English

English Department Staff

Bradley Bachman - Jeannine Capecci - Kevin Deely - Gretchen Gardner - Jennifer Gray - Hailey Hoffman - 

Kristen Hudak - Susan Hughes - Thomas Janke - Leann Kralik - Blakely Mayrosh - Shannon Mohap - Tanya Morgans - Eleanor Motsavage - Megan Murray - William Quinn - Justin Sames - Charlize Smith - Erin Steskal - Megan Thornton - Bernadette Varela - Meredith Walters - Janice Zander - Allison Zimmerman

An understanding of one’s native language is basic to learning. For this reason, the importance of the study of English is recognized at all levels of the educational system. The State of Pennsylvania requires every student to take one course in English during each year of secondary school. Colleges vary in their requirements; however, they typically expect competency in the use of the language, both written and oral, and knowledge of the literature of England and America; today’s society expects each individual to have acquired, in varying degrees, acceptable competency and knowledge. Easton Area High School has, therefore, established certain requirements in English. It must not be assumed, however, that satisfying these requirements is all that should be expected. Each student is urged to consult his or her parents, teachers, and guidance counselor to determine which of the programs will provide the background to serve them best in their later education, chosen occupation, and in daily life. 

Course Availability


CP Literature and Composition 9 109003 1.0 Cr. 9

CP Literature and Composition 9 is divided into units of literature and composition. The literature curriculum serves as an introduction to various genres including short story, novel, drama, non-fiction, and poetry. Grammar, composition, and vocabulary are integrated with, but not limited to, the literature studied. Student-driven research will familiarize students with MLA format and research techniques. 


Honors Literature and Composition 9 109006 1.0 Cr. 9

Honors Literature and Composition 9 explores various literary genres through discussion, vocabulary, and composition. The genres include short story, novel, drama, poetry, and nonfiction. Composition is integrated with the literature units and includes the use of MLA format and the development of a thesis statement; additionally, research skills are presented. Vocabulary is integrated with, but not limited to, the literature studied. A research paper and student participation in the Shakespeare Festival are required.

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation


CP American Literature and Composition 110003 1.0 Cr. 10

CP American Literature and Composition 10 is divided into units of literature and composition. The literature units include a novel, drama, short stories, poetry, and nonfiction. The writing units are comprised of a variety of writing types, including research. The research experience builds upon the 9th grade curriculum. As a Keystone testing year, this course also prepares students with additional vocabulary and skills practice.

 

Honors American Literature and Composition 110006 1.0 Cr. 10

Honors American Literature and Composition 10 is an enriched course for sophomores. Form and historical context are studied as parts of comprehension and analysis. Writing assignments are frequent and include creative, expository, and critical essays. The research process is taught, and a research paper is completed. Independent projects and various oral presentations are required. Vocabulary in preparation for standardized testing is also included. 

Prerequisites: Honors Literature and Composition 9; completion of research studies

 

CP British Literature and Composition 111003 1.0 Cr. 11

CP British Literature and Composition is a junior year course. Major British writers, including Chaucer and Shakespeare, are studied in depth. The literature includes poetry, drama, a novel, short fiction, and nonfiction. Areas of focus also include expository writing and the research process.  There are frequent writing assignments based on the literature studied. Vocabulary is studied within the context of literature as well as in isolation. 


Honors British Literature and Composition 111006 1.0 Cr. 11

Honors British Literature and Composition is an enriched course for junior students. It consists of a study of British literature, expository writing, and an emphasis on the principles of research and research skills. Major British writers are studied in depth, and written analysis of literature is expected. Only students with an interest in English studies and a determination to work hard should consider selecting this course. Vocabulary is student within the context of literature as well as in isolation. Prerequisites: Honors American Literature; successful completion of research paper in sophomore year


Advanced Placement English Language and Composition 111009 1.0 Cr. 11, 12

Advanced Placement English Language and Composition is designed for junior and senior students who have demonstrated the ability to pursue their study of English at the college level. Through the examination of nonfiction literary models, students will deepen their understanding of the English language and the principles of composition. Readings are taken from a variety of disciplines (including the pure and applied sciences, the social sciences and the arts) and include all of the modes of discourse. A major component of the course is a series of independent projects based on a specific curricular area selected by the student. This course includes frequent reading and writing assignments, independent projects, grammar study, vocabulary development, SAT preparation, and mandatory summer reading and writing. Students are encouraged to take the AP Language and Composition test. Interested students should have mastered the basic concepts of English grammar and usage. There is a summer reading requirement.

Prerequisites: Honors American Literature and Composition; successful completion of research paper in previous year


CP Modern Literature 112103 1.0 Cr. 12

CP Modern Literature 12 is a senior year course. It includes an historical survey approach to the literature of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas. Emphasis will be on the variety, diversity, and influences of the literature. A major research assignment will be due by the end of the first marking period. Full-length works as well as excerpts and shorter works are discussed and analyzed, including selections from Dante’s Inferno, The Iliad and The Odyssey, as well as various essays and works of poetry. Students will be expected to participate in the school’s Shakespeare Festival as well as complete several projects based in technology. 


CP Modern Literature (CYBER) CY112103 1.0 Cr. 12

CP Modern Literature is designed for students who plan to complete a four-year university/ college program. It is a historical survey approach to the literature of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Emphasis will be on the variety and diversity and influences of the literature and the Jungian archetypes that are represented therein. A major research assignment will be due by the end of the first marking period. Full-length works as well as excerpts and shorter works are discussed and analyzed, including selections from Dante’s Inferno, The Illiad, and The Odyssey, as well as various essays and works of poetry. Students will be expected to participate and perform in the school’s Shakespeare Festival, as well as complete several projects based in technology.


Honors Humanities 112016 1.0 Cr. 12

Honors Humanities is a senior year course. It deals with the ages of Western man in various disciplines: philosophy, literature, art history, music history and general cultural development. The course begins with an in-depth study of Jungian Archetypes and the Hero’s Journey as proposed by the teachings of Joseph Campbell. Writing assignments include reaction papers as well as literary analyses. There will be a close study of Dante’s Inferno along with several projects relating to its themes. Participation and production of the school’s Shakespeare Festival, where students produce and perform selections of Shakespeare’s plays, in particular, Hamlet, is required. 

Prerequisites: Successful completion of British Literature or AP Language; successful completion of research paper in junior year


Honors Humanities (CYBER) CY112016 1.0 Cr. 12

Honors Humanities deals with the ages of Western man in various disciplines: philosophy, literature, art history, music history, and general cultural development. The course begins with an in-depth study of Jungian Archetypes and the Hero’s Journey as proposed by the teachings of Joseph Campbell. Writing assignments include reaction papers as well as literary analyses. There will be a close study of Dante’s Inferno along with several projects relating to its themes. A large part of the second quarter/second semester will encompass participation and production of the school’s Shakespeare Festival, where students produce and perform selections of Shakespeare’s plays, in particular, Hamlet. There is a summer reading requirement. 


College English 112020 1.0 Cr. 12

In College English Students will complete literature coursework and prepare for the transition from EAHS to college. The course is designed to prepare almost-proficient students for college English by specifically identifying and addressing the prerequisites of Northampton Community College’s English 101 course. Students will engage in critical thinking, reading, and writing in a supportive, collaborative environment. Writing skills include research, reaction/analysis, argumentative, theme-related, and compare/contrast. Students will learn and apply the strategies and develop the skills needed to understand challenging academic reading and to write academic essays. The students will strengthen their literature skills, vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure in the context with reading selections and writing. The students are required to complete a research-based project and/or oral presentation. Completion of this course with a 73% average could qualify for one college credit at Northampton Community College. 


The course will also include content from NCC College Success Skills course (career orientation, college culture, goal setting, visiting/experiencing, personal responsibility). A representative of NCC and the EAHS teacher will partner to deliver College Success Skills content. The NCC representative will visit the classroom bi-weekly.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of three credits of EAHS English courses 


Advanced Placement Literature and Composition 112009 1.0 Cr. 12

Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition is a senior year course. It is an intensive and demanding study of literature and composition. Frequent written assignments, both formal and informal, are required each marking period. In-class writing is assigned. Students are expected to read and write on several books over the summer, with completed writing assignments delivered to the teacher at spaced intervals over the summer. A research paper is required – on a literary topic and adhering to the guidelines of the English department. Students enrolling in this course should possess a superior command of vocabulary and the mechanics of writing, and be able to pay particular attention to literary detail. This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition examination. Subsequently, in the spring prior to the senior year, students will be required to sit for practice exams, including both multiple-choice questions and a short essay. There is also a summer reading requirement.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of AP Language and Composition or Honors British Literature and Composition and the successful completion of their 11th grade English research paper


Advanced Placement Literature and Composition (CYBER) CY112009 1.0 Cr. 12

AP Literature and Composition is an intensive and demanding study of literature and composition. Frequent written assignments, both formal and informal, are required each marking period. In-class writing is assigned.  A research paper is required – on a literary topic and adhering to the guidelines of the English Department. Students enrolling in this course should possess a superior command of vocabulary and the mechanics of writing, and be able to pay particular attention to literary detail. This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition examination. 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP Language and Composition or Honors British Literature and Composition and the successful completion of their 11th grade English research paper.



Electives


Oral Communications 113005 .5 Cr. 9,10,11,12

Oral Communications is designed for students who want to develop public speaking skills, particularly those students who recognize that the number of professions and occupations requiring such skills is growing rapidly. Law, education, and various media are prime examples. Students gain experience in preparing and delivering several types of speeches, both formal and informal. Students prepare their own speeches and learn to incorporate multimedia. 


Creative Writing I 113015 .5 Cr. 9,10,11,12

In Creative Writing I, students will create a representative piece of writing in the creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, monologue, and dialogue genres. Students will practice journaling techniques and will provide constructive criticism addressing classmates’ work. Active class participation is required in this workshop- based course. While a mastery of mechanics is not required, it will be addressed and corrected during each workshop. All writing will be submitted to class for constructive criticism; all writing submitted will be anonymous. Students must be willing to have writing critiqued and corrected. Also, it is essential that students read and write a lot in their free time. If one does not like to read or write in an academic setting, then this class is not for him or her. 


Creative Writing II 113025 .5 Cr. 10,11,12

Creative Writing II is designed for students who have an avid interest and ability in creative writing. The course will emphasize the production and completion of a creative writing portfolio. All classes will be conducted in the workshop format; work is not presented anonymously. Active participation is a requirement. The course includes frequent writing assignments and extended genre pieces. The goal is to produce works of publishable quality, and the students are required to submit said works to legitimate literary journals. Students electing this course must be competent in the use of the language.

Prerequisites: sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have successfully completed Creative Writing I.


Creative Writing III 113028 .5 Cr. 10,11,12



20th/21st Century Television and Film 113040 .5 Cr. 9,10,11,12

20th/21st Century Television and Film is a study of the blockbuster and its effect on the American public in regards to fandoms, marketing, and critical review. We will view films like Jaws, The Hobbit, and Star Wars for example, and you will be expected to participate in class through discussion. You will be expected to write several papers and give oral presentations. 


Introduction to Science Fiction and Fantasy     113030 .5 Cr.         9,10,11,12

Introduction to Science Fiction and Fantasy is a single semester elective exploring the history, development, goals, and themes of the specific genres known as Science Fiction and Fantasy. Students will read, discuss and respond to assigned readings, films, artwork, and adaptations. A variety of evaluation methods will be used.


READ 180 (9) 114030 1.0 Cr. 9

READ 180 (10) 114035 1.0 Cr. 10

READ 180 (11) 114045 1.0 Cr. 11

This class is designed to offer students individualized, adjusted instruction to help improve their reading level. Students will practice and apply numerous reading skills to improve reading comprehension. Student learning is tracked through progress reports. Students are evaluated throughout, and at the end, of each unit.

Prerequisite: Placement test and teacher recommendation


The Junto 113035 1.0 Cr. 10,11,12 

This course meets every other day for one block. You must apply to be on the newspaper staff, and once accepted you must choose Junto for one of your classes, regardless of whether or not you think you can fit it in. The Counselor will do his/her best to see that you are in the class for at least part of the time or for at least one semester. Credit is determined by how many semesters you are in the class. Seniors and juniors who wish to have administrative roles as editors must have the class. 

Prerequisite: Application, teacher recommendation