Senior

ENGLISH 12 (043/048) 

Grade 12: Level 2/Honors

(Year) .75 credits

English 12 is a semester based class designed to assist seniors with their post high school plans as well as reinforce their critical thinking and reading and writing skills. 

The first unit is devoted to building on preparatory work from eleventh grade and finalizing college essay requirements for the CommonApp, or “mission statements” for those without immediate plans for higher education. The focus is on personal narrative, using the required admissions essay/statement as a chance to reflect on their experiences and their future.

Additional units use fiction and non-fiction texts, essays, poetry, etc.to touch on themes of personal philosophy, destiny, social commentary and decision making. Learning experiences include tracing the patterns and thematic similarities to make connections between their own life experiences and the world around them. 

Vocabulary is generated from the literature studied. Compositions assigned on a regular basis are both literature and non-literature based. A word-processed cultural and literary analytical essay in MLA format is the final product of each unit. The first unit culminates in the generation of a personal essay appropriate for future college admissions. Students will practice strategies to help them read critically and think analytically. 

Writing is integral to the process of learning, thinking and communicating. Students are encouraged to develop a positive attitude toward implementing study skills, enjoying literature, improving writing skills and expanding vocabulary. All major assignments must be word processed in MLA format. Students will exhibit correct standard English in oral and written communication and use MLA format in daily class work, research projects and preparing essays. All work will be assessed using common department and school-wide rubrics. 

Students continue learning and practicing the skills to meet the English Department’s Research and Grammar Skills benchmarks which correspond to the expectations set out in the Common Core State Standards. 

Instructional methods may include small and large group discussions, reader’s theater, writing partnerships and response groups, oral reports, audio-visual materials and lecture. Mechanics and grammar are taught from composition assignments and oral responses.

Honors Option: 

Honors English 12 is for highly motivated students who demonstrate the skills necessary to analyze, understand and exhibit an appreciation for literature and language. Their attitude and performance reflect a sense of responsibility and creativity in written and oral expression. Honors English 12 moves at a more accelerated pace than the level 2 course but it is not as demanding as Advanced Placement English.

AP ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION (015) 

Grade 12:  Advanced Placement

(Year) 1.50 credits

Advanced Placement English emphasizes the development of skills in critical reading of imaginative literature: poetry, drama, novels, short stories, and in writing about literature. The course is for students up for the challenge of college level work. Most classes are conducted in seminar format. 

The short-term goal is preparing students for success on the Advanced Placement English Examination in Literature and Composition, administered by the Educational Testing Service for The College Board in May. 

Important long term goals include providing students the opportunity to learn at a pace commensurate with their ability; to engage students with intellectually mature material; to refine reading and writing skills; and to encourage life-long habits of reading, writing and thinking.

Learning activities include complete and close reading of literary texts, evaluation and analysis of literary works, active class participation and group discussion. Writing is integral to the study of learning, thinking and communicating. Students will practice for the AP Exam with released AP: Literature and Composition exams from previous years. They will respond to and analyze multiple choice questions from these exams. Students are strongly advised to take the Advanced Placement Examination in May, and those who do so will be exempt from the course final examination.

NARRATIVE WRITING 

Grade 9-12  (032)

Level 2 

(SEM) .50 credits

(Semester) .50 credits

Narrative Writing is a class designed for all levels of students who like to write and want to improve their writing skills. In Narrative Writing, students will not only learn to be writers, but also will learn how to be readers, responders, and editors. They will learn what it means to be part of a writing community. A positive attitude toward growth as a writer is a prerequisite for this course. Instructional methods will focus on initially establishing a comfortable and nurturing writing environment, small group work, individual conferencing, and occasional large group direct instruction. Students will keep a journal in which they will write in response to guided prompts as well as individual choice topics. Students will accept the responsibility to generate ideas; select ideas for development; consider various methods and techniques of idea development; experiment with new techniques, styles, and genres; and finally, edit specific drafts for mechanical accuracy.  Students taking this course should be prepared to have their work published either in an online forum or in a print magazine for distribution.

LITERATURE AND FILM (033)

Grades 10-12:  Level 2

Semester (.50 credits)

In this class, we’ll dive into the world of cinema—not just watching films, but actively analyzing and discussing them. Why? Because, though film has existed for just over a century, it has quickly proven itself a powerful and influential form of literature, one that can drive social change. This course invites students to explore the artistry and lasting impact of films across the cinematic spectrum. From westerns to horror, science fiction to drama, students will examine a diverse range of genres. With each film, we’ll apply literary analysis techniques to understand how narrative devices, themes, and symbolism transcend the written word and come to life on screen. In addition, films will serve as windows into cultural and societal issues, allowing us to track how perspectives on topics such as identity, morality, and power have evolved over time.

POETRY AND PERFORMANCE (997)

Grades 9-12:  Level 2

(Semester) .50 credits

This course explores poetry as both a literary art and a performing art. Students examine diverse poetic styles, the lives of influential poets, and the cultural contexts of their work. Beyond the page, students will bridge the gap between written text and live performance, analyzing how language—including connotation, imagery, figurative language, and tone—informs the physical and vocal delivery of a poem.

In this course, students function as members of a creative conservatory. As writers, students engage in the recursive process of drafting and editing to develop original work. As performers, students apply theatrical techniques such as vocal projection, pacing, and movement to interpret and present both classic and contemporary poetry. Students will develop a performance portfolio, focusing on how artistic intent is communicated to a live audience.

Instructional methods include writing workshops, performance labs, peer critiques, and audio-visual analysis of spoken-word artists. Evaluation is based on written compositions and formal performance assessments, including a final showcase or "Slam" that demonstrates mastery of both the written word and the oral tradition.

INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS & MARKETING (254)

Grades 9-12 

(Semester) .5 credits

Introduction to Business and Marketing is recommended as a foundation course to a Business & Information Technology sequence. Students learn the functions of American and international business organizations in the global economy. Activities emphasize the roles of the consumer, marketer, and producer. Students learn the basics of the private enterprise system and are introduced to careers in business, including the opportunities of entrepreneurship and world trade.

GREEK MYTHOLOGY 

Grades 8 (050) 

(Quarter) 

Grades 9-12: Level 2 and Honors (049/099)

(Semester) .75 credits

Would you like to know why your sneakers are called Nike? This course is designed for students who have an interest in exploring the myths and legends that have shaped the modern world. It will be presumed upon course enrollment that students have basic proficiency in reading, writing and computer skills. Success in the course will be determined by students’ initiative both in and out of class. 

The chief focus of the course will be learning about and appreciating the role mythology plays in reflecting national, regional, and ethnic identities, as well as daily life. We will consider the role of mythology within the groups that perform and use it. Moreover, we will examine the influence of mythology systems on modern western culture. Although brief consideration will be given to the mythological systems of a number of cultures, myths and legends to be considered within the course will primarily include those of ancient Greece. Students should come to understand that these thought systems are both distinct from and interconnected with each other, and that they continue to command an important place in modern society as they replay themselves in modern form. Students will employ skills including reading, note-taking, essay writing, library research, individual presentations, group presentations and analytical thinking throughout the course.

BROADCASTING TECHNOLOGY (035/042)

Grades 9-12: Level 2 and Honors 

(Semester) .50 credits

Prerequisite: C or higher in Film Production and instructor approval

Broadcasting Technology is an immersive, hands-on video production course designed for students passionate about film and media creation. This class focuses on producing content for the DY News Show, DYMedia1 YouTube, social media, and the cable channel of the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District. Students will have the opportunity to work on a variety of exciting projects, including creating promotional videos for upcoming events, interviewing students and faculty, recording major school events and ceremonies, and producing podcasts. Through these productions, students will learn how media can serve as a bridge, connecting the school community to the larger towns of Dennis and Yarmouth. Building on skills from the Film Production course, this class places a strong emphasis on developing time management and organizational abilities. Students will also be expected to attend and film after-school events. Ideal candidates will be self-motivated, collaborative, and eager to engage creatively and professionally with peers, staff, and community members.

Honors Option: 

Honors Broadcasting is designed for highly motivated students who have already demonstrated a strong foundation in video production. Students will take on greater responsibility in the production of the DY News Show, including writing news copy for on-air talent. Honors students are expected to approach their work with a high level of professionalism, showing a strong sense of responsibility as they create media for broadcast