ENGLISH

ENGLISH  9 Honors  011     

1 credit

This course emphasizes reading comprehension, literary and informational text analysis, argument writing, narrative writing, group participation, and oral presentation.  An advanced pace is maintained.  Word study is an integral part of the class. 

ENGLISH  9   CP   012     

1 credit

This course emphasizes reading comprehension, literary analysis, argument writing, narrative writing, group participation, and oral presentation. Word study is an integral part of the class. 

ENGLISH  10   Honors   021     

1 credit 

In this course, students will develop their proficiency in the areas of critical reading and writing skills, while continuing to practice public speaking, active listening, and critical thinking.  An advanced pace is maintained.  

ENGLISH  10   CP   022     

1 credit

In this course, students will develop critical reading and writing skills, while continuing to practice public speaking and, active listening  Word study is an integral part of the class.  

ENGLISH 11   Honors   031     

1 credit 

In this course, students continue to develop their ability to analyze literary and nonfiction texts. Word study is an integral part of the class. Students are required to complete a research project. An advanced pace is maintained. 

ENGLISH 11   CP   032     

1 credit

In this course, students will continue to develop their ability to recognize, and analyze literary and nonfiction texts and criticize literature. Word study is an integral part of the class. Students are required to complete a research project.

ENGLISH 12  Honors   041     

1 credit 

In this course, students continue to develop their critical reading and writing skills. Students will complete a research project. An advanced pace. In this course, students will have opportunities to produce work that may meet the requirements for Expectations 1, 2, 3, and 7 of the Graduation  Portfolio. 

ENGLISH 12   CP   042     

1 credit

In this course, students will continue to develop their critical reading and writing skills. Students will complete a research project. Students will have opportunities to produce work that may meet the requirements for Expectations 1, 2, 3, and 7 of the Graduation Portfolio. 

AP ENGLISH Language & Composition    050

1 credit 

In this course, students will study a combination of nonfiction and fiction. This course will emphasize analytical and argumentative writing, as well as a college essay. Students will produce a The research paper. Successful completion of this course will be considered as a  substitute for English 11.

AP ENGLISH Literature & Composition   040

1 credit

The AP English Literature course will focus on in-depth critical analysis of major works of fiction, drama and poetry as they address significant issues and problems of human existence.  To demonstrate insight into each work studied, students will write weekly critical papers, participate in weekly/bi-weekly group seminar presentations, and be active daily participants in all class discussions. In addition to the development of critical and analytical reading and writing skills, students will learn testing strategies.  Successful completion of this course will be considered as a substitute for English 12. Students will produce work that may fulfill the requirements for Expectations 1, 2, 3, and 8 of the Graduation Portfolio.

CREATIVE WRITING I   CP      037

.5 credit

This course is a study of the art and science of creative writing.  It will include a careful examination of the various forms of literature, poetry, and prose. Students will write original short stories, narratives, and poetry.  Participation in various writing contests is encouraged.  Students will have opportunities to produce work that may meet the requirements for Expectations 2 and 4 of the Graduation Portfolio

CREATIVE WRITING II   CP  047

.5 credit

Creative Writing II is a continuation and refinement of the skills learned in Creative Writing I.  Portfolios will follow students from Creative Writing I, and students will have the opportunity to revise their work.  In addition to reinforcing the skills taught in Creative Writing I, students will also study playwriting and screenwriting.  Students will have opportunities to produce work that may meet the requirements for Expectations 2 and 4 of the Graduation Portfolio. 

SPEECH   CP   038

 .5 credit

This course is a workshop in oral communication, emphasizing the development of effective speaking and listening skills.  Considerable attention is given to the development of good public speaking habits.  Students will produce and analyze video and audio recordings. Class members are encouraged to enter public speaking contests.  Students will have opportunities to produce work that may meet the requirements for Expectation 2 of the Graduation Portfolio.

JOURNALISM   CP   039

 .5 credit

In this course, students will analyze the importance of the media in maintaining a democratic society, the media’s role in informing the public on important matters, the government’s role in regulating the media, and the individual’s role in using the media to stay informed.  Students will produce articles and features that would typically appear in a newspaper, magazine, or online source, and broadcast journalism will also be discussed.  Students will submit their work for publication. Students will have opportunities to produce work that may meet the requirements for Expectations 2, 5 and 7 of the Graduation Portfolio.

RHODE ISLAND MYTH, LEGEND, & FOLKLORE Honors    046

 .5 credit

The focus of this class is to introduce students to Rhode Island’s rich mythic and folkloric history. Students will explore local and regional oral tradition and will also explore poems, stories, and novels that were inspired by this rich history.   Students will personally explore and present their own oral traditions and will engage in rigorous reading, writing, and speaking activities inside and outside the classroom. This course is offered to all students in Grades 11 and 12.  Students will have opportunities to produce work that may meet the requirements for Expectation 2 of the Graduation Portfolio.  

SAT REVIEW-CRITICAL READING AND WRITING   (NR)  045 

.5 credit

This course is designed for students who want to review the critical reading and writing skills necessary for success on the PSAT and SAT. It focuses on test-taking strategies as well as a comprehensive review of reading comprehension, grammatical, and writing skills assessed on the exam. Students will produce work that fulfills the requirements for Expectation 2 of the Graduation Portfolio.  

SPORTS LITERATURE   CP   055

.5 credit

This course is an opportunity for students to explore themes that exist in literature about sports.  Students will read various pieces of literary and informational texts.  Students will have multiple opportunities to engage in research and self-directed learning projects based on their interest in a particular sport.  Students will have opportunities to produce work that may meet the requirements for Expectations 2 of the Graduation Portfolio.

FILM STUDIES   (NR)   053

.5 credit

This course will develop critical thinking skills through analysis of films.  Students will investigate how and what ideas, values, and concepts are connected through film.  In analyzing film, students will examine elements of plot, setting, style, and point of view.  Film will be used as a means to enhance literacy with activities that include viewing, listening, speaking, analyzing, and writing.  Students will have opportunities to produce work that may meet the requirements for Expectation 5 of the Graduation Portfolio.

MYSTERIES & THRILLERS (NR)      054 

.5 credit

In this class, students will develop critical thinking skills by analyzing fiction, nonfiction, and film related to the genres of mystery and horror.   This project-based learning will engage students in various writing exercises and allow them to experience what goes into the creation of setting, characters, action, dialogue, etc., which specifically impacts mystery and horror writing.  Students will also develop a creative understanding of each genre by staging crime scenes, scenarios and developing character profiles.  Students will have opportunities to produce work that may meet the requirements for Expectation 2 of the Graduation Portfolio.

SCIENCE FICTION   (NR)   016

.5 credit

This semester course examines universal themes accessible through the science fiction genre. Readings will include various short stories and the novel I, Robot by Isaac Asimov.  Students will watch science fiction films and write a literary analysis.  In addition, each student will write an original science fiction story.  Students will have opportunities to produce work that may meet the requirements for Expectation 2 of the Graduation Portfolio.

FOCUS ON THE PLAY   Honors   048

.5 credit

This course examines theatre as an enduring art form and explores its role in culture and society. Students develop a deep understanding of the value of theatre through their study of influential plays. In addition to reading plays, students will view stage performances and examine related historical and literary criticism. Students will understand theatrical concepts and terminology and learn specialized methods of script analysis as they assume the roles of director, actor, and critic. They will have opportunities to work both individually and collaboratively to construct scenes and skits that illustrate various functions of theatre and critique the work of their peers. Students will have opportunities to produce work that may meet the requirements for Expectations 4 and 8 of the Graduation Portfolio.

STAGECRAFT Honors  036A

.5 credit 

This course introduces students to stagecraft as an industry career and explores technical aspects of both theatre and film. Through project-based learning and “micro” productions, students fully engage  in the process of stage production. They will have opportunities to work both individually and collaboratively by assuming various roles of theatre professionals who work both on and off stage.  In addition to performing, students will engage in guided research and craft costumes, properties, or scenery. They will learn to plan and execute lighting and sound for dramatic performances. The course concludes with a showcase for an invited audience.  Students will have opportunities to extend their learning by becoming a member of The Theatre Company’s tech and stage crew.  Focus on the Play is recommended, but not required. Students will have opportunities to produce work that may meet the requirements for Expectations 2 and 4 of the Graduation Portfolio.

CREATIVE DRAMA I Honors 018A

.5 credit                                                     

This course engages students in basic methods of acting to develop a students’ ability to play, imagine, and interact on with an audience.  Students participate in a variety of exercises to gain an understanding the role of voice and movement in acting.  Students learn how to stand, move, and speak effectively. Teamwork, self-discipline, and personal responsibility are heavily emphasized. Students will be required to reflect on their understanding and application of course content and participate in a in-school performance showcase.  Students will have opportunities to extend their learning by participating in school-sponsored competitions such as Poetry Out Loud, Shakespeare Recitation, or The Chariho Film Festival. Students will have opportunities to produce work that may meet the requirements for Expectations 4 and 8 of the Graduation Portfolio.

CREATIVE DRAMA II  Honors  019

.5 credit

This course engages students in methods of acting and character study to further develop a students’ ability to play, imagine, and interact with an audience.  Building on skills, concepts, and techniques learned in Creative Drama I, students participate in a variety of exercises to gain an increased understanding of character acting.  Students learn how to stand, move, and speak effectively. Teamwork, self-discipline, and personal responsibility are heavily emphasized.   Students will be required to reflect on their understanding and application of course content and participate in an in-school performance showcase.  Students will have opportunities to extend their learning by participating school-sponsored competition such as Poetry Out Loud, Shakespeare Recitation, or The Chariho Film Festival. Students will have opportunities to produce work that may meet the requirements for Expectations 4 and 8 of the Graduation Portfolio.  

CHILDREN’S THEATRE  Honors 1020

.5 credit

Children’s Theatre is a semester course designed for juniors and seniors in the Performing Arts Pathway.   Students will explore the role and development of children’s theatre.   Students will explore specialized tools and techniques of play production intended to teach and inspire the imaginations of young audiences.  In addition to reading, writing, and adapting children’s plays for stage, students will learn efficient modes of children’s theatre production.   They will utilize mobile stages and technology kits, modeling after local traveling theatre troupes. Students will have opportunities to utilize technology and work collaboratively with their peers.  At the conclusion of the course, students will put concepts they have learned throughout the semester into practice by performing an original script for students in our on-site preschool. Students will have opportunities to produce work that may meet the requirements for Expectations 4 and 8 of the Graduation Portfolio.

APPROACHES TO DRAMA: PAGE TO STAGE  Honors 1010

.5 credit

This course is designed to broaden students’ knowledge of the dramatic repertoire from the ancient Greek theatre through to contemporary authors.  They will explore the transformation from text to production, including the ever-evolving styles of theater, performance, and production values. This course integrates script analysis with the experience of attending plays in performance. The content of the course will be partially driven by local productions and students will have opportunities to attend at a minimum, one professional production, at one of our partner theatre houses. Students will have opportunities to produce work that may meet the requirements for Expectations 4 and 8 of the Graduation Portfolio.

PERFORMING ARTS CAPSTONE  (NR)    1628

.5 credit

During the fall or spring semester of the senior year, students in the CHARIHOtech Performing Arts program will enroll in the Performing Arts Capstone course.  The course will follow an inclusive, community theatre model where students will engage in leadership training, opportunities for personal growth, and work-based experiences. This three-pronged task combines prior knowledge, new knowledge and skills, and application of these skills.   In addition to skills previously learned in performing arts courses, students will engage in an online Unified Theatre training program to further their understanding of working with diverse populations, especially those with special needs.   During this semester, students will alternatively meet with the instructor and go out on their internship to complete 60 hours of internship.  Regular internship documentation will be required.  Students will spearhead an inclusive and collaborative performing arts project that will serve to benefit the community and utilize established partnerships with local theaters and performance groups.  Students will have opportunities to produce work that may meet the requirements for Expectations 5 and 7 of the Graduation Portfolio.