English Department

The English Department offers language arts instruction in reading, writing, researching, listening, and speaking all taught through a curriculum recently aligned with the Common Core. Language is both a means of creative expression and a tool for communication. Our classrooms have a literacy-rich environment, including access to a variety of books and other reading materials at appropriate instructional levels. The learning will provide safety nets in order to promote risk-taking by learners and will be presented in an integrated fashion to provide students with the skills needed to participate in the public sphere as citizens and lifelong learners.

For all core level classes, students are required to complete a summer reading assignment. The summer read ing assignments are available by June on the district website at www.lakewoodcityschools.org.

Four credits of English are required for graduation. Core courses are: English I, English II, and English III.

Core Courses

English I

1140 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grade 9 No prerequisite

English I utilizes Common Core standards with a thematic analysis to improve reading, writing, media, and speech communication. Reading covers selections of both fiction and non-fiction from a variety of genres and time periods that align with the themes of “You are Here,” “My Network,” “Can you Hear Me Now?” and “Reaching Out.” 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. Additional workbook and/or paperback book expense can be expected.

English I Advanced

1190 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grade 9 Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and “B+” or above in 8th grade ELA

English I Advanced is designed for students who have successfully demonstrated an above average ability to perform language, reading, composition, and analytical skills. English I Advanced utilizes Common Core standards with a thematic analysis to improve reading, writing, media, and speech communication. Reading covers selections of both fiction and non-fiction from a variety of genres and time periods that examine how environmental factors shape identity. This writing intensive course will focus on expository, narrative, persuasive, and research-based compositions. Students will also focus on vocabulary acquisition, effective grammar, mechanics, usage, and style. Additional workbook and/or paperback book expense can be expected.

English II

1240 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grade 10 Prerequisite: Credit in English I

English II 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 their individual and collaborative skills in active reading and listening, oral communication, visual literacy, composition, and language and vocabulary. This course is aligned with and designed to enhance skills required by English/Language Arts Common Core standards. Additional work book and/or paperback book expense can be expected. All students will be required to earn a competency score on the English II end-of-course exam to meet graduation requirements.

English II Advanced

1290 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grade 10

Prerequisite: English I Advanced with a "C" average or above and teacher recommendation

The goal of the English II Advanced 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 rubric-based writing and speaking that is grounded in evidence from text, 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 II 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 expense can be expected. All students will be required to earn a competency score on the English II end-of-course exam to meet graduation requirements.

English III

1340 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grade 11 Prerequisite: Credit in English II

English III is a thematic analysis of both literary and informational text. The literature of the course will reflect essential questions like; “What is the relationship between science and nature? What is the price of success? How does culture define our vision of success?” Students will learn to engage in both rhetorical and literary analysis and continue to develop their composition skills. Additional work book and/or paperback book expense can be expected.

AP English Language and Composition

1910 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grade 11

Prerequisite: Strong recommendation from 10th grade English teacher and completion of either English II with a “B” average or above or English II Advanced with a “C” average or above. Application required.

English Language and Composition is an Advanced Placement course that engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose 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 generic 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. Additional workbook and/or paperback book expense can be expected.

AP English Literature and Composition

1940 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grade 12

Prerequisite: Strong recommendation from 11th grade English teacher and completion of either AP Language and Composition with a “C” average or above or English III with a “B” average or above. 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.

CCP College Composition I

1010 1st semester - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week

Prerequisite: Cuyahoga Community College requirements

Upon successful completion of this course, students will earn 3 credit hours from Tri-C. During this course, students will differentiate between primary and secondary sources, recognize and define plagiarism in order to ethically cite in an academic setting, demonstrate basic conventions of citation in one's own writing, use digital environments to support writing tasks such as drafting, reviewing, revising, editing and sharing texts, develop a thesis, demonstrate competent written organization, logic, and development, integrate concepts from sources with one's personal experience in assigned writing, and apply appropriate methodology and content from other disciplines to writing assignments. Students will also evaluate assigned selections on the basis of criteria appropriate for that genre, distinguish between main points and supporting details, identify themes, images, and motifs, identify the objectivity and reliability of information found in texts, and identify purpose and audience of selected texts. Finally, students will edit and proofread written work for effective grammar, syntax, organization, logic, development, coherence, and significance, demonstrate that college level writing is a process that requires constant revision and editing, and utilize various forms of collaboration to prepare written work.

CCP College Composition II

1010 2nd semester - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week

Prerequisite: Successful completion of CCP College Composition I + Cuyahoga Community College requirements

Upon completion of this course, students will earn 3 credit hours from Tri-C. Throughout this course, students will evaluate selected texts on the basis of criteria appropriate for that genre, utilize main points and supporting details from selected texts to provide justification for inferences and draw conclusions, discuss the characteristics of various genres in selected texts, analyze argumentative strategies and persuasive appeals in selected texts, analyze themes, images, and motifs in selected texts, evaluate the objectivity and reliability of information found in selected texts, examine and analyze the purpose and intended audience of selected texts, and identify rhetorical devices and conventions used in selected texts. Students will also employ appropriate argumentative strategies and persuasive appeals in writing, demonstrate competent organization, logic, and development in writing, locate, evaluate, and select appropriate resources, evaluate the objectivity and reliability of information obtained through research, utilize, integrate, and properly cite primary and secondary sources in writing, employ the appropriate selection and citation of external sources to support researched persuasive writing to avoid plagiarism, recognize various citation styles appropriate to different disciplines, use digital environments to support such writing tasks as drafting, reviewing, revising, editing and sharing texts, develop and refine a thesis, and compose texts that respond to the needs of intended audiences through appropriate stance, voice, tone, style, and level of formality. Finally, students will edit and proofread written work for effective syntax, development, organization, logic, and coherence, and utilize ongoing revision, editing and various forms of collaboration as part of the writing process.

EL English I

1148 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grade 9

Prerequisite: EL teacher approval and English Language Assessment

EL English I 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. Reading covers selections of both fiction and non-fiction from a variety of genres and time periods. Major works may include modified versions of Greek Myths, The Odyssey, and Romeo and Juliet. 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.

EL English II

1248 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grade 10

Prerequisite: EL teacher approval and English Language Assessment

EL English II 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. Major works may include selections and modified versions from the founding fathers’ documents, Edgar Allen Poe and The Harlem Renaissance. 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 on the English II end-of-course exam to meet graduation requirements.

EL English III

1348 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grade 11

Prerequisite: EL teacher approval and English Language Assessment

EL English III is a sheltered English course for the English Learner. Students will earn an 11th grade English credit. Instruction uses the Common Core standards to improve reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. It will include thematic analysis of both literary and informational text. The literature of the course will reflect essential questions like “What is the relationship between science and nature?” “What is the price of success? “How does culture define our vision of success?” Major literary texts may include modified versions of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Students will continue to develop their composition skills.

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 the basic elements 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. They will also identify various news sources and use interview skills to create stories using video and editing software. This course also explores the world of digital video and television production.Students learn on professional equipment and work in collaborative teams to produce projects using cameras while learning the basics of studio and field production, lighting, and sound. Students will be expected to attend school and community events as they create and organize features for broadcast.

Drama

1510 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grades 9-12 No Prerequisite

Drama is a course designed to introduce the student to the various areas of theatre. The course includes academic credits on theatre history, structure and styles of drama, dramatic evaluation, scenic design, and the fundamentals of producing a play. It also included performance credits in pantomime, improvisation, vocal characterization, and acting. The year ends with the students producing a one-act play in class. This course is not recommended to students with a history of sporadic attendance. Additional workbook and/or paperback book expense can be expected.

Print & Digital Journalism

1530 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week

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

Semester Electives

Practical Communications

1730 1 Semester - ½ Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grade 12 Prerequisite: 3 years of English

This is a one-half credit elective class designed to respond to the needs of high school seniors who have begun or are already beginning to discern what they want to do after graduation. The purpose of this class is to provide students with the communication skills necessary to be successful. During the first quarter, students will focus on written communication. Students will practice writing professional emails, managing a professional social media presence, and creating a résumé. Leading into second quarter, students will focus on verbal communication and social skills. Students will practice verbal communication, interviewing skills, and other various social skills. Students will participate in a mock interview and final networking event. Teamwork, attendance, oral communication, and critical thinking skills are required.

Themes in Literature (NEW!)

1870 1 Semester - ½ Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: C or above in current English class

Painting Literature is a course that seeks to show how art pertains to literary works, as much as how literary techniques can present a new picture of artworks. The semester class explores the importance of the process of creation and how art can be united with its literary counterparts. This interdisciplinary course aims to correlate art and artists to pieces of literature through the study of artistic technique (the language of artists) and literary linguistic expression (the language of writers).

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 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 students interested in film history, language, and production. During the course of the semester, students learn the language of film in order to analyze 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. At the end of the course, students are required to create a short film of their own. Teamwork, attendance, oral communication, and critical thinking skills are required. Additional workbook and/or paperback book expense can be expected.

African American Literature (NEW!)

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) Oral Tradition, (2) Literature of Slavery and Freedom, (3) Literature of The Reconstruction to the New Negro Renaissance, (4) Harlem Renaissance, (5) Realism, Naturalism, and Modernism, (6) The Black Arts Era, (7) Black Feminism, and (8) Contemporary Literature. This course will help participants practice and sharpen their abilities in the areas of critical reading and writing.

Speech

1830 1 Semester - ½ Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: 1 year of English

This course is designed to build confidence in public speaking through the use of formal and informal speech situations. The students deliver speeches, participate in discussion, and learn to advocate for themselves. Students learn how to create a resume and cover letter, how to build argument through the use of logical claims and evidence, and how to persuade through the use of 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.

Creative Writing I

1710 1 Semester - ½ Credit 5 Periods per Week

Grades 10-12 No Prerequisite

This semester course is geared toward the able and creative writer who wishes in-depth work in writing and analysis of fiction, poetry, drama, and script dialogue. Emphasis is placed upon the student’s ability to communicate the reason for and the method by which each creative effort is produced. Students study and discuss all class creative work. Excellent attendance is necessary because of group projects. 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 II

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. Additional workbook and/or paperback book expense can be expected.

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