special insights into how people lived and thought.  Through such records we can gain a special awareness of our ancestors, and ourselves.  This course will not be restricted to western thought, but will provide a multicultural approach to our foundations as a society.  With this in mind, Humanities is being offered as an advanced level course, presented by two instructors, and intended for college bound or above average students (same course as offered in the Art department course listings).

Humanities:  Modern World will be offered in 2012-13 school year.

69 - LANGUAGE ARTS 10

1 Credit

Grade 10                                                                            

In the Language Arts 10 course, students continue to develop their writing skills and become familiar with a variety of literary genres including: short stories, novels and dramas selected from American authors.  Students refine research skills and complete a longer-length research paper.  Independent reading is a required part of the course.  Students may choose an alternative curriculum within the course to earn honors designation. 

 135 - CREATIVE COMPOSITION

1/2 Credit

Grades 11 - 12                                                               

Creative writing emphasizes the re-discovery of personal creativity and individual voice in a relaxed writing environment.  Students write and share their work in peer settings, learning how to discuss and critique their work and the work of peer writers.  The class reads numerous modern short fiction pieces, as well as a wide assortment of non-fiction and poetry, and also uses film and photography as a way to inspire writing.  Students will write a children’s book, short stories, and poetry.  Much of the success of the class rests on doing class writing exercises and projects, rather than quizzes and tests.  Daily effort and daily work will be stressed.

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Language Arts 10

154 - DRAMA: LITERATURE AND PRESENTATION

1/2 Credit

Grades 11 -12                                                              

Drama gives students the opportunity to learn hands on about all aspects of theater.  Students will study dramatic literature, the history of theater, fundamentals of play production, and dramatic performance.  No previous acting experience is required but acting is a requirement of the class.  This course will take students all the way from analysis of a script to its performance on the stage.

Prerequisite:    Successful completion of Language Arts 10

262 - MASS MEDIA 

1/2 Credit

Grades 11-12                                                                                       

This course meets the state requirement for media literacy. The course’s goal is to become critical consumers of the media.  Students will look at and analyze a range of media messages through written and oral assignments.  We look at how media works, the effects media has on individuals and society, the history of certain media, the business of media including advertising, and journalism.  We look at a wide variety of media including TV, radio, movies, books, and the internet. 

251 - READING WORKSHOP  

1/2 Credit

Grades 11 -12                                                 

The goal of this course is to improve students reading skill, comprehension, and vocabulary.  Students will learn and practice the skills needed to become better readers through a combination of individual and guided instruction.  Students will read a variety of fiction and non-fiction selections.  This course can be taken only once. 

Prerequisite:  Approval of course instructor and/or communications teacher.

260 - COLLEGE WRITING

1/2 Credit

Grades 11 - 12                                                

This course is a college preparatory class.  Students will write in all major genres—expository, persuasive, narrative, etc.  Grammar proficiency, practical writing and source crediting are also necessary parts of this class.  This class does not offer any opportunity for college credit.  

152 - NOVELS

1/2 Credit       

Grades 11 -12

A variety of novels will be the reading requirements for this course.  This will include the independent reading of novels, periodic quizzing or testing (objective and essay), discussion groups and related projects.  The class will encompass an in-depth look at several literary devices, including theme, characterization, conflict, plot, point of view, author's purpose and techniques, etc.  One track of the course - regular novels - will allow a student to read and complete basic course requirements.  An honors track with advanced novels will include novels from a college-bound reading list, allowing a student to choose a more difficult curriculum and receive honors credit for the course.  Honors credit will be indicated on the report card/transcript.                      

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Language Arts 10

140 - PRACTICAL ENGLISH

1/2 Credit

Grades 11 - 12                                                                   

This class is designed for the student who plans to enter the working world immediately after graduation from high school.  In this class there will be a review of basic English grammar and usage, punctuation, clear sentence and paragraph construction.  In addition, this class will deal with aspects of technical writing, as well as writing in everyday situations.                             

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Language Arts 10