Welcome to Mr. Williamson's English  Webpage!

Overview of English IV, English III, and Laney High School

Note to Students, Parents, and Guardians:

My teacher website provides an overview of the classes that I teach, as well as Laney High School. For more specific details about assignments and due dates, students need to go to Canvas. I will update Canvas weekly. The virtual classroom below has useful links, so take a few minutes and explore what my classes and Laney High are all about. 

-- James Dale Williamson

In  English IV, students explore British literature more widely and deeply using more challenging and/or complete print and non-print texts. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how European history impacted European literature and how European literature continues to impact cultures throughout the world.

In addition to reading, discussing, and analyzing European literature, Honors English IV students will compose, edit, and revise at least one college essay that will be based on one of the essay topics found at COMMONAPP.ORG.

English IV requires students to work as self-directive and reflective learners, both independently and in groups as leaders and collaborators. Higher-level thinking skills are emphasized through interdisciplinary and critical perspectives as reflected in the quality of student performance in oral language, written language, and other media/technology. 

The emphasis is on argumentation by developing a position of advocacy through reading, writing, speaking, listening, and using media and technology.

To view details about the instructional goals, themes, and pacing for our English IV course, click HERE. 

In English III, students explore American literature to broaden the ways in which they approach and use text to gain a deeper understanding of the American experience in particular and literary modes in general. 

Students will gain a deeper understanding of how American history impacts American literature and how American literature impacts American culture as a whole.

English III requires students to work as self-directive and reflective learners, both independently and in groups as leaders and collaborators. 

Throughout the course, students will also prepare for the ACT exam by enriching their vocabulary and utilizing online learning platforms. 

Mostly, I hope to instill in students an appreciation for American literature in ways that empower them to partake in and contribute to the diverse conversations, discourses, and beauty that literature and writing introduce to us all.

To view details about the instructional goals, themes, and pacing for our English III course, click HERE. 

Dear Parent/Guardian:

This year in my English classes, your student will be reading literature, both fiction and non-fiction, to meet the key requirements of the Common Core State Standards for college and career readiness. A central goal of the English Department at Laney High School is to establish a reading habit and enjoyment of reading in the busy, hyper-connected lives of teenagers. We also aim to teach our students how to critically analyze literature and its place in the world. 

Great works of literature not only entertain us but also challenge our beliefs, allow us to experience the lives of others, and make us feel validated in an often isolating world. Books are a safe place to experience tragedy, loss, fears, and life-changing experiences without actually affecting our lives.It may even help the reader make better choices in life.

Reading has tremendous benefits: mental stimulation - reading keeps the mind active & strengthens analytical thinking; stress reduction – reading can be a form of escape and senior year is very stressful; knowledge – something that can never be taken away from you; vocabulary – exposure to new words which end up in your everyday vocabulary; improves focus, concentration, writing skills, and stamina (essential for college); entertainment – free, portable, shareable entertainment that stimulates the mind! 

Please know that anything we read for either English 1 or Creative Writing is age appropriate and has been pre-approved by our county. 

I respect your role as parents and the traditions and beliefs you hold sacred. If you would like to discuss anything we read in class, please reach out to me and we can set up a time to have a dialogue about it. 

Thank you for being involved in your child’s education.

Sincerely, 

James Dale Williamson

English 1 & Creative Writing Teacher

james.williamson@nhcs.net

(910) 350-2089, ext. 73517