English 

(1.0 Credit)

Honors Pre-AP English I utilizes culturally rich literary and nonfiction texts  to introduce students to the range of literary genres and literary terms. This course emphasizes writing in a variety of forms and for a variety of audiences and purposes, stressing the mastery of the fundamentals of grammar usage and the study of vocabulary. The course also introduces research techniques and MLA citation methods. Students will explore several modes of oral communication, including public speaking skills. Additionally, Honors Pre-AP English I introduces students to a College Board-designated course framework and the skills needed to succeed in subsequent AP English classes. 

(1.0 Credit; Prerequisite: Honors English I)

Honors English II: American Literature focuses on the philosophical movements, the major writers, and the themes of American literature while developing the processes of effective reading. This course continues to emphasize writing in a variety of forms and for a variety of purposes, stressing both mastery of the fundamentals of grammar, usage, and the study of vocabulary and spelling within the context of the student's own reading and writing. The course also introduces research techniques and citation methods and explores various modes of oral communication. 

(1.0 Credit; Prerequisites: Honors English II and Honors English I)

AP English Language and Composition examines primarily non-fiction works (e.g., biographies and autobiographies, essays, journalism, social and political writing, science and nature writing) across a wide range of periods and rhetorical contexts. Students read closely in order to better understand why authors, when communicating with particular audiences, make the choices they do. Students become skilled at writing for a variety of purposes, audiences, and occasions. This course prepares students for both college level reading, writing, and thinking, and the Advanced Placement test in English Language and Composition. 

(1.0 Credit; Prerequisites: Honors English I, II, and AP English Language and Composition) 

Honors English IV: World Literature is a balanced survey of literary genres in a global context. Focusing upon the philosophical movements, the major writers, and the themes of world literature, students will perform the processes of effective reading. Writing, research, and oral communication skills are polished through a variety of college preparatory critical and creative experiences.

(1.0 Credit; Prerequisite: Honors English I, II, and AP English Language & Composition)

AP English Literature and Composition is a rigorous college level course that asks students to expand, challenge, and reexamine their understanding of imaginative literature. Through reading critically, closely, and carefully, students deepen their awareness of a work’s structure, style, and themes, as well as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. Writing assignments concentrate on the critical analysis of literature and include expository, analytical and argumentative essays. Writing instruction focuses on developing clear, cohesive, and persuasive written work. Finally, the class will place students in a broad cultural conversation with the world.  This is a senior level course.  The course prepares students for college level reading, writing, and thinking, as well as the AP examination in May.

1.0 Credit; Prerequisite: None)

Theater is an active art form, but Honors Drama I isn’t just for actors. In this introductory course, we will explore all aspects of theatrical production and develop each individual student’s skills and passions. Students will have the opportunity to pursue projects within their areas of interest, including acting, directing, stage management, dramaturgy, and set, costume, and make-up design. Field trips to professional productions will stretch our understanding of theatrical possibilities. While all students will develop foundational performance skills, the course is designed to foster growth in students of all ability and experience levels. Further, drama teaches creativity, adaptability, concentration, and self-assurance–skills that will help all students no matter where life takes them.

(1.0 Credit; Prerequisite: Drama I)

In Drama II, students build upon the skills acquired the previous year, as well as serve as mentors to the Drama I students. Drama II students study and apply directing skills and advanced acting techniques, improving their capacity as performers and leaders. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to work with the instructor to devise projects to expand expertise in their own areas of interest, such as dramaturgy, playwriting, improvisation, script analysis, theater history, and design. Like students in Drama I, students in Drama II will view and critique live performances. 

(1.0 Credit; Prerequisite: Open to Seniors Only)

Honors Film Studies engages students in becoming skilled readers of films as texts. Readings and coursework enable students to analyze the rhetoric of cinema and look critically at the various ways films construct meaning, creating both major and minor ideological positions. Building upon skills from other English classes, this class will teach students to critically discuss and write about films from various genres and time periods. Students will complete several presentations and write film analysis and research papers.

(1.0 Credit; Prerequisite: Open to Seniors only)

Honors Introduction to Philosophy in Literature prepares students for complex readings in nonfiction, emphasizing skills in analysis, argument, and application of philosophical arguments through speaking and listening activities as well as different kinds of writing tasks emphasizing the application and understanding of major concepts and ideas. Readings are organized by teacher- and student-generated questions ("Is it better to be unjust than just?" or "What is free will and do we have it?") and range from ancient to contemporary philosophers. Readings are paired with contemporary fictional and nonfictional works—including podcasts and short stories—in order to better understand and apply questions of ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology. The class culminates in a genius hour research task, whereby the student chooses a specific philosophical question and closely reads a related chapter or paper. 

(1.0 Credit; Prerequisite: None)

The exciting world of the online school newspaper, Hoofbeat, is not just for writers! This course is designed for any student with an interest in media, production, or understanding news, regardless of prior experience. Students can gain hands-on experience as a writer, podcaster, videographer, photographer, graphic designer, digital editor, production staff member, social media coordinator, sports liaison, or arts liaison. While all students will develop foundational journalistic skills, we recognize and utilize diverse talents and abilities. You can learn how media skills including digital imaging, videography, podcasting, and editing are essential to modern news production. Finally, the course trains students to be critical and ethical consumers of news by understanding how media is produced, framed, and distributed. Get ready to contribute regularly to the Hoofbeat! No application is necessary.

(1.0 Credit; Prerequisite: Journalism I)

Honors Journalism II students transition into leadership and editorial roles for the Hoofbeat, serving as section editors and acting as mentors to the Journalism I staff. This Honors course requires students to significantly build upon the technical and writing skills acquired the previous year, focusing on mastering Investigative Journalism and long form narrative journalism. The curriculum maintains a strong emphasis on advanced media literacy, analyzing complex news cycles, identifying bias, and practicing ethical reporting standards. Students sharpen their writing and editing abilities to meet professional standards and continue to track current events. As part of this experience, students are encouraged to enter regional and national journalism competitions and attend professional seminars.

(1.0 Credit; Prerequisite: Journalism I and II)

Honors Journalism III is the capstone Honors course for the most experienced media students. Students assume the highest level of editorial responsibility as Managing Editors and Section Heads for the Hoofbeat. They not only mentor the Journalism I and II staff but also oversee the publication's entire production schedule, ethical standards, and long term editorial strategy. Building on previous skills, students in this course focus on advanced media law, staff training, and driving innovation in the Hoofbeat's content and delivery. This course requires independence and a deep understanding of the media's role in society, making them responsible for the continuous quality and success of the publication.