English
Courses in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 in English Language Arts focus on reading and analyzing nonfiction and literature, developing speaking and listening skills, and enhancing writing skills through frequent opportunities to write, edit, and revise. Vocabulary, grammar, writing, research, and standard written English, are taught concurrently with the texts. Elective courses are offered in the areas of journalism, public speaking, creative writing, film analysis, theater, and college writing to meet the varied interests of students. Advanced Placement (AP) courses aligned with College Board and dual-credited courses aligned with Middlesex County College are also offered. All curricula are based upon the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. Summer reading assignments prior to entering honors and AP courses are mandatory.
CRITERIA FOR HONORS PLACEMENT AND ADVANCEMENT:
EIGHTH GRADE TO NINTH GRADE CRITERIA
Entrance into the Honors Program for ninth grade from Language Arts 8 classes will be considered based on the following criteria: teacher recommendation and a grade of at least “A-” for the year.
Students who wish to continue in the Honors Program from the Advanced Language Arts 8 classes must meet the following criteria: teacher recommendation and a grade of at least “B+” for the year.
All students in the Honors program are expected to be able to think critically about literature, write effectively in various modes/genres, and demonstrate a high level of self-motivation.
CRITERIA FOR HONORS AND ADVANCE PLACEMENT FOR GRADES 10, 11 AND 12
Entrance into the Honors Program will be considered based on the following criteria: teacher recommendation/supervisor approval, grade of “A” in previous College Prep course, and completion of the Honors summer assignment.
Students who wish to continue in the Honors Program must meet the following criteria: teacher recommendation/supervisor approval, grade of “B” in previous Honors course, and completion of the Honors summer assignment.
Entrance into Advanced Placement courses will be considered based on the following criteria: teacher recommendation/supervisor approval, grade of “A” in previous ELA course, and completion of the AP summer assignment.
Students who wish to continue in the AP Program must meet the following criteria: teacher recommendation/supervisor approval, grade of “B” in previous AP course, and completion of the AP summer assignment.
HONORS/AP CHALLENGE
Any student in a College Prep/Honors course may request entry into the Honors/AP Program through the Honors/AP Challenge; however, because it is a very difficult and challenging program, it is strongly recommended that the student achieve a final grade of “A” or better in the non-Honors/AP course and obtain teacher recommendation.
Core ELA Courses
Grade 9
COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH I 0115
CP English I focuses upon World Literature, which provides the foundation from which reading and writing skills are developed in this course. Writing assignments grow out of students’ discussions and involvement with the reading materials (classroom texts and outside readings). Students’ papers often serve as a basis for grammar lessons. Emphasis is placed on techniques to improve reading comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, and paragraphing. Furthermore, oral English skills are developed through formal speech, debate, and discussion experiences. Students will be expected to keep up with homework assignments, attend class regularly and promptly, and be responsible for bringing texts and other materials to class. Students must complete a research paper as a requirement of this course.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: College Prep
GRADE: 9
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval Only
COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH I 0116
CP English I focuses upon World Literature, which provides the foundation from which reading and writing skills are developed in this course. Writing assignments grow out of students’ discussions and involvement with the reading materials (classroom texts and outside readings). Students’ papers often serve as a basis for grammar lessons. Emphasis is placed on techniques to improve reading comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, and paragraphing. Furthermore, oral English skills are developed through formal speech, debate, and discussion experiences. Students will be expected to keep up with homework assignments, attend class regularly and promptly, and be responsible for bringing texts and other materials to class. Students must complete a research paper as a requirement of this course.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: College Prep
GRADE: 9
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval Only
HONORS ENGLISH I 0125
Through a rigorous course of study including various literary genres, both classic and modern, students will develop their ability to analyze world literature and to express concepts through diverse modes of writing. Students should understand that honors courses are designed for serious academic students and will require a clearly defined commitment from students to keep up with the extensive reading and writing assignments. The students must complete a research paper as a requirement of the course. Admission to this course requires the completion of a summer assignment, as determined by the English Department.
PREREQUISITE: Teacher recommendation and/or supervisor approval.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Honors
GRADE: 9
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval Only
ENGLISH COMMON CORE SUPPORT I (NOT RUNNING) 0173
This course is a small group class designed to improve basic reading and writing skills in ninth grade students. The content of the course concerns itself with required instruction and individualization necessary to improve those fundamental skills deficiencies. This program also includes various texts which students read for both facts and understanding. Standardized and teacher-made tests, as well as quizzes, open-ended questions, and varied writing prompts are measurements of growth.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 9
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval Only
Grade 10
COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH II 0215
This course expands upon the skills introduced the preceding school year. Students will engage in various modes of writing with continued emphasis on exposition and style. This course will survey major works of American literature, both fiction and non-fiction. In addition, the course reinforces high stakes standardized test-taking skills. Students must complete a research paper.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: College Prep
GRADE: 10
PREREQUISITE: 0115 - COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH I or 0116 - COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH I
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval Only
COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH II 0216
This course expands upon the skills introduced the preceding school year. Students will engage in various modes of writing with continued emphasis on exposition and style. This course will survey major works of American literature, both fiction and non-fiction. In addition, the course reinforces high stakes standardized test-taking skills. Students must complete a research paper.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: College Prep
GRADE: 10
PREREQUISITE: 0115 - COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH I or 0116 - COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH I
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval Only
HONORS ENGLISH II 0225
Honors English II expands upon the skills introduced in Honors English I. Students will engage in various modes of writing with emphasis on prose writing, including analytical essays and critical analyses. This course surveys major works in American literature including both fiction and non-fiction. Assignments will include essay writing, vocabulary development, and creative writing, as well as close reading and discussion of the above-mentioned works of literature. The students engage in outside research and read supplementary novels and plays. Students must complete a research paper as a requirement of this course. A summer assignment, as determined by the English Department, must be completed prior to entering this course.
COURSE NOTE: If not recommended the completion of Honors/AP Challenge Form is required
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Honors
GRADE :10
PREREQUISITE: 0125 - HONORS ENGLISH I or 0115 - COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH I or 0116 - COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH I
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval Only
ENGLISH COMMON CORE SUPPORT II (NOT RUNNING) 0273
This course continues to develop and reinforce the reading and writing skills in tenth-grade students. Selections in fiction and non-fiction are principal components from which assignments evolve. This program includes various types of literature from which students read and write with regard to both facts and understanding. Standardized and teacher-made tests, as well as quizzes, open-ended questions, and varied writing prompts are used as measurements of growth.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 10
Grade 11
COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH III 0315
Based upon major works in British literature--both fiction and non-fiction--this course for juniors continues to emphasize reading and writing skills. Students will study the various genres of poetry, the novel, and drama. They will also write in various modes with an emphasis on the expository essay. Standard writing and reading skills are emphasized through composition and practice test questions from high stakes tests. Students must complete a research paper as a requirement of this course.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: College Prep
GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: 0215 - COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH II or 0216 - COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH II
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval Only
COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH III 0316
Based upon major works in British literature--both fiction and non-fiction--this course for juniors continues to emphasize reading and writing skills. Students will study the various genres of poetry, the novel, and drama. They will also write in various modes with an emphasis on the expository essay. Standard writing and reading skills are emphasized through composition and practice test questions from high stakes tests. Students must complete a research paper as a requirement of this course.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: College Prep
GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: 0215 - COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH II or 0216 - COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH II
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval Only
HONORS ENGLISH III 0325
Honors English III expands upon the skills introduced in Honors English II. Students study major British works--both fiction and non-fiction--mostly chronologically and write essays with an emphasis on critical analysis. In addition, students must complete a literary analysis research paper. Supplemental work includes the reading of four British novels. Students also focus on standardized test-taking skills. Each Honors English III student must complete a department-approved summer assignment before entering the course.
COURSE NOTE: If not recommended the completion of Honors/AP Challenge Form is required
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Honors
GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: 0315 - COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH III, or 0316 - COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH III, or 0225 - HONORS ENGLISH II
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval Only
ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION 0335
This course is recommended for students who desire to pursue college-level studies in high school. Students prepare for the AP test and survey major British works (mostly chronologically). They also read and discuss contemporary essays using the rhetorical approach. In addition, students must complete a literary analysis research paper. Prior to entering the course in September, students must complete a department-approved summer essay assignment.
COURSE NOTE: If not recommended the completion of Honors/AP Challenge Form is required
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: 0225 - HONORS ENGLISH II
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval Only
ENGLISH COMMON CORE SUPPORT III (NOT RUNNING) 0373
This course continues to develop and reinforce the reading and writing skills in eleventh-grade students. Selections in fiction and non-fiction are principal components from which assignments evolve. This program includes various types of literature from which students read and write with regard to both facts and understanding. Standardized and teacher-made tests, as well as quizzes, open-ended questions, and varied writing prompts are used as measurements of growth.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 11
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval Only
Grade 12
COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH IV: World Literature 0415
Students will read literary works from all genres, nonfiction contemporary literature, and classical world literature. Careful analysis of themes and ideas will accompany the study of literature. Additionally, writing (creative pieces, reaction papers, and critical analyses) will be a major component of the course. Students will also develop competency in public speaking, vocabulary development, listening, viewing, and research in preparation for college. Students will complete a research paper as a requirement of this course.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: College Prep
GRADE : 12
PREREQUISITE: 0365 - ENGLISH III, or 0315 - COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH III, or 0316 - COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH III
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval Only
COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH IV: World Literature 0416
Students will read literary works from all genres, nonfiction contemporary literature, and classical world literature. Careful analysis of themes and ideas will accompany the study of literature. Additionally, writing (creative pieces, reaction papers, and critical analyses) will be a major component of the course. Students will also develop competency in public speaking, vocabulary development, listening, viewing, and research in preparation for college. Students will complete a research paper as a requirement of this course.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: College Prep
GRADE : 12
PREREQUISITE: 0365 - ENGLISH III, or 0315 - COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH III, or 0316 - COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH III
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval Only
COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH IV: Myth and Monsters: Making Meaning of Our World 0635
This course will examine how myths and monsters come from complex, often subtle aspects of popular culture, and reflect the society of the time. Putting those stories into cultural context will prepare students for the close reading, critical thinking and in-depth analysis required for success in college-level work. Students will learn and apply synthesis skills in thinking and writing as they search for mythological echoes in our current popular culture, as well as new and emerging mythology. Students will complete a research paper as a requirement of this course.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: College Prep
GRADE: 12
PPREREQUISITE: 0365 - ENGLISH III, or 0315 - COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH III, or 0316 - COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH III
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval Only
COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH IV: Myth and Monsters: Making Meaning of Our World 0636
This course will examine how myths and monsters come from complex, often subtle aspects of popular culture, and reflect the society of the time. Putting those stories into cultural context will prepare students for the close reading, critical thinking and in-depth analysis required for success in college-level work. Students will learn and apply synthesis skills in thinking and writing as they search for mythological echoes in our current popular culture, as well as new and emerging mythology. Students will complete a research paper as a requirement of this course.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: College Prep
GRADE: 12
PPREREQUISITE: 0365 - ENGLISH III, or 0315 - COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH III, or 0316 - COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH III
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval Only
COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH IV: Race, Class, and Gender 0625
This course will help students navigate the social, philosophical, and political development of race and ethnic identities in America. As an English course, students will engage in non-fiction reading and informative writing that align with the ELA New Jersey Student Learning Standards. This course will help students negotiate complex ideas on racial identities as expressed by well-known literary works. Using APA or MLA formatting, students will be expected to develop and produce research projects that incorporate literary analysis, historiographies, and political readings.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: College Prep
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: 0365 - ENGLISH III, or 0315 - COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH III, or 0316 - COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH III
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval Only
COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH IV: Science Fiction & Fantasy 0637
The course satisfies the CP English IV requirement and expands upon skills acquired in the eleventh grade. It is aligned to the 12th grade NJ Student Learning Standards and will provide an overview of science fiction with close analysis of its relevance in today’s society. Science Fiction and Fantasy are literary genres that too often are underestimated. While each term refers to a wide variety of literature, they also frequently overlap. Novels that fit these classifications range from The Hobbit to the works of Isaac Asimov, creating a wide range of stylistic and thematic content. Commonly, these works feature imaginative views of interplanetary travel or a fantasy landscape. The specific manner in which tremendous scientific advancements or the nature and practice of magic are reimagined by every author who takes up these tropes. Because of their focus on elements outside our present reality, these novels are often dubbed “escapist” by critics. However, frequently Sci-Fi and Fantasy literature use great imagination to create metaphors suggestive of the society surrounding the writer. Rather than escaping from reality, these writers use their imagined realities to comment on the beauty and horror that they perceive in the non-fictional world. Because Science Fiction and Fantasy literature speak from an imaginative place, novels in these genres are often engaging and enjoyable to read. This course will use these high-interest novels and short stories to teach students about literary techniques and to see social commentary in literature. The course will focus on several representative works to identify the methods and messages of the writers that define these genres, both historically and more recently. The focus, however, will be on reading and interpreting these novels and expressing analysis in writing. The final project for the course requires students to select a work of Science Fiction or Fantasy that they are interested in, and interpret it through the lenses studied in this course to create a presentation or analytical research paper using APA or MLA formatting.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: College Prep
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: 0365 - ENGLISH III, or 0315 - COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH III, or 0316 - COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH III
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval Only
HONORS ENGLISH IV 0445
This course has been designed for students who demonstrate strength in Language Arts, but are not planning to take the Advanced Placement Test for college credits. Honors English IV will further focus on those advanced skills studied in Honors English III. Students will read literature and nonfiction from all genres by both contemporary and classical world authors. Students will continue to develop their writing skills by engaging in various modes of writing, including creative pieces, reaction papers, and critical analysis. In addition, students must complete a research paper as a requirement of this course. Students will also demonstrate proficiency in both public speaking and viewing.
COURSE NOTE: If not recommended the completion of Honors/AP Challenge Form is required
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Honors
GRADE :12
PREREQUISITE: 0315 - COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH III, or 0316 - COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH III, or 0325 - HONORS ENGLISH III
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval
HONORS ENGLISH IV Myth and Monsters 0447
This course is a cross-cultural survey of the creation, hero, trickster, love, and fertility myths of diverse cultures including Greco-Roman, Judeo-Christian, Mesopotamian, Egyptian, African, Hindu, Buddhist, Nordic, Meso-American, and Native American. Myths from around the globe are read and discussed through some of their epics, plays, poems, folktales, and histories. Additionally, this course will be an overview of monsters in literature around the world, allowing for the study of the role and relevance of monsters in society. This course will focus on the cultural creation of various monsters, the fears they represent, and the steps that can be taken to overcome and defeat those monsters (and fears) both figuratively and literally. Students will apply close reading skills, critical thinking, and deep analysis; traits required for success in college-level work. We will learn and apply synthesis skills in thinking and writing as we identify commonalities between pieces of literature, cultures, and the universal meanings that have been found in myths and monsters. They will develop their analysis through classroom discussions and written essays. Skills will culminate in a final exam. The completion of a research paper is also a requirement of this course.
COURSE NOTE: If not recommended the completion of Honors/AP Challenge Form is required
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Honors
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: 0315 - COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH III, or 0316 - COLLEGE PREP ENGLISH III, or 0325 - HONORS ENGLISH III
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval
ADVANCED PLACEMENT LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION 0435
The Advanced Placement English Literature course is recommended for seniors who desire to pursue college level studies while in secondary school. This course prepares students for the standardized AP test and college level English classes. Students enrolling in this course should plan to take the Advanced Placement Test. The students will learn to identify and analyze the characteristics of meritorious literary works while explaining and applying all expository forms of writing. A summer assignment, as determined by the English Department, must be completed prior to admission into this course.
COURSE NOTE: If not recommended the completion of Honors/AP Challenge Form is required
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: 0325 - HONORS ENGLISH III or 0335 - ADVANCED PLACEMENT LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval
PORTFOLIO F 0465
This course provides additional opportunity for students to prepare for the graduation assessment requirement. It is a small group class designed to improve reading, writing, and study skills for Grade 12 students who have shown deficiencies indicated by the results of the NJGPA and/or previous subject-area performance indicators. The content of the course consists of required whole-class instruction, practice, and assessments in conjunction with individualized NJSLS performance tasks necessary to improve deficiencies in basic skill areas.. The targeted writing skills are those needed for success on the NJGPA. Teacher-made assessments and NJSLS performance are measurements of growth.
COURSE NOTE: Only for grade 12 students who have not passed a state standardized assessment for graduation
CREDIT: 2.5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 12
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval
PORTFOLIO S 0466
This semester course continues supporting students in meeting their state standardized assessment for graduation. The focus of this course is the NJ DOE Portfolio Appeals Process. It is a small group class designed to improve reading, writing, and study skills for Grade 12 students who have shown deficiencies indicated by the results of the NJGPA and/or previous subject-area performance indicators. The content of the course consists of required whole-class instruction, practice, and assessments in conjunction with individualized NJSLS performance tasks necessary to improve deficiencies in basic skill areas identified from the student’s CP English IV class performance. This program focuses on improvement of Narrative and Informational reading skills through work with both short works and novels. The targeted writing skills are those needed for success on both the NJGPA and in College Preparatory English class. Students in this class are expected to plan, organize, access, and execute strategies for continued success in his/her CP English IV by utilizing extra resource materials for additional support. Teacher-made assessments and NJSLS performance are measurements of growth.
COURSE NOTE: Only for grade 12 students who have not passed a state standardized assessment for graduation
CREDIT: 2.5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 12
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval
ENGLISH COMMON CORE SUPPORT IV (NOT RUNNING) 0455
This course continues to develop and reinforce the reading and writing skills in twelfth-grade students. Selections in fiction and nonfiction are principal components from which assignments evolve. This program includes various types of literature from which students read and write with regard to both facts and understanding. Standardized and teacher-made tests, as well as quizzes, open-ended questions, and varied writing prompts are used as measurements of growth.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 12
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval Required
Elective & Academic Courses
MASS AND SOCIAL MEDIA I 0405
This course is for students who wish to learn the basics of journalism. Instruction will cover the fundamentals of reporting including news, features, sports, editorials, and headline/caption writing. Students will also receive training in copy editing, layout, and production of the school’s online newspaper website. Students’ writing will be made available for publication on the school’s online newspaper website as a requirement of this course. Skills will culminate in a final exam. Students taking this course will have the opportunity to obtain college credits. Those who pass may earn 3 college credits at their own expense. This course can be taken multiple times for elective credit.
CREDIT: 2.5
TYPE: Elective / Academic
GRADE: 9-12
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: For college credit mandatory pre-requisite 0976 - COLLEGE WRITING I (with a grade of "C" or better)
MASS AND SOCIAL MEDIA II 0407
This course introduces descriptive writing for newspaper and magazine style publications. Students will write a variety of features such as people or subject profiles, public issue assignments, travel stories, personal narratives, and in-depth story assignments. Additionally, students will develop and maintain a personal blog throughout the semester. This course emphasizes the development of editorial skills and online newspaper website production. Students’ writing will be made available for publication on the school’s online newspaper website as a requirement of this course. Skills will culminate in a final exam. Students taking this course will have the opportunity to obtain college credits. Those who pass may earn 3 college credits at their own expense This course can be taken multiple times for elective credit.
CREDIT: 2.5
TYPE: Elective / Academic
GRADE: 9-12
PREREQUISITE: 0405 - MASS AND SOCIAL MEDIA I
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: For college credit mandatory pre-requisite 0977 - COLLEGE WRITING II (with a grade of "C" or better)
THEATRE WORKSHOP I 0515
An academic as well as an experimental study of theatre and drama, Theatre Workshop provides students with a rich scope of experience. Students will complete a historical survey of the theatre and drama. The course will also focus on various aspects of theatrical production: acting, scene study, character examination, set design, lighting, make-up, costumes, and directing. Students must be willing to perform in front of the class; however, no prior experience is necessary.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Elective
GRADE : 9-12
THEATRE WORKSHOP II 0520
This course is designed for well-trained and experienced drama students. It will be an intensive program in which they will focus on projects including set design and construction, production, performance, and composition of one-act plays. Students will also be encouraged to attend school, community, and professional theatrical performances.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Elective
GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: 0515 - THEATRE WORKSHOP I
CREATIVE WRITING 0525
This full-year course is designed for students who wish to develop their creative writing skills. Students will express themselves through original poems, short stories, plays, non-fiction, and journals. Topics will come from a variety of assignments, as well as from students’ own experiences and sensory impressions. Students will read and discuss literary models, utilize peer review, conference with the instructor, and share final products with the class. Also, students will be encouraged to develop individual writing portfolios, as well as submit their original creations to "Painted Words," the high school art and literary magazine.
In the second half of the year, an emphasis will be placed on student directed and developed writing projects. Students will work on strengthening their voice, developing a more sophisticated writing style, and continuing to study and utilize literary conventions in contemporary and traditional writing styles.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Elective
GRADE: 9-12
EXPLORING HUMANITY THROUGH FILM 0555
This semester course will include the use of selected films and scenes from movies as a vehicle for visual reflection on themes, ideas, and values as they reflect a global society. These issues will be explored through connections made to music, poetry, short stories, plays, research, and writing.
Two suggested courses to pair with Exploring Humanity Through Film are Basic Public Speaking and Cinema and Film.
CREDIT: 2.5
TYPE: Elective
GRADE: 9-12
BASIC PUBLIC SPEAKING 0575
This semester course is designed to help students become confident speakers. Students will learn to research, compose, and deliver various types of speeches including impromptu, informative, persuasive, demonstrative, and panel presentations. Also, students will become familiar with various techniques for using audiovisuals with presentations. Students will also read and analyze famous speeches from literature and history. The primary goal of this course is for students to become effective, self-confident communicators.
It is suggested that Basic Public Speaking, a semester course, be paired with Exploring Humanity Through Film.
CREDIT: 2.5
TYPE: Elective
GRADE: 9-12
COLLEGE EXPOSITORY WRITING I 0976
College Expository Writing I is a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in an intense writing experience. This course is best suited to students who eagerly seek the challenge of developing both their university and professional writing lives. Students will analyze and evaluate a variety of nonfiction texts for the purpose of making connections to develop an independent thesis. This course requires students to complete seven five-page papers in a semester. College Expository Writing is a dual credit experience offered to students through a partnership with the Middlesex Community College. Students will complete the curriculum for Expository Writing 121, the mandatory undergraduate writing course at Middlesex Community College. Students who take College English may submit their cumulative writing portfolio and those who pass may earn 3 college credits at their own expense. Students are subject to Middlesex Community College policies, including those related to academic integrity.
It is strongly suggested that this semester course is paired with College Expository Writing II. Both courses are academic, and their content will give the student a taste of university experience.
CREDIT: 2.5
TYPE: Academic
GRADE: 9-12
COLLEGE EXPOSITORY WRITING II 0977
College Expository Writing II is a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in an intense research writing experience. Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English. Students will use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing argument synthesis essays. Students will engage in formal written argumentation based on extensive reading and analysis of complex texts. Through the research process, students will locate, analyze, and synthesize scholarly sources to advance their own informed positions on relevant issues in the composition of a formal research paper. This course is best suited to students who eagerly seek the challenge of developing both their university and professional writing lives. This course requires students to complete a formal research paper in addition to four five-to six-page papers, and a portfolio in a semester. College Expository Writing II is a dual credit experience offered to students through a partnership with the Middlesex Community College. Students will complete the curriculum for Expository Writing 122, the mandatory undergraduate writing course at Middlesex Community College. Students who take College Expository Writing may submit their cumulative writing portfolio and those who pass may earn 3 college credits at their own expense. Students are subject to Middlesex Community College policies, including those related to academic integrity.
CREDIT: 2.5
TYPE: Academic
PREREQUISITE: 0976-College Writing I
GRADE: 9-12
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: For college credit mandatory pre-requisite 0976 - COLLEGE WRITING I (with a grade of "C" or better)
YEARBOOK JOURNALISM & DESIGN 0535
In this course, students work toward the production of "Daedalus," the yearbook of NBTHS. Students will plan and design layouts, write the articles, take many of the photographs, and proofread completed pages. Prospective candidates for enrollment in this course should be good writers, have a strong work ethic, and be able to use a 35 mm or digital camera. Students are required to work beyond regular school hours to meet the deadline schedule.
PREREQUISITE: Completed course enrollment application required.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Elective
GRADE: 10-12
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval Required
LEGENDARY AUTHORS (NOT RUNNING) 0545
For many of us, the experiences we have while reading enriches our daily lives. Books open up new and vibrant worlds to discover. This semester course invites students to travel some of the most compelling of these worlds. Works by authors such as Baldwin, Borges, Flaubert, Hemingway, Melville, Tolstoy, and Woolf will be starting points for spirited and thoughtful conversations. In addition to the insightful discussions, our journey will include regular reading assignments, some quizzes, and tests. Students who love to read, think, and discuss should sign up.
Students who take Legendary Authors should consider taking another elective that will provide similar opportunities for growth.
CREDIT: 2.5
TYPE: College Prep
GRADE: 10-12
ADVANCED PLACEMENT CAPSTONE SEMINAR (Humanities) 0437
AP Capstone Seminar is an interdisciplinary course that encourages students to demonstrate critical thinking, collaboration, and academic research skills on topics of the student’s choosing. Students will develop and practice the skills in research, collaboration, and communication that will help them in any academic discipline. Students will investigate topics in a variety of subject areas, write research-based essays, and design and give presentations both individually and as part of a team. A summer assignment, as determined by the English Department, must be completed prior to admission into this course.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 10-12
ADVANCED PLACEMENT CAPSTONE RESEARCH (Humanities) 0438
AP Capstone Research is an interdisciplinary course that encourages students to demonstrate critical thinking and academic research skill on a topic of the student's choosing. This course builds on what the students learned in AP Capstone Seminar to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Through this exploration, each student will design, plan, and conduct a year-long research-based investigation to address a research question. A summer assignment, as determined by the English Department, must be completed prior to admission into this course.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
PREREQUISITE: 0437-AP CAPSTONE SEMINAR (Humanities)
GRADE: 11-12
HIGH STAKES WRITING FOR THE POST-SECONDARY WORLD 0576
This year-long elective will benefit juniors and seniors that are preparing for standardized testing as they embark upon the college entrance process. The highly focused writing skills that will be obtained throughout the year will be tips, guidelines and prompts that address past SAT, ACT, Subject Area SAT exams and the ASVAB Exam. Students will also research and prepare for specific college entrance exam requirements. Individuals will also be exposed to guest speakers from various professions that highlight the necessary writing skills they need to be successful. The class will gain perspective and understanding of the myriad of ways in which writing is necessary for today’s careers. We will examine the technological world of the 21st Century and analyze how websites and social media have played into the professional scope. The culminating portfolio will be a project highlighting examples of personalized exemplars that students can bring to professional and educational interviews. These pieces will demonstrate their writing capabilities in different modalities, showcasing pertinent skills when seeking admission or an internship position.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Academic
GRADE: 11-12
