English

ENGLISH 9
9
1.0 credit

English 9 provides the freshman student with broad experience in all areas of language arts: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students will experience readings in a variety of literary forms that serve as a foundation for later high school English courses. Developmental work in writing, vocabulary, critical reading, and grammar is an integral part of the course.

ENGLISH 9 HONORS

9

1.0 credit

The literature in English 9 Honors is, for the most part, classical in nature and is studied not only for its literary value but also for its reflection of specific historical periods and peoples.  Along with the literature studied students are also exposed to extensive work in vocabulary, grammar, and the mechanics and process of writing.  Honors students are expected to actively engage in in-depth discussions of literature.

ENGLISH 10

10

1.0 credit

English 10 is a comprehensive English course for sophomores.  The course content consists of a variety of selections from American literature and informational texts from the seventeenth century to the present.  Included in the course of study is extensive work in grammar, vocabulary, research, and writing.

ENGLISH 10 HONORS

10

1.0 credit

English 10 Honors is a comprehensive English course designed for highly motivated students, who wish in-depth handling of material and a competitive academic environment. In content it covers American literature with its study of literacy. It focuses on critical reading and strong writing skills. Part of the course of study will include extensive work in grammar, vocabulary, research and writing.

AP LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION

11

1.0 credit

AP Language and Composition challenges students to harness the power of rhetoric as they study texts from a wide range of time periods, styles, authors, and subjects.  Students electing this course should anticipate a rigorous pace and should have the ability to read accurately and critically, to discuss intelligently and listen carefully, to write with clarity, and to accept and offer criticism constructively. Students will write an 8-12 page college-level research paper. The AP English Language exam is administered in May.

AP LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION

12

1.0 credit

AP English Literature is a comprehensive study of imaginative literature, ranging from Dante to contemporary fiction and poetry. Readings are arranged thematically around the "Other," sin and redemption, Existentialism, and identity. AP Literature is a seminar-format course, with an emphasis on close literary analysis, timed in-class essays, and longer papers. The Advanced Placement English exam is administered in May.

IB LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE SL

11 and 12

1.0 credit per year

In this two-year course, students study a wide range of literary and non-literary texts in a variety of media.  By examining communicative acts across literary form and textual type alongside appropriate secondary readings, students will investigate the nature of language itself and the ways in which it shapes and is influenced by identity and culture.  Approaches to learning in the course are meant to be wide ranging and can include literary theory, sociolinguistics, media studies, and critical discourse analysis among others.

● Students study works from a representative selection of genres, periods, and places.

● Students develop the techniques needed for the critical analysis of communication, becoming alert to interactions between text, audience, and purpose.

The IB Language and Literature SL Course is not a weighted course except for students pursuing the full IB Diploma Programme.  After completing IB SL Year 1, seniors may opt to take Contemporary Literature and/or Creative Writing.

IB LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE HL

11 and 12

1.0 credit per year

IB HL Language and Literature is a two-year course that introduces the critical study and interpretation of texts from a wide range of literary and non-literary genres.  The course allows the student to explore the English language through its cultural development and use, its media forms and functions, and its literature. Students develop literary and textual analysis skills and learn to present their ideas effectively.

Along with expectations presented in the IB-SL course, students will also:

● Study at least 6 works from a representative selection of genres, periods, and places.

● Students are expected to complete a greater number of higher-level oral and written assessment tasks than students enrolled in IB Language and Literature SL.

CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE

12

0.5 credit

This single-semester, reading-intensive course (5 to 7 novels) will focus on the reading, analysis, and synthesis of contemporary literature through the application of several critical theories, present-day issues, and various contemporary films from both American and non-American creators. Selected readings will provide students with a diverse library of contemporary texts crafted since 1960. Major assignments and assessments will include: online student-led group discussions, critical movie responses, class seminar, and reader responses.  The final exam will be a 5-8 page analytical research paper. While seated in an English classroom each day, this course offers more flexibility than a traditional English course. A typical unit cycle will include the study of foundational texts and initial lecture, approximately one week for independent reading and online discussion, and a final week for debriefing, film study, and assessment. Rising senior students electing this course should realize that this class requires strict, self-paced discipline and is meant for students who are self-motivated to complete online coursework. (Seniors with teacher recommendation. Juniors may be considered if Contemporary Literature is taken as an elective credit).

CREATIVE WRITING

12

0.5 credit

Creative Writing is designed for students who demonstrate a strong aptitude and desire to express themselves creatively through the genres of poetry, short story, creative nonfiction, and drama. Students are required to keep a personal journal and to write from their own experiences in a voice that is both honest and perceptive. Students are expected to participate fully in the workshop atmosphere of the class, which includes sharing their creative work with their classmates, utilizing journal and exercise writing time effectively, offering constructive criticism, and writing multiple drafts toward producing polished finished products. Course includes: reading, studying, and responding to professionally produced poetry, fiction, and plays in discussion and formal written analysis. Students will be encouraged to workshop their pieces in class for external publication, but will at least produce a personal portfolio surveying the development of their writing. These portfolios will be published online and will aim to reach a wide, authentic audience. (Juniors may only be admitted if approved by the English Department).

INTRODUCTION TO JOURNALISTIC WRITING I

9, 10, 11, 12

0.5 credit

This course is designed to prepare students for 21st century media writing. Students will develop skills in informational writing and speaking using journalistic standards, ethics, and reporting. Students will also gain experience with photography, graphic design, blogs, and podcasts using the latest technology. Students demonstrating proficiency and commitment may advance to other media courses. 

JOURNALISTIC WRITING II

9, 10, 11, 12

1.0 credit

This course offers practical experience in newspaper publishing in a self-directed workshop environment. Students apply for leadership positions and are selected to serve on an editorial board to plan, design, edit, and write each issue of The East Vision. All students are responsible for writing stories, covering beats, and fundraising. In addition, students may develop skills in computer graphics and design using Adobe Suites, photography, cartooning, web design and maintenance, illustration, and business management. Journalistic ethics are continually reviewed and applied in all aspects of production and print. **Application is required.

THEATER 

9, 10, 11, 12                                                        

1.0 credit 

In this course, we will survey the history of theater both nationally and globally as well as study everything that goes into a theatrical production. Areas of learning include textual analysis,  directing, casting, acting, production design, set construction, stage management and more. We will look at conventional theater as well as other styles of theatrical productions such as standup comedy, improvisational theater, and puppetry. The course will culminate with a production of our own creation for an audience of our choosing. 

 Assignment: Dramaturgy.