English Department

Requirements for Graduation: In accordance with graduation requirements, students must earn a minimum of 4 credits in the area of English/Language Arts. This includes, but is not limited to, 1 full credit each year they are enrolled at LHS.

The required course sequence is as follows:

Grade 9: English 1, EL English 1, or Advanced English 1

Grade 10: English 2, EL English 2, or Advanced English 2

Grade 11: English 3, EL English 3, AP Language and Composition, or AP Literature and Composition

Grade 12: Any additional one credit of English

English Department Course Offering Map

English Department course chart

English 1

1140 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grade 9 No prerequisite

English 1 uses Common Core standards with a thematic analysis to improve reading, writing, media, and verbal communication. The curriculum is designed to develop the Creative and Critical Thinking, Communication, and Collaboration competencies outlined in the Vision of a Lakewood Graduate. Reading covers selections of both fiction and non-fiction from a variety of genres and time periods. Composition includes expository, narrative, and persuasive essays. The research process is introduced through the completion of projects using MLA format and technology. Effective communication is honed through attention to grammar, mechanics, usage, and style. Most work can be completed during class time; outside reading and writing may be required.

Advanced English 1

1190 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grade 9

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and “B+” or above in 8th grade ELA

Advanced English 1 is designed for students who have successfully demonstrated an above average ability to perform language, reading, composition, and analytical skills. Advanced English 1 utilizes Common Core standards with a thematic analysis to improve reading, writing, media, and verbal communication. Curriculum is designed to develop the creative and critical thinking, communication and collaboration competencies outlined in the vision of a Lakewood Graduate. Reading covers selections of both fiction and non-fiction from a variety of genres and time periods. Writing will focus on expository, narrative, persuasive, and research-based compositions. Students will also focus on vocabulary acquisition, effective grammar, mechanics, usage, and style. Most work can be completed during class time; outside reading and writing will be required.

English 2

1240 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grade 10 No Prerequisite

English 2 is a thematic analysis of literature and informational texts that encourages students to critically read, apply, analyze, evaluate, and create complex ideas. Students will develop individual and collaborative skills through active reading and listening, oral communication, visual literacy, composition, language, and vocabulary. The curriculum is designed to develop the Creative and Critical Thinking, Communication, and Collaboration competencies outlined in the Vision of a Lakewood Graduate. All students will be required to earn a competency score (684) on the English 2 end-of-course exam to meet graduation requirements.

Advanced English 2

1290 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grade 10

Prerequisite: Advanced English 1 with a "B" average or above and teacher recommendation

The goal of the Advanced English 2 course is the continued development of the already-proficient reader and writer. By challenging the student to engage qualitatively with reading material, and by engaging in advanced writing and speaking, the Advanced course seeks to add depth and dimension to the Language Art student’s understanding of the content. The course will exceed the expectations of English 2 in three distinct ways: writing will be expected to be consistently clear and accurate, reading comprehension will be expected at and above grade level, and each student will interact with complex text and its academic language on a college-bound level. Additional workbook and/or paperback book expenses can be expected. All students will be required to earn a competency score (684) on the English 2 end-of-course exam to meet graduation requirements.

English 3

1340 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grade 11 No Prerequisite

English 3 engages students with literature that develops the Empathy and Global Awareness/Citizenship competencies outlined in the Vision of a Lakewood Graduate. Students will participate in both rhetorical and literary analysis and continue to develop their composition, oral communication, reading, and research skills. This course is aligned with and designed to enhance skills required by the Common Core standards. Most written work can be completed during class time; outside reading is required.

AP English Language and Composition

1910 Full Year - 1 Credit
5 Periods per Week

Grades 11 -12
Prerequisite: Strong recommendation from current English teacher and a “B” average or above in previous English class. Application required.

Engaging in timely, topical, relevant, real-world texts and writing while learning about the tools that make writing accessible to all students regardless of future courses, disciplines, and careers. Building the foundation needed to be comfortable and confident in any writing situation (while also finding your voice as a young writer). English Language and Composition is an Advanced Placement course that engages students in becoming skilled readers of non-fiction texts written in a variety of rhetorical contexts and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. Both their writing and their reading should make students aware of the interactions among a writer’s purposes, audience expectations, and subjects as well as the way conventions and the resources of language contribute to effectiveness in writing (AP College Board). Students are expected to take the AP exam in the spring.

AP English Literature and Composition

1940 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Strong recommendation from current English teacher and a “B” average or above in previous English class. Application required.

AP English Literature and Composition engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style, and themes as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone (AP College Board). Students are expected to take the AP exam in the spring. Additional workbook and/or paperback book expense can be expected.

EL English 1

1148 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grade 9
Prerequisite: EL teacher approval and English Language Assessment

EL English 1 is a sheltered English course for the English Learner. Students will earn a 9th grade English credit. Instruction uses the Common Core standards to improve reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Curriculum is designed to develop the creative and critical thinking, communication and collaboration competencies outlined in the vision of a Lakewood Graduate. Reading covers selections of both fiction and non-fiction from a variety of genres and time periods. Composition includes expository, narrative, and persuasive essays. The research process is introduced through the completion of projects. Effective communication is honed through attention to grammar, mechanics, usage, and style. Most work can be completed during class time.

EL English 2

1248 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grade 10
Prerequisite: EL teacher approval and English Language Assessment

EL English 2 is a sheltered English course for the English Learner. Students will earn a 10th grade English credit. Instruction uses the Common Core standards to improve reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. It will include a thematic analysis of literature and informational texts that encourage students to critically read, apply, analyze, evaluate, and create complex ideas. Students will continue to develop their individual and collaborative skills in active reading and listening, oral communication, visual literacy, composition, language, and vocabulary study. All students will be required to earn a competency score (684) on the English 2 end-of-course exam to meet graduation requirements.

EL English 3

1348 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grade 11
Prerequisite: EL teacher approval and English Language Assessment

EL English 3 is a sheltered English course for the English Learner. Students will earn an 11th grade English credit. EL English 3 engages students with literature that develops the Empathy and Global Awareness/Citizenship competencies outlined in the Vision of a Lakewood Graduate. Students will participate in both rhetorical and literary analysis and continue to develop their composition, oral communication, reading, and research skills. This course is aligned with and designed to enhance skills required by the Common Core standards.

Reading Lab

9475 Full Year - 1 Elective Credit
5 Periods per Week

Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Selection based on reading assessment scores

Reading Lab is a course for students who struggle with basic reading skills. Reading Lab is taken in addition to a core English course. The student will be expected to work individually and with small groups. This class is a full-year, 1-credit class. The credit counts as an elective; it does not count as an English credit. Students are assigned to this class based on identified significant weaknesses in this curricular area. Once assigned, students are not permitted to drop this course without demonstrating performance at expected levels and teacher recommendation.

Full-Year Electives

Broadcast Journalism

1540 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grades 9-12 No Prerequisite

This course is designed for the study and practice of broadcast journalism and video production. Focusing on Ohio ELA content standards, this course will emphasize researching, writing/revising, video recording and editing, public speaking, and the study of mass media. Students will learn the basic elements of news value and vocabulary specific to broadcast writing. This course also explores the world of digital video and television production. Students learn with professional equipment and work in collaborative teams to produce projects. Students will be expected to produce daily video announcement programs for LHS. Student participation in the recording of school and community events outside of the school day is required. This course emphasizes the following aspects of a Lakewood Graduate: Critical and Creative Thinking and Collaboration and Communication.

*An invitation to participate in Broadcast Journalism may be extended to students in subsequent years. This course may be taken 3 additional times for elective credit.

Drama

1510 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grades 9-12 No Prerequisite

This course focuses on introducing drama and theatre as an enriching experience and art form. Areas of study and analysis include full-length plays, one-act plays, monologues, history of drama, improvisation, pantomime, blocking, staging, directing, and set design. Assignments and analysis in this course will blend individual, partner, and group activities. By the end of this course, students will know what it takes to competently evaluate, understand the language of, perform, and appreciate drama.

Literary Analysis and College Composition

1890 Full Year - 1½ Credits 5 Periods per Week

Grade 12 Prerequisite: "C" average or above in English and successful admission to Lorain County Community College

In this full year course, students will work on developing the skills necessary to write at the collegiate level. The first half of the course will focus on developing high level critical analysis skills through the lens of literature and research. Students will engage in close reading of literary texts, develop an understanding of literary terminology, and examine critical theories as they study a variety of texts and genres. The second semester of the class will be in partnership with Lorain County Community College. Upon successful admission to the course, applicants are considered college students in the second semester, and they will be held to the standards of the college. This includes but is not limited to: a minimum of 6 hours of homework each week, significant independent reading and writing expectations, collaboration with peers, and collegiate level analysis. Over the course of the second semester, students are required to complete 5,000 words (20 pages) of formal essay writing. Students will be expected to learn new technical skills to manage the college learning systems. Upon successful completion of the course, students will earn 3 college credits.

Print & Digital Journalism

1530 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grades 9-12 Prerequisite: "C" average or above in English

Students will work as an editorial board and be responsible for managing all aspects of website production for the school newspaper, The Lakewood Times, and physical production of the school yearbook, The Cinema. They will begin by determining their publication’s mission, policies, and overall design. They will set a year-long production schedule and will plan, write, and place all stories in the appropriate section. Each student will cover a news beat and be responsible for content and for complete coverage of the school community. These student editors will proofread all stories for content and format.

*An invitation to participate in Print & Digital Journalism may be extended to students in subsequent years. This course may be taken 3 additional times for elective credit.

Semester Electives

African American Literature

1880 1 Semester - ½ Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grades 9-12 No Prerequisite

African American Literature is a semester-long survey course designed to highlight writings by African American authors of the 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. It encompasses a wide range of genres, including fiction, poetry, drama, autobiography, and nonfiction. The course will highlight some of the earliest published works by African Americans and will continue to explore many monumental works leading up to the present day. Units of study include (1) The Dangers of a Single Story, (2) Oral Tradition, (3) Literature of Slavery and Freedom, (4) Literature of The Reconstruction to the New Negro Renaissance, (5) Harlem Renaissance, (6) Realism, Naturalism, and Modernism, (7) The Black Arts Era, and (8) Contemporary Literature. This course will help participants practice and sharpen their abilities in the areas of critical reading and writing.

*Parents/guardians, please be advised that some class discussions, materials, and film viewing may contain mature themes and subjects including language use, violence, sexuality et al. Students will be required to have a permission slip signed by a parent or guardian acknowledging that they are aware of the content studied in this course.

Creative Writing 1

1710 1 Semester - ½ Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grades 10-12 No Prerequisite

This semester course is for the creative writer who wishes to explore in-depth work in writing and analysis of fiction, poetry, drama, mystery, and script dialogue. Emphasis is placed upon the student's ability to communicate their reasons for creative decisions and to execute various writing assignments. Students study and discuss all class creative work. This is a writing lab environment and excellent attendance is preferred. This course will explore the following aspects of a Lakewood Graduate: Creative & Critical Thinking, Empathy, and Communication. Considerable reading and writing are required. In addition, there are several individual and group projects assigned. Additional workbook and/or paperback book expense can be expected.

Creative Writing 2

1715 1 Semester - ½ Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Creative Writing I and teacher recommendation

Although this semester course does include structured assignments common to all class members, much of the work is individual in nature with one-on-one guidance from the Instructor. Student work is shared for review and published through Lakewood Times Live, the LHS online newspaper. In addition to assigned material, students are expected to broaden their writing skills and work independently to design, develop, and prepare one or more individual projects. This course will further explore Creative & Critical Thinking, Empathy, and Communication. Additional workbook and/or paperback book expense can be expected.

Diversity in Literature

1820 1 Semester - ½ Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: A "C" average or above in English

This standards based class will emphasize the relationship between issues of social justice and the literature that employs these themes. Students will be asked to critically examine current societal issues in the areas of identity development, racism, sexism, classism, ageism, heterosexism, ableism, and religious oppression as they are expressed in the United States of America. This course will ask participants to thoroughly and critically examine the effects of prejudice, bias, and discrimination as they pertain to the areas listed above and to discuss possible solutions to these problems. Students will be expected to craft and revise written compositions, read challenging texts, and participate in mature discussions. This course is recommended for students with interests in any of the following areas: psychology, sociology, anthropology, gender studies, and literature. Additional workbook and/or paperback book expense can be expected.

Film as Literature

1720 1 Semester - ½ Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grade 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 3

Film as Literature is a semester course for high school senior students interested in film history, language, and production. During the course of the semester, students learn the “language of film”. After learning how to "read" film on a literary, dramatic, and cinematic level, students view both film clips and whole films by genre and discuss films in Socratic seminar fashion. Students will also create short films of their own. Teamwork, attendance, oral communication, and critical thinking skills are required.

*Parents/guardians, please be advised that some class discussions, materials and film viewing may contain mature themes and subjects including language use, violence, sexuality et al. Students will be required to have a permission slip signed by a parent or guardian acknowledging that they are aware of the content studied in this course.

Practical Communications

1730 1 Semester - ½ Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grade 12 No Prerequisite

The purpose of this class is to provide students with the communication skills necessary to be successful. Students will practice professional and personal writing skills. Students will focus on verbal communication and social skills. Students will practice verbal communication, conflict resolution, interviewing skills, and other various social skills. Students will participate in a mock interview and a final networking event. Teamwork, attendance, oral communication, and critical thinking skills are required. This course emphasizes the following aspects of a Lakewood Graduate: Creative and Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, Growth Mindset, Global Awareness/Citizenship, and Empathy.

Speech

1830 1 Semester - ½ Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: 1 year of English

Speech is a semester-long course that is designed to build confidence in public speaking through the use of formal and informal speech situations. Students will deliver speeches, participate in discussions, and learn to advocate for themselves. Students learn how to create a resume and cover letter, how to build arguments through the use of logical claims and evidence, and how to use rhetoric. Students will be evaluated on their public speaking skills, their ability to write for presentation and present information in a formal and unbiased tone. Additional workbook and/or paperback book expense can be expected.

Themes in Literature: Women's Literature

1870 1 Semester - ½ Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: C or above in current English class

Women’s Literature is a semester-long English Elective course designed to explore the rich and diverse literature written by women throughout history. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the unique perspectives, experiences, and voices of women authors by examining their works throughout various literary genres. This course requires critical thinking and analytical skills while also encouraging thoughtful discussions on important social and cultural topics and issues. This course emphasizes the following aspects of a Lakewood Graduate: Critical & Creative Thinking, Collaboration, Global Awareness/Citizenship, and Communication.

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