20 credits of English Language Arts courses is required for graduation in NJ.
English Language Arts courses are subject to availability.
Freshman year is an important overview of the various genres of literature, including but not limited to poetry, plays, novels, short stories, essays, and speeches. This year serves as a basis not only for literature, but also for an expected set of skills that will be developed, reinforced, and refined in coming years. By the conclusion of the course, students will have an appreciation for various genres and will know the grammatical constructs important for composing research projects, as well as MLA format. They will also be exposed to a variety of different types of writing styles, including literary analysis, expository essays, process analysis, compare/ contrast, cause and effect, and persuasive styles.
5 Credits, Grade 10Prerequisite: English 1English 2 focuses on reading and research of American literature. By design, students will read both full texts and excerpts of literature options and juxtapose seminal pieces alongside contemporary texts. Writing is encouraged through projects, papers, and journal entries. Special emphasis should be placed on writing a comparative analysis within the units between fiction, non-fiction, and multimedia texts. A variety of writing formats requires students to recognize form and purpose in composition. As 21st-century citizens, students will be expected to hone skills with mixed media, public speaking, and critical consumption in order to demonstrate proficiency in communication.
5 Credits, Grade 11Prerequisite: English 2The English 3 curriculum is a course of study focusing on the themes of literature. Five distinct thematic units will offer a variety of reading, writing, speaking, and production experiences relevant to the 21st-century learner. The literature selected offers students an opportunity to evaluate full and excerpted texts, indiscriminate of culture and gender. Each unit aligns to the state standards and include Through Course Assessments (TCAs) to monitor learning throughout the year. Special emphasis should be placed on writing comparative analyses between fiction, non-fiction, and multimedia texts.
5 Credits, Grade 12 Prerequisite: English 3English 4 focuses on reading and research. Units and lessons are planned to encourage discussion and allow for student contribution and evaluative input. By design, students will read both full texts and excerpts of literature options, and juxtapose seminal pieces alongside contemporary texts. They will think and speak critically as well as cite textual evidence, establish habits of close reading, and utilize literary theories to effectively communicate in the written arena. Students will be encouraged to use research to support self-generated theses through a capstone project. They will create multimedia presentations which they will present and defend in a collegial setting.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LANGUAGE & COMPOSITION
5 Credits, Grades 11 or 12Prerequisite: English 2 or 3 and consultation with teacher and/or counselor recommendedThis course emphasizes selected writers and literary periods with an emphasis on rhetorical analysis, tone, literary style and figurative language. Students will write papers that integrate their abilities to recognize rhetorical and literary devices, identify and use techniques of style and organization, and analyze an author's purpose.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LITERATURE & COMPOSITION
5 Credits, Grades 11 or 12Prerequisite: English 2 or 3 and consultation with teacher and/or counselor recommendedThis course engages students in higher level reading and critical analysis of selected literary texts. Structure, style, and themes will be explored. Students will write analytical essays under timed test-taking conditions that integrate their abilities to recognize syntax, diction, tone, and figurative language.
BROOKDALE ON-SITE DUAL ENROLLMENT ENG 121 - ENGLISH COMPOSITION: THE WRITING PROCESS
2.5 credits, Grades 11 - 12Prerequisites: English 2, dual enrollment on-site requirementsEnglish 121 is an introductory writing course where students compose and revise narrative and expository essays and prepare for the study of literature by using writing to analyze texts. Through a writers’ workshop approach, students explore the writing process, respond to a variety of texts and learn to communicate their ideas effectively and confidently in writing. When taken in conjunction with BCC ENGL 155, fulfills 2.5 credits of the English graduation requirement.
BROOKDALE ON-SITE DUAL ENROLLMENT ENG 155 - THE SHORT STORY
2.5 credits, Grades 11 - 12Prerequisites: English 2, dual enrollment on-site requirementsStudents will read and discuss short stories drawn from the literature of many cultures and countries. They will analyze the stories for the theme, form, relationship to their own lives and reflection of various cultures. The relevance of these short stories for the modern reader will be examined. When taken in conjunction with BCC ENGL 121, fulfills 2.5 credits of the English graduation requirement.
2.5 Credits, Grades 9 - 12This course emphasizes the development of skills in the creation and study of prose, drama, and poetry in an intensive workshop setting. Students are required to write in a variety of genres and to demonstrate a facility for giving and receiving constructive criticism. Students will demonstrate a better understanding of, and facility with, the revision and rewriting process through mastery of editing skills, including peer-editing.
2.5 Credits, Grades 9 - 12Prerequisite: Creative WritingAdvanced Creative Writing builds upon the knowledge and skills learned in Creative Writing and allow students to develop works according to their own interests and strengths. Students will cultivate their own personal writing style through intensive study of a genre of their choice. This course includes the opportunity for submission of work(s) to various appropriate contests and publications.
2.5 Credits, Grades 9 - 12Students develop communication skills while exploring theater history and dramatic forms in an intensive workshop. Students are required to participate in a variety of theatrical exercises to develop an understanding and appreciation of the body and voice as acting tools. Students develop an understanding of character analysis through the preparation of monologues and scenes and demonstrate a familiarity with technical theater and the aspects of theatrical/film careers. Fulfills 2.5 credits of VPA graduation requirement.
2.5 Credits, Grades 9 - 12Prerequisite: DramaThis course expands the knowledge, skills, and experience of the student actor. Students have the opportunity to present live theater performances; perform in improvisational comedy, and research careers in theater. Students write, direct, and perform in original pieces. Fulfills 2.5 credits of VPA graduation requirement.
5 Credits, Grades 9 - 12Public Speaking is an introductory course emphasizing the acquisition of practical skills in the realm of public speaking. Students will learn to speak effectively to diverse audiences for a variety of contexts and purposes. Ultimately, students will gain confidence and competence in multiple forms of oral communication. This course fulfills the 5-credit VPA graduation requirement.
ENGLISH FOR NEWCOMERS: ENGLISH LANGUAGE STUDENTS WITH INTERRUPTED FORMAL EDUCATION
5 Credits, Grades 9 - 12(Offered only at Colts Neck High School)ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS-ENGLISH 1 - 4
5 Credits, Grades 9 - 12(Offered only at Colts Neck High School)This course, designed for students whose native language is other than English, provides language arts and literature instruction with an emphasis on reading and writing in English. Explore real-world topics like social media profiles, work-life balance, and healthy living habits. Hone critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities through interactive activities. Students enrolled in ELL (see above) also take this course as a second period each day for English class credit. Levels are based on English language proficiency.
TRANSITIONAL ENGLISH 1 - 4
5 Credits, Grades 9 - 12
(Offered only at Colts Neck High School)
Placement determined by department recommendation. Transitional English is designed for students who are in Advanced ELL or have recently exited the English Language Learner program. The purpose of the course is to help students transition from basic English acquisition to a level satisfactory to meet state standards.
TRANSITION SUPPORT PLAN FOR MULTILINGUAL LEARNERS EXITING THE PROGRAM
This transition support plan is designed to support students who have met the exit criteria of the Multilingual Program as per the New Jersey Department of Education to ensure they continue to succeed in their academic journey. Recognizing the challenges posed by cultural changes and language acquisition, the plan will provide comprehensive support to help these students thrive in classes with their English-proficient peers. The plan will be implemented by the school Multilingual Supervisor, counselors, and teachers.