Dover High School - Course Info

English I

English I is a foundational ninth-grade English Language Arts course that develops students’ skills in reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking. Through the study of diverse texts—including short stories, novels, memoirs, poetry, plays, and informational texts—students explore universal themes such as identity, choices, relationships, and the consequences of decision-making. The curriculum emphasizes close reading, literary analysis, narrative and argumentative writing, and research skills, with opportunities for creative expression and multimedia projects.

Students engage in collaborative discussions, Socratic seminars, and independent projects that encourage reflection and real-world application of literary concepts. They will develop the ability to cite and analyze textual evidence, craft well-organized arguments, and produce narratives that capture authentic voice and perspective. English I is fully aligned to the 2023 New Jersey Student Learning Standards for English Language Arts and integrates cross-curricular skills in technology, media literacy, and social-emotional learning. This course prepares students for success in upper-level English courses and builds essential skills for college, career, and life readiness.

English III

English III offers a survey of American literature from Native American folklore through the twenty-first century. Units on poetry, the novel, non-fiction, memoir, and the short story will be studied. Students will be required to complete a research and/or literary paper on a topic relating to American literature using the MLA/APA format adhering to the district’s policy on plagiarism. Coursework will also reinforce and extend critical reading and writing skills to prepare for state assessments and help prepare students for the SAT.