English Language Arts

Course work in Journalism and Yearbook can be counted toward the credits required for graduation but cannot be counted as a portion of the English Language Arts major or the English Language Arts graduation requirement.

English Language Arts 9                                                                                                       

Course Number: 0110 

Gr: 9                                                                                                                             

Length: Yr. 

Credit: 1 credit                                                                                                                                

This course concentrates on developing composition, communication, and writing skills. The course offers major units of study in the novel, short fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and mythology. Writing assignments range from constructing complete sentences early in the year to writing competent argumentative, expository, and narrative paragraphs as students progress. The fundamentals of the research process will be improved upon through multiple, short research-based projects and essays. The State Standards will be the main focus of the curriculum, with resources such as Romeo and Juliet, the Odyssey, and a variety of other reading selections. The curriculum for this course is based on the Ohio State Standards.

English Language Arts 9 Academic                                                                                      

Course Number: 0120 

Gr: 9                                                                                                                             

Length: Yr. 

Credit: 1 credit                                                                                                     

NCAA Approved 

In this course, the first step in preparing students for college level work, students are expected to complete essays with emphasis on proficiency in the narrative, argumentative, and expository modes. In addition, students will become acquainted with the structure of the essay, including the use of organizational techniques and transitions. Research skills will be reinforced and improved upon through multiple, short research-based projects and essays. The Ohio State Standards will be the main focus of the curriculum, with resources such as Romeo and Juliet, the Odyssey, and a variety of other reading selections - both literature selections and nonfiction informational selections - serving as support. 

English Language Arts 9 Advanced (H)                                                                                 

Course Number: 0130 

Gr: 9                                                                                                                             

Length: Yr. 

Credit: 1 credit                                                                                                     

NCAA Approved

Prerequisite: teacher recommendation; successful completion of English Language Arts 8 with a “B” or above is recommended.

This course is designed for the motivated and self-directed student who will accept the challenge of a fast-paced class. Students will be expected to choose additional selections for independent reading that should relate to the curriculum. Discussions are in greater depth and writing assignments are more complex than those in the academic level class. Students are also expected to develop a personal writing style over the course of the year. Vocabulary development, usage, and research skills are an integral part of the course. Students will read and evaluate nonfiction informational texts as well, including modern essays, narratives, and classic documents via written and oral evaluation. The curriculum for this course is based on the Ohio State Standards.

English Language Arts 10                                                                                                     

Course Number: 0210 

Gr: 10                                                                                                                           

Length: Yr. 

Credit: 1 credit                                                                                                                               

Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of English Language Arts 9

This course is designed for the student who struggles with reading comprehension and written expression and who is unsure about college plans; it also reinforces the fundamentals needed by students. It consists of reading and writing about novels, short fiction, and works of drama. Nonfiction texts, including modern essays, narratives, and informational documents, will also be examined to help students build vocabulary skills, recognize author’s purpose, evaluate argumentative approaches, and become aware of textual inferences. Composition emphasizes basic paragraph development and introduces the structure of the multi-paragraph essay, including the use of organizational techniques and transitions. The course will reinforce basic skills, including recognizing valid Internet sources, and citing sources. The curriculum for this course is based on the Ohio State Standards.

English Language Arts 10 Academic                                                                                    

Course Number: 0220 

Gr: 10                                                                                                                           

Length: Yr. 

Credit: 1 credit                                                                                                     

NCAA Approved 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of English Language Arts 9 or 9 Academic

This course is designed for the college bound student. Dramatic techniques, as well as characteristics of narrative are taught with the study of Shakespearean tragedy and other works of literature. Major works are supplemented by selected short fiction and nonfiction units, which provide topics for discussion of major literary techniques. Nonfiction texts, including modern essays, narratives, and informational documents, will also be examined to help students build vocabulary skills, recognize author’s purpose, evaluate argumentative approaches, and become aware of textual inferences. Composition emphasizes basic paragraph structure with supporting details, including examples and criticism, and includes the use of organizational techniques and transitions. Several grammatical elements are taught and reinforced throughout the year. Most compositions are based on the reading assignments. Students will reinforce collegiate research skills. The curriculum for this course is based on the Ohio State Standards.

English Language Arts 10 Advanced (H)                                                       

English Language Arts 10 Pre-Advanced Placement (H)

Course Number: 0230

Gr: 10

Length: Yr.

Credit: 1 credit

NCAA Approved

Prerequisite: teacher recommendation; successful completion of English Language Arts 9 Advanced with a “C” or above is recommended. Any student not currently enrolled in English Language Arts 9 Advanced should have the recommendation of his/her English Language Arts 9 Academic teacher.

This class encompasses many of the same concepts and skills taught in the Academic class (see 10 Academic course description), but the discussions of literature go into more depth, the composition assignment load is heavier, and additional works of literature and nonfiction are read. Students are expected to learn and demonstrate sophisticated organization, development, and sentence structure in both the expository and analytical writing modes. The curriculum for this course is based on the Ohio State Standards.

English Language Arts Academic: Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature.                              

Course Number: 0740

Gr: 11/12                                                                                                                                    

Length: Yr.

Credit: 1 credit

NCAA Approved

Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature is a course designed to examine literature in relation to science, history, and philosophy. Students will explore themes such as (but not limited to) the following: human perseverance, ingenuity, philosophy, theology, politics, and personal sacrifice, through the lens of texts about human character and culture. By looking at life through the lens of both science and fantasy, students will explore and expand their understanding of culture and what shapes our understanding of self and the world we live in. These topics will be explored through various short and extended fiction and nonfiction titles, including Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, The Time Machine, Ender’s Game, I, Robot, The Fellowship of the Ring, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Dragonflight among others. Throughout this course, the students will explore these topics through class discussions, informal writing assignments, formal academic writing assignments, and small group projects.  The curriculum for this course is based on the Ohio State Standards. As some of the themes addressed in this course may be geared towards mature audiences, parental approval will be required prior to student participation.

English Language Arts Academic: Sports Literature                                      

Course Number: 0730                                                                                                                       

Gr: 11/12                                                                                                                                    

Length: Yr.

Credit: 1 credit

NCAA Approved

Sports Literature is a course designed to examine the connections between sports and themes of everyday life. By looking at life through the lens of sport, we will determine how sports both match the values we profess to admire in society and simultaneously defy them. To do this, we will explore various themes prevalent in sport, including but not limited to: ethics, equality, justice, honor, rivalry, cooperation, and obsession with excellence. These topics will be explored through various fiction and nonfiction titles, including Friday Night Lights, The Natural, Shoeless Joe, Glory Road, Blood Feud, Fever Pitch, On Rocky Top, among others. Throughout this course, the students will explore these topics through class discussions, informal writing assignments, formal academic writing assignments, small group projects and presentations. The rigorous curriculum for this course is based on the Ohio State Standards and is designed to prepare students for the demanding future study in college, industry, or the military. Students will be expected to read and write independently. As some of the themes addressed in this course may be geared towards mature audiences, parental approval will be required prior to student participation.

English Language Arts Academic: Media Studies and Composition                           

Course Number: 0735 

Gr. 11/12

Length: Yr. 

Credit: 1 credit

NCAA Approved

This course offers students a study of the convergence of the media arts, including traditional and contemporary literature, film, television, music, and digital media to create more active, critical viewers of our modern culture. Students will develop a foundation in the analysis of these media arts in order to acquire the necessary skills to participate in a diverse global community. Students will also learn to strengthen their reflective and analytical writing skills by focusing on the stylistic elements of their writing to push it to an accomplished level. Students are expected to complete various reading assignments outside of class, group research projects, online group threaded discussion assignments, Socratic seminar discussions, in-class and formal essays, and individual presentations.The rigorous curriculum for this course is based on the Ohio State Standards and is designed to prepare students for the demanding future study in college, industry, or the military. Students will be expected to read and write independently. As some of the themes addressed in this course may be geared towards mature audiences, parental approval will be required prior to student participation.

English Language Arts Academic: American Literature                                                       

Course Number: 0320 

Gr: 11/12                                                                                                                      

Length: Yr. 

Credit: 1 credit                                                                                                     

NCAA Approved 

This course surveys American literature through the twenty-first century. The selections (novels, plays, poems, and short stories) will form the basis of the course, which will be supported by informational texts such as literary criticism, biography, and historical/philosophical texts. Students will use the research collected from informational texts to support their own analysis of the literature. Students will write both formal compositions, including research papers, in-class essays, and informal journal entries to demonstrate comprehension and analysis of various topics, texts, and issues. Students will also be expected to participate in teacher-led and student-led discussions concerning both literary and informational texts. Some units will culminate in student synthesis of ideas in project/presentation format based on literary research. The rigorous curriculum for this course is based on the Ohio State Standards and is designed to prepare students for the demanding future study in college, industry, or the military. Students will be expected to read and write independently.

English Language Arts Academic: 21st Century Skills                                                          

Course Number: 0420 

Gr: 11/12                                                                                                                      

Length: Yr. 

Credit: 1 credit                                                                                                     

NCAA Approved 

21st Century Skills is an academic-level junior/senior language arts course where students will be expected to complete written and reading work in class, as well as outside of class. The aim of the course is to prepare high school students to succeed at 21st-century college-level work. We will read a variety of both student-selected and teacher-selected texts in a number of formats, including electronic as well as print materials. In addition to more traditional readings from novels, short fiction and nonfiction, and news articles, students will also analyze and produce works published electronically in order to recognize and understand the differences among the different genres. Digital literacy will be heavily emphasized in 21st Century Skills. The rigorous curriculum for this course is based on the Ohio State Standards and is designed to prepare students for the demanding future study in college, industry, or the military. Students will be expected to read and write independently.

College English Composition I                                                                                  

Course Number: 11000 & 11200

Gr: 11- 12                                                                                                                     

Length: Yr.

Credit: 1 credit HS/3 semester credits English Composition I Sinclair                

NCAA Approved                                   

Prerequisite: Successful completion of two units of English/Language Arts with a minimum of a B average

English Composition consists of two, separate, semester-long writing-intensive courses designed on basic principles and practices of rhetoric and composition. This course explores how such principles and practices can be useful for producing writing that is effective for its purpose, audience, and context.

In ENG 1101 students learn reflective, analytical, and argumentative writing strategies, while incorporating sources and personal experience. Students will negotiate between public and private rhetorical situations and purposes to achieve academic literacy. They will write multiple drafts using a recursive writing process as they work toward fluency in style and mechanics. 

Per Northmont High School requirements, a student is permitted to withdraw from a course no later than the fifth school day for a year-long course, and a student may not add a year-long course after the fifth school day. Students who withdraw from a course after the above stated deadlines will receive a final grade of F, which will be used in the calculation of the cumulative grade point average. This course will become part of the student’s permanent college record and will be posted on all transcripts. Partial credit will not be issued.

College English Composition II

Course Number: 11200

Gr. 11-12

Length: Yr.

Credit: 1 credit HS/3 semester credits English Composition I Sinclair

NCAA Approved

Prerequisite: Participation in ENG 1201 requires a C or better upon completion of ENG 1101

English Composition consists of two, separate, semester-long writing-intensive courses designed on basic principles and practices of rhetoric and composition. This course explores how such principles and practices can be useful for producing writing that is effective for its purpose, audience, and context.

In ENG 1201, building on the skills in ENG 1101, students will develop rhetorical literacy through research, critical reading and multi-genre writing tasks. Through major and minor, cumulative and stand-alone assignments, students construct arguments and analyses, ethically incorporating academic sources while developing their own voices as writers and citizens. 

Per Northmont High School requirements, a student is permitted to withdraw from a course no later than the fifth school day for a year-long course, and a student may not add a year-long course after the fifth school day. Students who withdraw from a course after the above stated deadlines will receive a final grade of F, which will be used in the calculation of the cumulative grade point average. This course will become part of the student’s permanent college record and will be posted on all transcripts. Partial credit will not be issued.

College Introduction to Literature

Course Number: 11150

Gr: 11-12

Length: Sem.

Credit: 1 credit

NCAA Approved

Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of ENG 1101

Introduction to Literature introduces students to the major literary genres of literature, including narrative fiction, poetry, and drama. Emphasis is placed on literary terminology and interpretation. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze and respond to literature. Students will effectively and ethically argue their interpretations of literary works using textual evidence and Modern Language Association (MLA) documentation.

AP English: English Language & Composition                                               

Course Number: 0340 

Gr: 11-12                                                                                                                      

Length: Yr. 

Credit: 1 credit                                                                                                     

NCAA Approved

Prerequisite: successful completion of two units of academic or honors English/Language Arts with a minimum of a B average is recommended. 

The AP English Language and Composition course requires nonfiction readings that give students opportunities to identify and explain author’s use of rhetorical strategies and techniques. In addition to preparing for the May AP exam, AP English continues the progression of Northmont language arts instruction by examining American literature through the centuries. Students will be expected to read four to six major works during the year. Students will work with various types of research and become skilled in judging the validity of both online and print materials. Students that sign-up for AP English Language and Composition should be enthusiastic readers, good writers, and self-motivated.

AP English: Literature and Composition                                                         

Course Number: 0440 

Gr: 11- 12                                                                                                                     

Length: Yr. 

Credit: 1 credit                                                                                                     

NCAA Approved 

Prerequisite: teacher recommendation. Successful completion of two units of academic or honors English/Language Arts with a minimum of a B average.

This course is designed to foster college level writing and literacy skills through the curricular requirements outlined in the AP course description according to College Board in preparation for the AP exam in May. Students will examine, discuss, and produce both formal and in-class essays analyzing literature through literary techniques such as (but not limited to) diction, syntax, theme, symbolism, and other figurative devices. Students will learn about several critical lens theories and other literary tools and analytical devices to help them dig deep into the meaning of literary works as a whole. Students will be expected to read several major works as a whole class during the school year, including but not limited to, British lit., American lit., world poetry, drama, and prose. Students will also receive direct instruction and practice over prose, poetry, and multiple-choice sections of past AP exams released by College Board. Students will be required to read a minimum of four full-length literary works (either novels or dramas) by at least two different authors outside of class and complete a capstone project showcasing their understanding of these texts in relation to answering the driving question, “Why is literature valuable?”. Overall, students will be refining their analytical skills and writing skills throughout the course.

Journalism                                                                                                                           

Course Number: 0700 

Gr: 9-10-11-12                                                                                                              

Length: Yr. 

Credit: 1 credit 

Students in Journalism will learn the fundamentals of journalistic writing using AP style to write different types of news stories. They will learn the techniques of proofreading, brainstorming, advertising, photography, website design, and interviewing. Some students’ writing will be published on the school news website, The Thunder, and students will work closely with students on the journalism staff. Students electing to take this course must have a good grasp of English fundamentals and be willing to learn journalistic writing.

Broadcasting                                                                                                                          

Course Number: 0705 

Gr: 9-10-11-12                                                                                                              

Length: Yr. 

Credit: 1 credit 

Students in Broadcast Journalism will learn the fundamentals of video production and live news broadcasting. This class will be responsible for running the morning announcements live stream, “Northmont News.” Students will learn how to use camera equipment, how to write scripts, how to work with studio software, and how to manage a Youtube live stream. Those involved in the class will rotate through various job duties and learn how to run a news program. Skills learned in this class can be useful for anyone interested in going into television, video production, or streaming. 

Yearbook I                                                                                                                                       

Course Number: 0775

Gr: 9-10                                                                                                                                 

Length: Yr.

Credit: 1 credit

Prerequisite: Application

The Yearbook I class will be introduced to all facets of photojournalism and publication design, including copywriting, graphic design and layout, photography, and marketing. Students electing to take this course must be interested in pursuing writing, graphic design, and/or photography. Students in the class will make frequent contributions to the yearbook staff and be exposed to all elements that go into creating the Northmont High School yearbook.

Yearbook Staff                                                                                                                       

Course Number: 0780

Gr: 11-12                                                                                                                      

Length: Yr. 

Credit: 1 credit 

Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of Yearbook I, application and instructor approval

The Yearbook staff will be responsible for planning, designing, creating, and marketing the Northmont High School yearbook. Students will be involved in all facets of its production, including copywriting, graphic design and layout, photography/photojournalism, and marketing. Students enrolled in this publication design course should be self-directed and committed to creating a high-quality product.

Technical Theatre                                                                                                                  

Course Number: 0855 

Gr: 9-10-11-12                                                                                                                   

Length: Sem. 

Credit: 1/2 credit 

This course offers students instruction and practical experience in technical theatre. Major units of study will include lighting design and operation, scenery design and construction, sound reinforcement, costuming, makeup, and props. Hands-on experience with stage equipment operation and set construction will be emphasized, but classroom instruction and evaluation will also be included in the course. This course will be primarily project driven, with students working in small groups to design and create technical elements for potential productions. 

Theatre Arts                                                                                                                          

Course Number: 0860 

Gr: 9-10-11-12                                                                                                                   

Length: Sem. 

Credit: 1/2 credit                                                                                                  

This course will offer students the opportunity to learn the history and techniques of acting. Emphasis is placed on the use of the voice and body, acting techniques, and stage movement. Students work with in groups and individually to create unique theatrical performances, culminating in developing their own show as a final project. This course involves some written assignments and reading of plays, but the emphasis is on performance and production.

College Credit Plus: Introduction to Theatre                                                                                                                          

Course Number: 0870

Gr: 11-12                                                                                                                   

Length: Sem. 

Credit: 1 HS credit (3 credit hours college credit)  

Prerequisite: Acceptance by Edison State Community College                                                                                               

Study of the art form of theater from three perspectives: history of theater, values and criticism in theater, and the practice of theater professionals. Students are not required to perform in this course.

Acting For the Camera                                                                                                                    

Course Number: 0745

Gr:10-11-12                                                                                                                   

Length: Year

Credit: 1 credit                                                                                                       

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Technical Theatre and/or Theatre Arts

This course is for students who have completed the previous theatre courses. This collaborative, project-based course will have both technical and acting students apply their skills in unique ways as they create and develop an original television series. Students will examine the television production process, read and analysis TV scripts, meet professionals in the field, and develop their own complete television series. Students who take this course must be self-motivated and open to problem solving.

College Credit Plus: Acting I                                                                                   

Course Number: 0760

Gr: 11-12                                                                                                                  

Length: Year

Credit: 1 HS credit/ 3 college credits                                                                                                     

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Acting for the Camera I and acceptance by Edison State Community College

Introduction to modern acting, with an emphasis on live performance in the realistic style. Students will encounter techniques for analyzing playscripts, fundamentals of movement and vocal interpretation, and experiences designed to increase proficiency in theatrical performance.