Non-Ranked

Course Length: 18 days

Pre-requisites: none                                                                                                   

Criteria for admissions:                                                                                                  

The English ACT course is aligned with New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for English Language Arts. This course is designed to strengthen student test taking skills and to enhance student scores on the ACT. The structure of the ACT, along with the implications of how the test is graded, will be discussed. Critical thinking and mathematical reasoning skills will be developed and fostered. Students will learn and practice effective test-taking strategies that include but are not limited to: appropriate pacing, increased focus, and use of educated guessing. Students will learn to work independently, as well as cooperatively in pairs and small groups. Both verbal and written communication of ideas will be emphasized. The course is intended to motivate students of all ability levels to develop their problem- solving and test-taking skills.

Weight: 10

Course Length: Year

Pre-requisites: Honors English 10                                                        

Criteria for admissions: Advanced Placement Criteria                                      

1.       Mid-year average of 85% in the present honors course.

2.       Recommendation of the present language arts teacher.

To read carefully, to think clearly, and to write logically and convincingly are the goals of AP English 11 Language and Composition. A critical awareness of language will help students understand as they read and create prose of complexity, style, and sophistication. Through analysis, argument, and synthesis, students will learn to make artful choices for audience as they structure thoughts and words. Students will write a well-defined thesis and a tightly reasoned argument as they practice various modes of discourse – description, definition, cause and effect, comparison and contrast, and persuasion. Through rhetorical analysis, students will evaluate nonfiction texts such as speeches, sermons, editorials, and passages from writings in the arts, history, social science, and politics. Students will apply the exciting art of argumentation, its appeals and fallacies, to these texts as well as arguments inherent in newspapers, magazines, and advertisements. Finally, students will develop a thesis for an issue-based research paper as they integrate and synthesize varied types of texts. 

Weight: 10

Course Length: Year

Pre-requisites: Honors English 11                             

Criteria for admissions: Advanced Placement Criteria                                        

1.       Mid-year average of 85% in the present honors course.

2.       Recommendation of the present language arts teacher.

In addition to the reading and writing requirements of English 12, The Advanced Placement (AP) English Program in Composition and Literature develops students into mature and critical readers through the management and mastery of multiple reading and writing assignments. Students are prepared for the Advanced Placement Examination in English Composition and Literature through emphasis on analytical and critical reading.  Writing assignments include exercises in exposition, argument, and personal narrative.  Students study works from several genres and periods—works worthy of scrutiny for their complexity and richness of thought and language.  Students are expected to think critically and work independently.

Weight: 3

Course Length: Year

Pre-requisites: Theater Arts 1, 2 or Play Production                                            

Criteria for admissions:                                                                                                  

Advanced Play Production is the most advanced level of study within the Theater Arts program at Mahwah High School. It is aligned with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards and goals for Visual and Performing arts, and it provides a unique opportunity for students to pursue special theater projects and independent studies in specific areas of interest. Advanced Play Production sharpens insights, perceptions, and creative though processes in the area of dramatic thinking. Additionally, the curriculum provides students with the rigorous training of an artistic discipline. The value of this process lies in the direct expression of one’s self as an instrument: emotional, physical, and vocal. Students realize their education in a small learning community in a fully personal sense through theoretical, laboratory, and experimental work. As a result of this twofold approach, students who have completed Advanced Play Production are prepared with the broadest possible base for continued artistic development and future career opportunities.

Weight: 3

Course Length: Year

Pre-requisites: Digital Media or Journalism: A Study in Print Media or Effective Communication 

Criteria for admissions:    

Dual enrollment: 3 college credits available from Fairleigh Dickinson Middle College Program (grade 11, 12)                

Students will be exposed to several facets of the digital broadcasting process – both in front of and behind the camera – and will be responsible for completing weekly news projects, stories, and reports. The class will be split for half the year between journalists with producers and the technical production team consisting of camera operators, editors, and producers, each section taught by a separate instructor. However, these sections would meet during the same period of the school day, in order that there could be joint brainstorming meeting and instruction, joint story assignment, team assembly, scheduling, and actual filming of segments. Some classwork and story completion will take place during this period around the school. At the semester mark, students from each section would switch to the other section. The Broadcast Journalism class will be based on a series of Units of Study coinciding with each other in that they essentially run simultaneously. However, through teachers’ discretion of instruction alongside the collaborative teacher, specific skills and knowledge will be the focus during certain moments of the course and for specific projects.

Non-Ranked

Course Length: Semester

Pre-requisites: none                                                                                                          

Criteria for admissions: Teacher and supervisor recommendation. Mandatory course based upon state proficiency.            

College and Career Readiness (English) is a course designed to strengthen students’ literacy skills in grades nine through twelve. The course focuses on the activation and the application of cognitive and social reading strategies related to narrative, literary analysis, and research simulation task skills. In an effort to prepare students for college and career readiness, students will look at a series of literary and informational print and non-print texts, spanning a variety of disciplines. Multimedia and visual literacy will also act as a connecting role between and amongst sources of information. In doing so, students will work on synthesis and research-related skills that will not only help them to succeed in their high school courses, but also will also help to prepare them for the NJSLA (New Jersey Student Learning Assessment) assessment. Students are placed into this course based on test scores, as well as by teacher recommendation.

Weight: 3

Course Length: Semester

Pre-Requisites:  none                                                                       

Criteria for admissions:  none                                                                             

Discovering Identity Through Contemporary Young Adult Literature is designed to expose students to young adult texts that exhibit diversity in theme and genre. Students will gain a full understanding of the history of young adult literature through a close analysis of excerpts from canonical young adult texts. Students will read poetry, graphic novels, and novels that touch on the themes of race, family, and gender. Through their enriching study of young adult literature, students will be able to identify and discuss the qualities--in regards to both craft and content--of young adult literature. Additionally, students will walk away with a better understanding of young adults, including themselves, in the contemporary world.

Weight: 3

Course Length: Semester

Pre-requisites: none                                                                                                             

Criteria for admissions:                                                                                                

This course is designed to introduce, to refine, and to practice speaking techniques for use in the business, political, and social worlds.  It encourages individuality of expression and organized oral presentation of ideas.  A strong written component also exists, in helping students hone their written voice and argumentative skills. Regular preparation of materials and regular oral presentations, along with written pieces, will be required.  Tapes, videotapes, self-evaluation, and peer evaluation will assist the student speaker and writer in the attainment of the course objectives.  

Weight: 3

Course Length: Year

Pre-requisites: Theater Arts 1 or Theater Ensemble 1                                        

Criteria for admissions:                                                                                            

This full-year course continues the study of the theater and the performing arts. As outlined in the NJSLS, the purpose of this course is to actively involve students in comprehensive, sequential programs that include creating, performing, and producing on the one hand, and study, analysis, and reflection on the other. It will expose the students to the more advanced aspects of drama and theater production, as well as an intense study of drama from the Renaissance to Realism (Shakespeare to modern drama). Independent study of modern theater is also part of this course.

Weight: 3

Course Length: Year

Pre-requisites: English 9                                                                                             

Criteria for admissions:                                                                                             

In this course (Conformity and Rebellion: A Study in Choice and Consequences) writing continues to receive major emphasis, with more attention given to the thoughtful development of longer themes. The major thrust is directed toward answering the essential questions and becoming more thoughtful readers and writers through consideration of the enduring understandings and standards outlined by the state. Vocabulary development, study skills, and grammar continue to be a regular part of the students’ work.  Students are given an opportunity to strengthen and to further their appreciation of the written word through an analysis of selected stories, novels, dramas, poems, and non-fiction selections.  Such selections will be discussed in conjunction with such literary movements as Enlightenment, Romanticism, Transcendentalism, Realism, and Naturalism. Continuing to examine the National Council of Teachers of English position on good writing, students are urged to consider how “control” of language helps to “inform and move the reader.”

Weight: 3

Course Length: Year

Pre-requisites: English 9 & 10                                                                                     

Criteria for admissions:                                                                                                  

The course (Culture and Identity: A Study in Perspective) is designed to examine how culture and identity shape who we are. Through a wide variety of classic and contemporary texts, students explore the essential questions and become more thoughtful readers and writers through consideration of enduring understandings and standards outlined by the state. Vocabulary development, study skills, and grammar continue to be a regular part of the students’ work. In addition, students are prepared for the particular skills necessary for doing well on the reading and writing portions of the state administered NJSLA, as well as the SATs and ACTs. Furthermore, students prepare many personal writing pieces that can be considered for possible revision and submission as college essays in the following year. The research paper will also play a considerable role as students work on research and synthesis skills throughout the year. Emphasis on how “the [good] writer exhibits the power to inform and move an audience through control of a wide range of the English language” is stressed in both the selections that students read and write.

Weight: 3

Course Length: Year

Pre-requisites:  English 9, 10, and 11                                                                     

Criteria for admissions:                                                  

Dual enrollment: 3 college credits available from Seton Hall Project Acceleration (grade 12)  

These senior seminar courses are designed to give students an introduction to college-level content, while exploring universal themes of human experience that are included in each semester-long offering. Courses will include “Writing the Truth: Memoir and Nonfiction” and “War and Literature,” where students will read a wide variety of classic and contemporary texts, including works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and essays in addition to viewing theme-specific films and videos and listening to relevant podcasts. All essential questions, enduring understandings, and state standards are reviewed and mastered. These courses focus on further developing our students’ ability not just to enter the college or workplace, but to do so with a high level of confidence and readiness. In addition to vocabulary development, study skills, and grammar, students work toward developing control of the language for the purposes of college-essay writing, synthesis, critical analyses, and research.   

Weight: 3

Course Length: Year

Pre-requisites: none                                                                                                 

Criteria for admissions:                                                                                              

This course, Introduction to Literature, is the first English language arts course for freshman students.  The major thrust is directed toward answering the essential questions and becoming lifelong readers and writers through consideration of the enduring understandings and standards outlined by the state. In addition to an exploration of the selected classic and contemporary texts that relate to the theme for the year, study skills, vocabulary development, grammar, and test preparation receive great emphasis. Students are given an opportunity to strengthen writing and reading skills and to develop an appreciation for the written word through an analysis of a variety of literary genres, including selected stories, novels, dramas, poems, and non-fiction selections.  Students focus on how to write for an array of audiences. As in all English language arts courses, students are urged to consider how the power of language helps to “inform and move an audience.” (National Council of Teachers of English position on good writing)

Weight: 3

Course Length: Semester

Pre-requisites: English 9 & English 10                                                                      

Criteria for admissions:          

Dual enrollment: 3 college credits available from Fairleigh Dickinson Middle College Program (grades 11, 12)                                                          

Over the past 100 years, movies have become an integral part of not only American culture, but also a part of many cultures throughout the world.  They have been one of the most instrumental mediums communications of ideas and values across cultures.  The major focus of this course is American film over the past 100 years.  In many ways, American films have defined who we are as a people; they are an expression of our fears, hopes, desires, strengths, weaknesses, and our basic humanity.  In this regard, movies have become a new form of literature, dealing with the same types of universal questions that make for enduring written literature.  As such, film deserves a place in the high school curriculum.  Students’ performance will be evaluated in line with the five strands, reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing.

Weight: 8

Course Length: Year

Pre-requisites: English 9 or Honors English 9                                                            

Criteria for admissions: Honors Criteria                                                               

This Honors English language arts course is designed for academically motivated students in grade 10.  Factors considered for admission include previous English language arts grade, standardized test data and teacher recommendations. Pupils are expected to perform at a high level; independent work in reading, writing, and research is a large part of the academic demands of this course. Students write with strict adherence to the Modern Language Association (MLA) format for citations. 

Weight: 8

Course Length: Year

Pre-requisites: English 9, 10 or Honors English 9, 10                                      

Criteria for admissions: Honors Criteria  

Dual enrollment: 3 college credits available from Fairleigh Dickinson Middle College Program (grade 11)                                                            

This Honors English language arts course is designed for academically motivated students in grade 11. Factors considered for admission include previous English language arts grade, standardized test data, and teacher recommendations.  Pupils are expected to perform at a high level; independent work in reading, writing, and research is a large part of the academic demands of this course. 

Weight: 8

Course Length: Year

Pre-requisites:  English 9, 10, and 11 or Honors English 9, 10, 11                     

Criteria for admissions:  Honors Criteria  

Dual enrollment: 3 college credits available from Seton Hall Project Acceleration (grade 12)                                                            

These Honors English language arts courses are senior seminars designed for academically motivated students in grade 12. Factors considered for admission include previous English language arts grades, standardized test data, and teacher recommendations. Pupils are expected to perform at a high level; independent work in reading, writing, and research is a large part of the academic demands of the course. The semester courses will include “Psychology and Literature” and “Sports Literature,” where students will read a wide variety of classic and contemporary texts, including works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and essays in addition to viewing theme-specific films and videos and listening to relevant podcasts. All essential questions, enduring understandings, and state standards are reviewed and mastered.

Weight: 8

Course Length: Year

Pre-requisites: none                                                                                                    

Criteria for admissions: Honors Criteria    

This course, Introduction to Literature, is the first English language arts course for freshman students.  The major thrust is directed toward answering the essential questions and becoming lifelong readers and writers through consideration of the enduring understandings and standards outlined by the state. In addition to an exploration of the selected classic and contemporary texts that relate to the theme for the year, study skills, vocabulary development, grammar, and test preparation receive great emphasis. Students are given an opportunity to strengthen writing and reading skills and to develop an appreciation for the written word through an analysis of a variety of literary genres, including selected stories, novels, dramas, poems, and non-fiction selections.  Students focus on how to write for an array of audiences. As in all English language arts courses, students are urged to consider how the power of language helps to “inform and move an audience.” (National Council of Teachers of English position on good writing) 

Weight: 3

Course Length: Semester

Pre-requisites: none                                                                                                       

Criteria for admissions:                                                                                                  

This course is designed to teach the varied forms of news writing and appropriate journalistic styles.  The influences and responsibilities of news media will be stressed.  Effective lay-out and newspaper design are taught in conjunction with theories of good management.  Students who elect to take this course should be proficient writers. 

Weight: 3

Course Length: Year

Pre-requisites: Theater Arts 1 &2 or by permission of teacher                          

Criteria for admissions:                                                                                                  

This full-year course will introduce students to acting techniques, directing styles technical theater, stage management, set design and construction, stage makeup, lighting, sound, costumes, and props.  Students will be actively involved in all phases of the theater including acting, directing, and working in a variety of backstage positions.  Students will follow a stage production from script selection to final curtain!

Non-Ranked

Course Length: 18 days

Pre-requisites: none                                                                                               

Criteria for admissions:                                                                                             

The goal of this Unit of Study is to introduce students to the format of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), while providing guidance and strategies to conquer the tasks that make up the examination. Whether real or imagined, the acronym “SAT” may conjure feelings of stress and tension for high school students. The information provided through the course is intended to help students develop the confidence and skills necessary to perform at a higher level on the examination, while relieving overall anxiety.

The students will engage in an in-depth review of: fundamental strategies of standardized test-taking; identification, use, and evaluation of command of evidence; evaluation and use of words and phrases in context; unpacking of critical reading questions; evaluation of author rhetoric; synthesis of paired passages; synthesis of passages and informational graphics; analysis of writing development, organization, and effective language use; analysis and implementation of standard English conventions; creation of rhetorical essay writing expertise. The skills introduced and reinforced in this course align with the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and History, and they are valuable elements that enhance success in many alternative subject areas.

Weight: 3

Course Length: Year

Pre-requisites: none                                                                                                     

Criteria for admissions:                                                                                                 

This full-year course serves as an introduction to the study of theater and the performing arts. As outlined in the NJSLS, students will be actively involved in comprehensive, sequential programs that include creating, performing, analysis, and reflection. Theater Arts 1 will familiarize students with the main factors of drama and theater production, as well as the study of the history of drama from the ancient Greeks to the artists of the Renaissance.

Weight: 3

Course Length: Semester

Pre-requisites: none                                                                                                                

Criteria for admissions:  

Dual enrollment: 3 college credits available from Fairleigh Dickinson Middle College Program (grades 9, 10, 11, 12)

This course is designed to provide students with knowledge of and experience in various forms writing.  In this semester course, the emphasis will be a hands-on workshop approach.  Through study and practical experience, students will develop skills in many creative writing forms.  These may include, but are not restricted to, poetry, short stories, children’s literature, scripts, character sketches, and advertising.  Grammatical principles will be stressed, as well as adherence to the steps of the writing process.  In addition, students will experience a variety of free-writing and idea-generating tasks and will submit original work for publication.  They will also demonstrate a sense of audience and purpose in writing.