(1 CREDIT) REGENTS

This course is a study of how the American experience is reflected in American literature. Students will continue to hone their writing and critical thinking skills through literary and non-fiction texts. Argumentative writing is emphasized. A significant amount of time will be spent preparing for the ELA exam given in June. In preparation for higher-level reading, students will learn reading strategies for complex texts.

(1 CREDIT) HONORS REGENTS

This advanced course is a study of how the American experience, both past and present, are reflected in American literature. Students will participate in a variety of reading activities to develop their critical thinking and writing skills. Argumentative writing is emphasized. Students will prepare for the ELA exam given in June. This course is for students preparing for UHS classes and college-level work, and students should show a high level of independence and motivation in this class.

(1 CREDIT) HONORS REGENTS

Prerequisites: Average of an 85 or better in the first three quarters of Pre-IB English 10, must fit the IB Learner Profile showing interest in literature, motivation, and a desire to learn, and must complete the IB Summer Reading Assignment

This rigorous and challenging course is the first half of the two-year IB course—English A: Literature. This course promotes an appreciation of literature and knowledge of other cultures and societies. Students will complete a major literary analysis as well as several oral presentations. Students will develop their critical reading skills and increase their expertise in literary analysis. Students taking this course should be self-motivated and have a strong interest in literature.

(1 CREDIT)

This course connects the traditional ELA content and skills to real world contexts. Students will create projects that reflect the connection between individuals and their communities. The emphasis is guiding students to make meaningful connections between texts and the world around us. Students will strengthen their writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills in preparation for their post-secondary experience.

(1 CREDIT) (6 CHS CREDITS, SCCC, ENG 123 & 124)

Prerequisites: 80 or higher on ELA Exam & English 11

This challenging, College-in the-High-School course is for students who want a rigorous course with an opportunity to earn 6 college credits. In the first semester, students will participate in an intensive writing course and will demonstrate mastery in utilizing the writing process and producing cohesive and effective essays. During the second semester, students critically analyze literature, exploring such issues as how literature reflects the human experience and writer’s craft. Students will participate in a variety of classroom activities to develop their understanding of literary analysis and foster their communication skills.

(1 CREDIT) HONORS

Prerequisites: Successful completion of English A1: Literature HL YR 1

This second year of the IB course continues to promote an appreciation of literature and knowledge of other cultures and societies. Students will read a variety of styles and literary genres including: short story and the novel, poetry, memoir and drama. Oral and written examinations are used to assess students’ individual language skills, their ability to critically analyze and comment upon familiar and unfamiliar texts, and their ability to express a personal and independent response to literature. This course prepares students for the IB English exam administered in May and fulfills the Group 1 Language requirement for the IB Diploma or Certificate.

(1/2 CREDIT)

Are you interested in learning about African American writers that have transformed the literary canon? This course explores the works of African American writers from slavery through the Harlem Renaissance to present day. Through close reading of and writing about selected literary works, students will continue to develop their analytical skills in literary critique. Writing tasks will expose students to exposition, literary analysis, narrative, and description.

(1/2 CREDIT) Elective

This course surveys various heroes and legends of literature. Students will analyze different adaptations of the hero story throughout history by studying heroes and legends such as Beowulf, Greek mythology, Thor, Joan of Arc, Davy Crocket, Mulan, Arthurian legends, Mansa Musa, and Japanese Samurai warriors. The study may also include contemporary works such as The Watchmen and Iron Man. Students will analyze and critique how these characters are developed through different forms such as text, film, music, and art.

(1 CREDIT) 3CHS SIENA CREDIT AND CREDIT FOR OBSERVATION HOURS

ENGLISH 12 CREDIT

This course introduces students to the professional field of education and explores the complex challenges in education today. Issues may include history and philosophy of education; purpose and role of public education; rights and responsibilities of all educational stakeholders; and interactions among the school, home, and community that support and enhance student learning. In particular, this course will explore the issue of educational access, emphasizing student diversity. A field experience is required.

(1 CREDIT) ENGLISH 12 CREDIT

This course is a survey of journalism and will include a historical perspective of news as well as contemporary issues in journalism. Students will focus on various aspects of newspaper production, including copy writing, advertising, layout design, ethics, and feature writing. Students will be responsible for the production of the school’s newspaper, The Patriot, and may be expected to make an after-school commitment.

(1 CREDIT)

What is your voice? Do you want to be heard? How can we make your voice stronger? This course will empower students to operate a relevant, live-wire online presence of all of the VOICES in Schenectady High School. The site will include editorial, creative writing, original songs, podcasts, short films, artwork, and much more! Students in this class will be able to choose between a variety of roles: writer, interviewer, recruiter, actor, artist, vlogger, etc. The goal of this course would be to unite the school community on a common platform for sharing and creating.

(.5 CREDIT)
Prerequisites: 10th Grade

This spring-semester course is for sophomores who are beginning to consider post-high school options. Various paths will be explored including technical schools, military, trade programs and apprenticeships, Americorps and Peacecorps, employment, certificate programs, and college. Guest speakers will be frequent and plentiful, allowing students to meet professionals from various fields and representatives from educational programs. Additionally, students will assess their interests and skills to identify which careers would best match their interests. Finally, students will be exposed to professional fields that are growing and in high demand and how the professional market continues to evolve.

(.5 CREDIT)
Prerequisites: 11th Grade

This fall-semester course is for juniors and is an extensive and personalized post-high school exploration: this will include trade apprenticeship opportunities, Americorp, college, certificate programs, and the military, among others. There will be a heavy emphasis on self-reflection for students to explore the best fit for them. Guest speakers will be frequent and plentiful, allowing students to meet professionals from various fields and representatives from educational programs. Students will consider financing education and the impact of loans. By the end of the course, students will create and present their Road Map project, highlighting multiple paths of interest and opportunity.

(.5 CREDIT)
Prerequisites: 10-12

This English course equips students with the skills to read films as creative texts. We will examine the narrative and cinematic techniques that make up the “language” of film (i.e. narrative, cinematography, mise-en-scene, editing, sound, etc.) and analyze how filmmakers intentionally use those techniques to communicate themes, ideas, and feelings. Further, we will learn how to apply our understanding of film to write like film critics.

(.5 CREDIT)
Prerequisites: 10-12

This course will touch on a number of points in film history and film studies by looking at films by and about black people in the US. In the course the focus will be placed on black filmmakers, film genres, and black performers. We will use these people and their contributions to survey basic topics in film studies. We will use films from the early days of the invention of film, all the way up to films produced and released today; we will explore how representation and the portrayal of black people have changed in films and to highlight the pioneers of black film representation. In addition to studying the history of representation in film and the film industry, students will analyze and identify the barriers that existed throughout the history of the film industry among black directors and performers that broke those barriers down. Students will participate in film viewing, critical analysis, discussion, debate, and critical essay writing about film, film theory, black representation in film, and black culture.