English I Honors

English I Honors classes further develop students' higher order thinking skills. The rigor of assignments and/or texts may be more challenging and require more time. This class is thematically structured similarly to English I.

Prerequisite: 8th Grade Language Arts & Selective Enrollment/Placement Testing

English I Honors Alpha

The Alpha program is an Honors track that provides students to explore STEM related topics while learning the skills that that non-Alpha students gain. The curriculum includes short stories, mythology, poetry, Shakespeare, non-fiction, drama, and grammar. Special attention is paid to developing students' writing skills in a variety of forms, primarily in the area of research writing, but also including persuasive, narrative, expository, and descriptive essays. Alpha classes work in tandem with students' Alpha Biology and Math classes.

Prerequisite: Application into the Alpha Program

English I Honors OMEGA

This class provides students with an intensive survey of literature and writing. The curriculum includes short stories, mythology, poetry, Shakespeare, non-fiction, drama, and grammar. Special attention is paid to developing students' writing skills in a variety of forms, including persuasive, narrative, expository, and descriptive essays. Honors classes further develop students' higher order thinking skills. The humanities-focused Omega program emphasizes cross-curricular connections, especially between history and English.

Prerequisite: Application

English II Honors

An expansion of the skills taught in English I, English II pushes young writers to polish their writing skills and examine texts more throughly. Students in this course also work toward enhancing skills that are commonly assessed on the PSAT and SAT exams.

English II Honors classes further develop students' higher order thinking skills. The rigor of assignments and/or texts may be more challenging and require more time. This class is thematically structured similarly to English II.

Prerequisite: An A in English I or an A or B in Honors English I for both semesters; Academic Center students take this class during their 9th grade year.

English II Honors Alpha

An expansion of the skills taught in English I, Alpha English II pushes young writers to polish their writing skills and examine texts more throughly. Students in this course also work toward enhancing skills that are commonly assessed on the PSAT and SAT exams.

Alpha English II works toward participation in the school science fair with research writing that complements students' original projects. Alpha English II classes work in tandem with students' Alpha Chemistry and Alpha Math classes.

Prerequisite: Students must have maintained an A or B in Alpha English I, Alpha Math, and Alpha Biology I.

English II Honors Omega

An expansion of the skills taught in English I, Omega English II pushes young writers to polish their writing skills and examine texts more throughly. Students in this course also work toward enhancing skills that are commonly assessed on the PSAT and SAT exams.

English II Honors classes further develop students' higher order thinking skills. The rigor of assignments and/or texts may be more challenging and require more time. The humanities-focused Omega program emphasizes cross-curricular connections, especially between history and English.

Prerequisite: Students must have maintained an A or B in Omega English I and Omega History.

English III Honors

An expansion of the skills taught in English I, English II pushes young writers to polish their writing skills and examine texts more throughly. Students also prepare a research paper and several literary essays. In addition, students in this course also work toward enhancing skills that are commonly assessed on the PSAT and SAT exams.

Prerequisite: An A in English II or an A or B in Honors English II

AP English Language and Composition

This course focuses on rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts and the development and revision of well-reasoned, evidence-centered analytic, and argumentative writing. Students choosing AP English Language and Composition should be interested in studying and writing various kinds of analytic and persuasive essays. Students will have the opportunity to engage in a typical introductory-level college English curriculum and earn college credit based on their score on the AP Exam. AP teachers' course syllabi are approved by the College Board through the Course Audit process. This class can be taken in place of English III.

Prerequisite: None; students considering this course should remember that the reading and writing of this curriculum is college-level.

English IV Honors

Honors English IV students will focus on developing their writing and analytical skills in preparation for the rigors of an advanced college curriculum. Senior students focus on three crucial types of writing: literary/rhetorical analysis, narrative writing, and synthesis. Through the study of a diverse body of literary works from around the world (including drama, poetry, novels, essays, speeches, and short stories, etc.) students will closely examine the rhetorical and literary strategies of various authors and work to apply their understandings to their own writing. This all culminates with the Senior Research Paper, a graduation requirement at all levels of senior English, which serves as a rite of passage in moving on to post-secondary education. Honors classes may proceed at a faster pace and cover more material than regular classes. Students can expect to independently further their depth of analysis as well as their critical thinking skills.

Prerequisite: An A in English III or an A or B in Honors English III or AP Language & Composition for both semesters

AP English Literature and Composition

This course focuses on reading, analyzing, and writing about imaginative literature (fiction, poetry, drama) from various periods. Students choosing AP English Literature and Composition should be interested in studying literature of various periods and genres and using this wide reading knowledge in discussions of literary topics. Students will have the opportunity to engage in a typical introductory-level college English curriculum and earn college credit based on their score on the AP Exam. AP teachers' course syllabi are approved by the College Board through the Course Audit process. This class can be taken in place of English III.

Prerequisite: None; students considering this course should remember that the reading and writing of this curriculum is college-level.

Dual Credit - AP Literature Course

Senior year, students may choose to enroll in a dual enrollment AP Literature course that allows students to obtain credit from Loyola University. Please see our flier for more details.

Honors Argument and Debate I

In this class, students will receive explicit instruction in the theoretical and philosophical aspects of debate and its relationship to rhetoric, writing, and reading, including direct instruction on the current national debate topic in preparation for both local and national tournaments. This class emphasizes the fundamentals of debate including debate round mechanics, basic affirmative and negative argument options, use of evidence, flowing, refutation and clash, speaker duties, file organization and maintenance, and speaking skills.

Prerequisite: Current freshmen may apply. Must attend two summer debate camps, weekly after school practices, and attend seven weekend debate tournaments throughout the season as part of the Lane Tech Debate team.

Honors Argument and Debate II

n this class, students will complete independent and group-oriented research and practice debating in the theoretical and philosophical aspects of debate and its relationship to rhetoric, writing, and reading on the current national topic in preparation for both local and national tournaments. This class emphasizes advanced affirmative and negative strategies, counter-plans, and critiques, advanced refutation skills, argument inter-relationships and clash, advanced flowing, introduction to debate research, advanced use of evidence, key themes, and advanced speaking skills.

Prerequisite: Honors Argument and Debate I. Must attend two summer debate camps, weekly after school practices, and 8-16 weekend debate tournaments throughout the season as part of the Lane Tech Debate Team.

Honors Argument and Debate iii

In this class, students will construct independent and group-oriented research and practice debating in the theoretical and philosophical aspects of debate and its relationship to rhetoric, writing, and reading on the current national topic in preparation for both local and national tournaments. This class emphasizes advanced debate theory, advanced affirmative and negative case research and construction, advanced deploying of generics, advanced topicality debating, advanced text analysis, advanced cross-examination skills, and advanced storytelling.

Prerequisite: Honors Argument and Debate I & Honors Argument and Debate II. Must attend two summer debate camps, weekly after school practices, and 8-20 weekend debate tournaments throughout the season as part of the Lane Tech Debate Team.

Honors Latin American Literature

Latin American Literature is the hopes and dreams, the struggles and pain, the love and passion, the history and tradition of people who are different in their countries of origin and customs, but similar in their stories; it is the literature of descendants of indigenous, African, and European blood. We will read writing that represents Latinos throughout the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean. To enhance our understanding of the literature, this class creates learning experiences from field trips through traditionally Latino communities; we experience various cultures through fiestas, songs, and dance; and we create photographs, masks, and sculptures in imitation of the artwork we observe. By analyzing and discussing issues important to Latinos throughout Latin America and the United States, we will compare and contrast our own experiences to those of the people of whom we read; we will also determine where Latino literature fits in the American canon, and where Latino aspirations fit in the "American dream."

Prerequisite: None

Honors Black Revolutionary Literature, Culture, and Art

Black Revolutionary Literature, Culture, and Art highlights the Black American experience from the Middle Passage (Equiano/the slave narrative) to contemporary America (Tupac/rap lyrics). The novels, song lyrics, poems, plays, films, and short stories covered in this class reflect the courageous spirit of the many Black revolutionaries who attempted to change the world through their art. During the school year, students will examine, critique and analyze these revolutionary artists and their works, paying close attention to those pieces that emphasized historical trials and triumphs. In addition, we celebrate modern dance by taking a field trip each spring to the Auditorium Theatre to see the world renowned Alvin Ailey Dance Group. This course provides students with an opportunity to study the beautiful, soulful, sometimes downtrodden, but always triumphant, great works of Black American artists.

Prerequisite: None

Honors Literary ACTIVISM

Honors Literary Activism aims to shine a light of reality on various social justice issues and truths of our culture in their myriad forms, investigating essays, poetry, plays, criticism, theory, digital sources, and emerging publications of all kinds through themed units including: Taking Action and Speaking Out (Unit 1), Home, Family, and the Human Condition (Unit 2), Culture, Achievement, and Success (Unit 3), Gender, Sexuality, and Self-Image (Unit 4), Race, Class, and Ethnicity (Unit 5), and Health, Disability, and Mental Wellness (Unit 6). Throughout this course students will explore the work of some of the greatest thought leaders, trailblazers, and game changers of our time, investigating, evaluating, and building off of the informed opinions of these trusted sources, leaders, and go-to authorities within their various fields of expertise, pushing into our cultures’ most vulnerable corners, seeking to reveal the truths and challenges facing a new generation, and teaching students how to produce their best work possible in order to foster hope for the future.

Prerequisite: None

Honors Journalism I

Honors Journalism 1 focuses on the fundamental skills of reporting, writing, editing, photography, and design. Students will also learn about the first amendment, relevant court decisions, legal and ethical issues pertaining to journalism, and multimedia applications. Working together with editors, students in Journalism I will propose their own story ideas, schedule and conduct a variety of interviews, cover school-based events, explore and research issues that matter to high school students, and write engaging stories for publication in The Warrior, Lane's student newspaper. In recent years the Warrior has been recognized as an outstanding publication by the Scholastic Press Association of Chicago and The McCormick Foundation.

Prerequisite: None

Honors Journalism II

Honors Journalism II focuses on building leadership capacity and extending students' reporting, writing, editing, and design skills. Students who intend to take Journalism II apply for editor positions toward the end of their first year in the program. As editors, Journalism II students will pursue their own advanced reporting and writing assignments for The Warrior, Lane's student newspaper. Editors also mentor Journalism I students as they propose story ideas, practice and conduct interviews, cover school-based events, explore and research issues, and write and edit stories for publication. Periodically, editors design and deliver mini-lessons on a variety of topics, such as the first amendment, relevant court decisions, legal and ethical issues pertaining to journalism, and multimedia applications. Honors Journalism II provides students with a unique opportunity to develop leadership and writing skills: Editors apply knowledge gained in Journalism I to make editorial decisions, to set realistic deadlines, to edit each others' stories, to collaborate to develop staff editorials, and to wrestle with ethical dilemmas that arise during the reporting and writing process. In addition to publishing the print edition of The Warrior -- one of the oldest student publications in the country -- editors regularly publish stories to LaneWarrior.com and use a variety of social media to promote and deliver informative, engaging stories to a diverse and extensive school community.

Prerequisite: An A or B in Honors Journalism I

Honors Journalism III

Honors Journalism III is an extension of Honors Journalism II. Students who take the third year course intend to become top editors -- Editor-in-Chief or Managing Editor. Like Journalism II, this course focuses on building leadership capacity and extending students' reporting, writing, editing, and design skills. Top editors continue to pursue their own advanced reporting and writing assignments, mentor Journalism I students as they learn about reporting, and deliver mini lessons. They also lead the team of student editors, regularly make announcements and deliver impromptu micro lessons as needed in class, and clock some additional planning and deadline hours outside of class. Top editors apply knowledge gained in Journalism I and II to guide fellow editors as they make editorial decisions, set realistic deadlines, edit each others' stories, collaborate to develop staff editorials, and wrestle with ethical dilemmas.

Prerequisite: An A or B in Honors Journalism II

Honors Creative Writing I

Your words deserve to be heard (and read). In this class, we explore different styles and techniques for creative expression. Students try their hand at writing short memoirs, short stories, plays, and poetry. Over the course of the year, students are encouraged to stretch beyond their comfort zones and to establish a community of writers. Students also learn more about how to find their voice, how to find inspiration from their experiences, and how to get back in touch with their creativity.

Prerequisite: None

Honors Advanced Creative Writing Workshop & Publishing

This course is a workshop-based class for students who enjoy imaginative writing. The class teaches accomplished student writers advanced writing techniques and provides them an opportunity to publish their work. Students showcase their work through class projects, local and national contests, and open mics. The class also creates 2501, Lane's literary magazine, as well as REVEL, an electronic magazine. If you write for fun, this class is the one for you.

Prerequisite: A writing portfolio or Creative Writing I

HOnors Philosophy

This course traces the development of the Western philosophical tradition from its beginnings in classical Greece through the Renaissance, Enlightenment, and Modern periods. Students read complex texts of philosophical works. Among the philosophers covered are Plato, Descartes, Rousseau, Kant, Hegel, Marx, Freud, Nietzsche, and Foucault.

Prerequisite: None

Honors Women in Literature

Honors Women in Literature explores the voices of women writers by considering issues of women's roles, oppression, liberation, relationships, conflicts, and contributions from a variety of historical and cultural perspectives. Students will discuss the changing roles and representations of women in literature from Biblical texts to contemporary writing.

Prerequisite: None

Honors Sports Communications I

Sports Communications is a course designed to utilize our own Lane Tech students to market, cover, and promote our athletic department by focusing on the skills required in the fields of sports marketing, sports journalism, sports broadcasting, and sports information directors. Students will not only be learning about these different fields, but they will have hands on application as they will be responsible for applying what they learn about the four different fields to the athletic department at Lane Tech and covering the different sports teams here. Some examples of the work required of the students will be sports articles, press releases, social media reports, conducting interviews, holding press conferences, capturing game footage, etc. The secondary goal of the course is to expose our students to the possible careers that exist within the realm of sports marketing, sports journalism, sports broadcasting, and sports information directors. This will be accomplished by studying these four fields by way of different texts and examples and working to become efficient technical writers. We will have different speakers come in to discuss these careers as well.

Prerequisite: None

Honors Sports Communications II

An extension of Sport Communication I, this class develops students leadership. students interested in course will utilize the knowledge they gained in Sports Communication I in order to make editorial decisions about press releases, event coverage, and communication.

Prerequisite: Sports Communications I

Honors South Asian Literature

This course invites students to participate in the richness and variety of South Asian literature, and culture. The objective for this course is to introduce South Asian literature in English. By examining significant topics such as, post-colonial/imperial trauma, gender relations and inequality, sexuality, cross-cultural interaction, violence, and human rights. Writing either from the South Asian subcontinent (Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka) itself or from abroad, many of the writers featured in this course have had a remarkable impact in the literary realm. This course gives students the opportunity to relate the issues and ideas they encounter in South Asian literature and history to the life of present-day South Asia.

Prerequisite: None

Honors Writing Instructors

Writing Center Instructors is that rare high school course that truly puts the power of learning into the hands of the student. Do you often find yourself helping your classmates or siblings with brainstorming, writing thesis statements, or revising? This class will allow you to hone that talent and disperse it throughout Lane's student body. During the first semester, students prepare research papers and study theories of egalitarian learning to discover what it means to be a good peer tutor of writing. During the second semester, students put that theory to work by launching Lane's Writing Center, a student-run, student-centered space that will provide peer tutoring to Lane students. This course is particularly relevant for those who are interested in leadership, writing, or education.

Prerequisite: B or higher in their previous English class. Teacher recommendations are preferred.

Honors Writing Instructors II

Honors Writing Center Instructors II is that rare high school course that truly puts the power of learning into the hands of the student. Students spend class time working in the Lane Tech Writing Center, a student-run, student-centered space that provides peer tutoring in writing to Lane students. As Writing Center II students, they have the added responsibilities of training novice tutors and submitting their research from Honors Writing Instructors I to conferences and academic journals for publication. Students have the option of working extra shifts in the writing center in exchange for service learning hours. This course is particularly relevant for those who are interested in leadership, writing, or education. Pre-Requisite: Honors Writing Instructors I.

Prerequisite: An A or B in Honors Writing Instructors I

Honors Yearbook I

Yearbook is a year-long course for students interested in developing, designing, and creating Lane Tech's Arrowhead Yearbook and LTAC's Artifacts Yearbook. The classroom portion of this course emphasizes the mechanics of good writing, as well as strategies for effective oral and written communication. Students will learn how to design layouts using online programs and applications on Apple platforms. Students will learn about digital photography, page design, and interviewing skills. A successful yearbook student will be highly motivated to produce a quality publication. Additional work outside of the classroom is required; assignments may include activities such as staffing group photo sessions, photographing sporting, musical, and club events, or interviewing students.

Prerequisite: None

Honors Yearbook II

Yearbook II is a year-long course for students interested in developing, designing, and creating Lane Tech's Arrowhead Yearbook and LTAC's Artifacts Yearbook. The classroom portion of this course emphasizes the mechanics of good writing, as well as strategies for effective oral and written communication. Students will learn how to design layouts using online programs and applications on Apple platforms. Students will learn about digital photography, page design, and interviewing skills. A successful yearbook student will be highly motivated to produce a quality publication. Additional work outside of the classroom is required; assignments may include activities such as staffing group photo sessions, photographing sporting, musical, and club events, or interviewing students and teachers. Upon completing this course, a yearbook student should be knowledgeable in all aspects of desktop publishing. Yearbook editors are ultimately responsible for their assigned sections of the yearbook. They manage staff, delegate tasks among their staff members, design layouts, and edit staff submissions.

Prerequisite: Yearbook I