English

Administrator: Jamie Sullivan | (315)-218-2118 | Department Chair NSJHS: Kimberly Delahunt | Department Chair CNS: Ken Sherry

Minimum Graduation Requirements: Students must earn four credits of English and pass the English Comprehensive Regents Exam.

Students must take at least 1 credit of English for their freshman, sophomore, junior and senior year.

For more information please visit the English Program Graduation Requirements Table

Courses:

ENGLISH 9

40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Grade 9 | Course Number: 00103

This course is designed to focus on writing skills, reading skills, listening/ speaking, vocabulary building and spelling. Emphasis will be placed on the skills that should be developed in high school to prepare the student to take the Regents in English/ Language Arts and to also prepare the student for beyond high school. Readings will include both classic and modern works at a variety of levels.

This course is NCAA approved.

ENGLISH 9 HONORS

40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Grade 9 | Course Number: 00104

This course has as its core a greater depth of study than that which may be pursued in English 9 Regents. Work will require synthesis, analysis and application as well as higher level/ critical thinking skills. Emphasis will be placed on reading and writing skills as well as literary analysis of modern and classical literature. Students must be an avid reader and writer, must pass the final exam with a minimum score of 90% in 9H and have a 90% or higher (blue) on AIMS benchmark composite score.

This course is NCAA approved.

ENGLISH 10

40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Grade 10 | Course Number: 00108

Literature is the emphasis of this course with the following objectives.

Students will:

● Learn to read for insight and ideas as well as for information

● Develop writing ability in expressing individual reactions to class discussions and assigned readings

● Increase vocabulary through a study of works encountered in assigned readings

● Learn to express opinions, especially toward literature, by use of specific references from the readings

● Learn grammar and usage necessary to write and converse

● Learn basic literary terms and figures of speech through the reading of drama, short stories, poetry, non-fiction and novels

● Learn research techniques and the correct forms of bibliography and in-text citations necessary to write a research paper

This course is NCAA approved.

ENGLISH 10 WORKSHOP

40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Grade 10 | Course Number: 00110

Literature is the emphasis of this course with the following objectives.

Students will:

● Learn to read for insight and ideas as well as for information

● Develop writing ability in expressing individual reactions to class discussions and assigned readings

● Increase vocabulary through a study of works encountered in assigned readings

● Learn to express opinions, especially toward literature, by use of specific references from the readings

● Learn grammar and usage necessary to write and converse

● Learn basic literary terms and figures of speech through the reading of drama, short stories, poetry, non-fiction and novels

● Learn research techniques and the correct forms of bibliography and in-text citations necessary to write a research paper

ENGLISH 10 HONORS

40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Grade 10 | Course Number: 00109

Prerequisite: English 9H, an 85 average and/ or teacher recommendation

This course is for the self-motivated and determined student. Discussion and class activities move beyond surface level understanding. It is a survey course designed to promote critical analysis and knowledge of literary theory. Through the study of multiple genres, students will be expected to perform at the advanced level. This fast paced and rigorous environment prepares students for success at the AP level and beyond. Class requirements will include, but are not limited to, independent research, higher-level thinking and advanced skill in writing.

This course is NCAA approved.

ENGLISH 11

40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Grade 11 | Course Number: 00113

The curriculum involves a study of American literature, as well as significant selections from British literature. Short stories, poetry, drama, and novels are studied. Vocabulary is developed through a contextual approach and/ or through use of vocabulary books. Composition is a major part of this curriculum, with emphasis on expository and literary essay types. The course encompasses intensive concentration on skills required to pass the Comprehensive English/ Language Arts Regents Examination.

This course is NCAA approved.

ENGLISH 11 HONORS

40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Grade 11 | Course Number: 00114

Prerequisite: English 10H preferred but not required. 85 average and/ or teacher recommendation

The full-length play and the novel are the genres stressed. Students will engage in the writings of weighty authors such as Melville, Hawthorne, Dickinson, Thoreau, Emerson, Whitman, and others. In addition, students are expected to independently research extra materials and read “outside” critical analyses on the writers and works used. Because this course is intended for the highly motivated student, extensive personal involvement via discussions and class presentations is expected, as is a healthy appreciation for challenging literature.

This course is NCAA approved.

AP LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION*

40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Grades 11, 12 | Course Number: 00119

Prerequisite: English 10/ 11 or 10H/ 11H, with at least an 85 average and teacher recommendation

This elective is for any junior or senior who truly appreciates the power of words and the art of language as it appears in our daily lives and in the writings of those who have been published in years past. While promoting writing in many contexts for a variety of purposes, the 11th grade AP English Language course is the place where nonfiction texts and contexts take center stage. Here students think deeply about language as a persuasive tool and about the dynamic relationship of writer, context, audience and argument. We read and write from a different perspective and talk about familiar techniques of diction, syntax, imagery and tone. We learn how persuasive writers combine these devices to the service of argument. This is a fantastic course for students who want a challenging environment in which to grow.

Students will:

● Read, discuss and discover the art within non-fiction, fiction and various mixed media

● Become skilled consumers of information

● Develop credible, ethical, interesting arguments that draw from current events, pop culture, history, their own lives and relevant literature

● Prepare for college level thinking and writing

*There is a course fee for the required AP exam in May (Exam Fee $105)

*STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO STAY IN AP CLASSES THE FIRST FIVE WEEKS OF THE COURSE.

This course is NCAA approved.

AP LITERATURE*

40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Grades 11, 12 | Course Number: 00118

Prerequisite: English 10/ 11 or 10H/ 11H, with at least an 85 average and teacher recommendation

In this literature and composition course, students are engaged in the careful reading of literary works. Through such study, they sharpen their awareness of language and their understanding of the writer’s craft. They develop critical standards for the independent appreciation of any literary work, and they increase their sensitivity to literature as a shared experience. Students will take an AP exam in May. A fee is required for the AP examination.

Students will:

● Read complex and sophisticated works of fiction, poetry and drama

● Write analyses of literature, using a variety of critical perspectives

● Discuss literature with their classmates and teacher

*There is a course fee for the required AP exam in May (Exam Fee $105)

*STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO STAY IN AP CLASSES THE FIRST FIVE WEEKS OF THE COURSE.

This course is NCAA approved.

HUMANITIES 12

40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Grades 12 | Course Number: 00128

The Humanities 12 curriculum is designed to prepare students to be college and career ready. This course is not only designed to make students better readers, writers, speakers and thinkers, but also to make students better educated about themselves as they embark on the real world.

Students will:

● Compose argumentative essays

● Master the research process

● Read, analyze, and respond to novels, short stories, non-fiction, and drama

This course is NCAA approved.

OCC ENGLISH 12

40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Grades 12 | Course Number: 0129A (ENG 103 & ENG 104)

Prerequisite: English 11/11H, AP Language and Composition, or AP Literature with at least an 80 average or English teacher letter of recommendation.

You have an opportunity to earn six State University of New York (SUNY) credit hours tuition-free. This course is a combination of SUNY OCC’s ENG 103 and ENG 104.

ENG 103 Freshman Composition and Literature I (September - January)

Emphasizing the recursive nature of writing and the process of revision, this course teaches students the skills and processes necessary for writing and revising college-level academic prose. Various aspects of writing, including invention/pre-writing, composing, revision, and editing/proofreading will be taught. Critical readings of various nonfiction texts may be used to develop understanding of rhetorical conventions and genres. Composing in and for electronic environments, as well as their conventions, will also be taught.

ENG 104 Freshman Composition and Literature II (January - June)

Teaches students to comprehend, respond to and use the ideas of others in their own writing. Skills such as analytic and critical reading and writing, summarizing, and paraphrasing are developed through the study of literature. Term paper form will also be taught. Prerequisite: ENG 103.

Students who successfully complete this course will earn six credit hours through SUNY OCC.

All students must register through SUNY OCC. There are no fees associated with the course. In order to receive credit for ENG 104, students must receive credit for ENG 103.

This course is NCAA approved.

SUPA WRITING**

40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Grade 12 | Course Number: 00135 (WRT-105)

Prerequisite: English 11/ 11H, AP Language and Composition, or AP Literature with at least an 85 average and teacher recommendation.

Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA)

Do you feel ready for the writing colleges will require? Here’s your chance to take a Syracuse University course right here at CNS. This course will be conducted as a writing workshop, which views writing as a creative, visible, and ongoing process. Understand multiple genres and several different writing situations.

Our Community will:

● Develop a greater understanding of how one’s writing can have an effect on oneself and one’s environment

● Read a variety of informal and formal pieces

● Think and write analytically

● Create evidence based arguments

Everyone in this community will function as active teachers, learners, and writers. Accordingly, you will be asked to write, edit, and rethink your own work, to critique the papers of your peers, to engage in research, and to write critical responses to a variety of assigned texts. The goal of these activities is to help you acquire confidence in your own ability to read and write with precision and sophistication. The three units in this course consist of writing and thinking analytically, developing a research-based argumentative essay, and in culminating a reflective portfolio.

**Students who successfully complete this course have the option of earning three credit hours through Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA) Program. All students must register for SU Credit and pay the current rate of tuition ($345/ course).

**In order for any students to receive Syracuse University Project Advance Credit (SUPA), more than 50% of students in the class must be registered for credit which needs to be done within the first two weeks of class in September.

This course is NCAA approved.

NEWCOMER/SIFE ENL

40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 (entering) | Course Number: 00143

This course is a full year English class for students who have recently entered the country and have a limited English proficiency or who have had interrupted formal education. The purpose of this course is to support newcomer students with their English language development as well as their social-emotional needs. It prepares students with the content and academic language that is needed for success. Students will acquire English skills through reading, writing, listening and speaking. This course will help them acclimate to the U.S. school system as well as bridge the gaps in their education. Students will be given the tools to become confident and successful English Language Learners.

ENL I

40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Grades 9 , 10, 11, 12 (emerging/transitioning) | Course Number: 0145A

This course is a full year English class for ENL students. The class is open to English Language Learners in grades 9-12 based on performance on the NYSESLAT exam and on teacher recommendation. Curriculum is based on the New York State Learning Standards for ELA and on the Common Core Standards. Materials and methodologies are responsive to the lower English Language level of the learners, and instruction is differentiated to accommodate a range of developmental language levels. Students engage in listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities centered around literature, academic topics, and intercultural awareness.

ENL II

40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Grades 9 , 10, 11, 12 (emerging/transitioning) | Course Number: 0145B

This course is a full year English class for ENL students. The class is open to English Language Learners in grades 9-12 based on performance on the NYSESLAT exam and on teacher recommendation. Students engage in listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities in order to acquire the academic English language needed for success in core content areas (English Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and/ or Mathematics).

English Electives:

POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

20 Weeks | 1/2 Credit | Grades 10, 11, 12 | Course Number: 0130

This course does not count towards the required (1) English credit towards graduation.

This course designed for grades 10-12 is an exploration of a life well-lived. It will invite students to understand psychology from a scientifically grounded strengths perspective and equip them to practically apply it as individuals. With units on topics like character strengths and positive relationships, this is an engaging introduction to important concepts for health and human development. Service-learning is a core component of the course, as students work together to develop and implement a project that can benefit the broader community. Typical days consist of team building challenges, creative thinking activities and hands-on tasks based on the Positivity Project.

Students will:

● Become better connected both to their own aspirations, as well as to each other, as they participate in the class

CHILDREN'S LITERATURE

20 Weeks | 1/2 Credit | Grades 11, 12 | Course Number: 0124

This course is designed to make students aware of the benefits and pleasures inherent in exposing children to good literature from a very early age. The types of literature appropriate to various age levels, are examined, discussed, critiqued and even created. This class is predominately hands on, project based learning and is geared to those who enjoy reading, writing and creating original pieces. Each student is responsible for approximately four-five creative, literature based projects throughout the semester.

Students will:

● Complete semester reading project

● Complete a research component

● Create original book(s)

● Actively participate in a Cicero Elementary Partnership

CINEMA

20 Weeks | 1/2 Credit | Grades 11, 12 | Course Number: 0121

Cinema studies theory, terminology, artistry, and genres. The course focuses on the basic elements that will help students become better film viewers and analysts and, potentially, better filmmakers. Some of the film titles we will study include: Batman Begins, Monsters, Inc, The Godfather, The Prestige, Hugo, Edward Scissorhands, Cool Hand Luke and a host of other titles.

Students will:

● Discuss film using cinematic terminology

● Evaluate films critically

● Investigate the importance of editing

● Recognize the role of cinematography

● Write reviews and critiques

● Create storyboards

● Produce a flip book

CREATIVE WRITING

20 Weeks | 1/2 Credit | Grades 11, 12 | Course Number: 0126

This course offers students a learning community where they will investigate and develop their own unique voice and style of writing. Many genres of writing will be studied allowing students to be self-directed learners as they discover genres they prefer. While this course is writing intensive, the writing workshop environment allows students to collaborate with one another and grow as writers.

Students will:

● Experiment with genres including: memoirs, poetry, digital storytelling, short stories, plays, journals and many others

● Participate in a writer’s workshop where they critique work

● Have the opportunity to publish pieces

● Create a diverse portfolio

This course is NCAA approved.

JOURNALISM

20 Weeks | 1/2 Credit | Grades 11, 12 | Course Number: 0122

This course is designed for the journalists of the 21 st century. Students taking this course should possess curiosity and responsibility. Students learn techniques of reportage, from researching, to writing and editing. The emphasis is on writing for publication while fostering the habit of reading for information and enjoyment.

Students will:

● Write a variety of styles for publication, including editorials, features, news, sports, and entertainment

● Research and discuss controversial/ current topics important to society and generate informed responses

● Develop and enhance effective communication skills

This course is NCAA approved.

PUBLIC SPEAKING

20 Weeks | 1/2 Credit | Grades 11, 12 | Course Number: 0115

The fear of speaking ranks up there with the fear of heights and death for ALL people young and old. In this class, the teacher provides the experiences and the framework but the students drive this course-nearly all class time is devoted to student presentations ranging from informative speeches to persuasive and speaking exercises like picking subjects out of a hat and thinking on your feet. So, if you want to improve your communication skills, this is the environment for you. 30 One of the bonuses to this class is the diverse bunch of students who take the course, giving you the rare opportunity in our big school to meet new people. The skills you learn here, you will take with you for the rest of your life. Sign up!

Students will:

● Learn ways to overcome fears of public speaking

● Experience a variety of speaking types

● Become confident in speaking both formally and informally

This course is NCAA approved.

SUPA PRESENTATIONS**

20 Weeks | 1/2 Credit | Grade 12 | Course Number: 00134

Prerequisite: English 11/ 11H, AP Language and Composition, or AP Literature with at least an 85 average and teacher recommendation.

Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA)

Nearly all secondary schools require a public speaking course and we offer Syracuse University’s Presentational Speaking course right here at CNS for any interested senior. The credits transfer to all colleges and universities and the communication skills stay with you for life. In this class, we explore multiple modes of presentation styles in order to deliver a message. Students are exposed to various organizational techniques and are given the opportunity to use their own interests and personalities to develop their speeches. Each student becomes a voice for awareness and change.

Students will :

● Follow the SU syllabus and experience the rigor of college level work

● Overcome anxieties associated with public speaking

● Develop confidence

● Learn the value of constructive feedback both as a speaker and as a listener

Note: Anyone can take this course. There is NOT a prerequisite

This course is NCAA approved.

THEATER

20 Weeks | 1/2 Credit | Grades 11, 12 | Course Number: 00125

This performance-oriented course will introduce students to the many facets of theatre: theatre history, pantomime, improvisation, acting techniques, stagecraft, scriptwriting and playwriting with a focus on monologues, one-act plays and full length plays. This course will also study drama from a wide range of writers, time periods and perspectives, and will focus on improving reading , writing , communication and performance skills. After studying the various aspects of theatre, students will then be provided with ample opportunities to practice the craft firsthand.

Students will :

● Read and perform plays from major periods in theatre history

● Create original scripts for performance

● Engage in classroom performances from a variety of genres

● Complete a research based project and performance

● Memorize and deliver dramatic works

● Fully develop scenes and characters

● Analyze the qualities of effective performances and audiences

● Work collaboratively on projects and performance

FUNDAMENTALS OF DESIGN FOR THEATRE

40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Grades 10, 11, 12 | Course Number: 0650

Prerequisites: Students interested in a career in acting, directing, technical theatre, and stage activities.

Have you ever wondered how all the magic happens on stage? We reveal all the backstage secrets in this course. Covered topics include: a brief history of theatre architecture and stage technology, the stage and its equipment, scenic design, lighting and sound design, construction techniques, and costuming. Specific emphasis will be on the use of color and artistic choices to communicate effectively on stage.

Students will:

● Experiment with the elements of design and composition in theatre

● Build props, design/ build sets, and paint them for the CNS fall play, spring musical and Talent Show

● Learn color theory, script analysis and develop a personal artistic style

● Understand the roles and responsibilities of Artistic Directors, The Design Team, Crew and the Stage Manager in unifying the “production concept”

● Understand the principles of perspective drawing and drafting in scenic design, including manual drafting and CAD using Vectorworks

● Travel to Syracuse Stage for a private backstage tour in November and a group viewing of a December show.

● Experiment with sound and lighting design to communicate a message to the audience

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