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.
English Department Course Offering Map
LHS English Course Map Take 2.pdf
Core Courses
English I
1140 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week
Grade 9 No prerequisite
English 1 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. 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.
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 1 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. Writing will focus on expository, narrative, persuasive, and research-based compositions. Students will also focus on vocabulary acquisition, effective grammar, mechanics, usage, and style.
English 2
1240 Full Year - 1 Credit 5 Periods per Week
Grade 10 Prerequisite: Credit in English I
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 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 the Common Core standards. Additional work book and/or paperback book expense can be expected. All students will be required to earn a competency score (684) on the English II end-of-course exam to meet graduation requirements.
English 2 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 2 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 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 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 expenses can be expected. All students will be required to earn a competency score (684) on the English II end-of-course exam to meet graduation requirements.
English 3
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 texts that encourages students to critically read, apply, analyze, evaluate and create complex ideas. 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, oral communication, and reading skills. This course is aligned with and designed to enhance skills required by the Common Core standards. 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
Comp 1010 is the study of and practice in academic writing; reading and interpretation of selected texts. Course may be thematically organized. When admitted to the course, students are considered college students. Students will be expected to spend 6 hours per week outside of class engaging in reading, writing, collaboration and revisions and write 20 pages throughout the semester. They will also be expected to engage with college level texts and learning management systems, along with time management and organizational skills expected in higher education. Upon successful completion of this course, students will earn 3 credit hours through Tri-C.
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
Comp 1020 is the study and practice of persuasive and argumentative writing with emphasis on analysis and research; reading and interpretation of selected texts. Course may be thematically organized. When admitted to the course, students are considered college students. Students will be expected to spend 6 hours per week outside of class engaging in reading, writing, collaboration and revisions and write 20 pages throughout the semester. They will also be expected to engage with college level texts and learning management systems, along with time management and organizational skills expected in higher education. Upon successful completion of this course, students will earn 3 credit hours through Tri-C.
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. 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.
EL English 2
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. 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 II 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. 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?” 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 produce daily video announcement programs for LHS. This course emphasizes the following aspects of a Lakewood Graduate: Critical & Creative Thinking, Collaboration, Global Awareness/Citizenship, and Communication. In addition, students will be required to attend school and community events as they create and organize features for broadcast.
*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
Drama is a year-long survey course open to students in grades 9-12. Aligned with the Common Core English standards, Drama encourages students to analyze, evaluate, create, and experience theatre. The first semester includes units in script analysis, theatre history, dramatic evaluation, characterization, and acting performance. In the second semester, students learn the fundamentals of playwriting, scenic design, and costume design, and the year culminates with students producing a one-act play in class. This is a collaborative, project-based course.
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 Lakewood Times. 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. This course may be taken all four years.
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. Students will practice writing professional emails, managing a professional social media presence, and creating a résumé. 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 final networking event. Teamwork, attendance, oral communication, and critical thinking skills are required.
Themes in Literature
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 any of the following areas: psychology, sociology, anthropology, gender studies, and literature. Additional workbook and/or paperback book expense can be expected.
*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.
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.
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.
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 discussion, 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.
Creative Writing I
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 students 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 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. This course will further explore Creative & Critical Thinking, Empathy, and Communication. Additional workbook and/or paperback book expense can be expected.