AMERICAN FILM IN CONTEXT AND CULTURE II

Semester | 2.5 credits | Grade Level: 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of American Film in Context I

The primary focus of this course is on developing and synthesizing skills acquired in American Film I, and broadening them to contemplate the inherently interdisciplinary relationship of the medium of Film. Students will read extensively from original source material of authors, painters, musicians, and directors, as well as critical responses and interpretations of Films, to meaningfully contemplate the metaphor of Film as a canvas that synthesizes Literature, Music, and Visual Arts. Students will examine certain directors, focusing on their individual styles and genres, through an interdisciplinary lens. Close reading of texts and Films, as well as a variety of written responses and creative projects, with a heavy emphasis on interdisciplinary study, comprise the assessment portion of the course.

THE ART OF WRITING

Semester | 2.5 credits | Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): None

Discover your voice as a writer and explore genres from poetry through essay in this fully differentiated, workshop class that brings each individual writer closer to their personal best. You will leave this class with a significantly increased level of confidence in your abilities as a writer. You will have the option of selecting the types of writing pieces to complete, and you will receive support from both your peers and teacher to fine tune your work. This course provides focused support on developing a personal essay for college admissions, as well as opportunities to experiment with a variety of writing styles for different purposes.

BOOKS & FILM

Semester | 2.5 credits | Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): IEP Recommendation Only

This course explores the influence of literature on film. Students examine great literature and compare and contrast it to motion picture productions. Background and critical reading are required as a written evaluation of films being viewed in the class. Students will read from original source materials of authors and directors, as well as critical responses and interpretations of Films. Course requirements focus on in-class activities, hands-on assignments, and group discussions.

COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

Semester | 2.5 credits | Grade Level: 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): None

Students examine the importance of media literacy in our changing society, analyzing the influence of print and broadcast advertising, television, and other forms of mass media in the shaping of public values, opinions, and self- images. The class learns through hands-on assignments, reading, discussion of controversial media issues, and exploration of topics with experts in the field.

English 12 Option: This course may count toward the English language arts requirement for graduation in place of English 12 only when paired with another English 12 option.

CREATIVE WRITING

Semester | 2.5 credits | Grade Level: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): None

Designed as a writing workshop, students build portfolios of their writings in various genres. All writing is based in student interest; development of that writing is achieved through one-to-one conferencing with the instructor.

CREATIVE NONFICTION HONORS (SHUPA)

Semester | 2.5 credits | Grade Level: 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): None

Creative nonfiction is a new genre that utilizes fiction-style writing techniques (such as scenes, precise description, dialogue, and flashback) within writing that represents what is real. This course involves close reading and “shared inquiry” seminar-style discussion of several works by leading contemporary essayists and journalists, in addition to a writing workshop in which students write their own essays.

English 12 Option: This course may count toward the English language arts requirement for graduation in place of English 12, only when paired with another English 12 option.

Dual Enrollment Opportunity: Enrollment in the Seton Hall University Project Acceleration (SHUPA) program at a cost of approximately $225.00 yields three (3) college credits for those students who successfully complete the class.

GREAT BOOKS AND IDEAS HONORS

Semester | 2.5 credits | Grade Level: 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): 11th graders: Completion of English 10 Honors OR a final grade of B or higher in English 10 College Prep

Great Books is designed to help students discover what literature has to say about the individual and his/her place in the world. Students actively search for meaning in challenging texts, discuss important ideas they have discovered, and share their critical reflections by writing about those works. Purchase of materials from the Great Books Foundation is strongly recommended for participants in this course.

English 12 Option: This course may count toward the English language arts requirement for graduation in place of English 12 only when paired with another English 12 option and with completion of English 11 Honors OR a final grade of B or higher in English 11 College Prep

JOURNALISM I

Semester | 2.5 credits | Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): None

This course may count toward the 21st Century Life & Careers requirement for graduation. Journalism is designed to introduce students to the world of journalistic writing and life as a journalist. Students will study the profession, as well as create, research, and write their own articles. Successful articles will be published in Paramus High School’s newspaper, The Forum Press. Students will also study the importance of media literacy and discuss the intricate ways journalism helps to shape American society and culture. At the end of the semester, students will create a media literacy project in which they analyze how media sources report similarly or differently on the same issue.

PUBLIC SPEAKING

Semester | 2.5 credits | Grade Level: 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): None

This course provides instruction and experience in the preparation and delivery of speeches within a public setting and group discussion. Emphasis is on research, preparation, delivery and evaluation of informative, persuasive, and special occasion public speaking. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare and deliver well-organized speeches and participate in group discussions with appropriate audiovisual support. Students should also demonstrate the speaking, listening, and interpersonal skills necessary to be effective communicators in academic settings, in the workplace, and in the community.

SAT/ACT PREP FOR CRITICAL READING AND WRITING

Semester | 2.5 credits | Grade Level: 10, 11

Prerequisite(s): None

Vocabulary, verbal reasoning, and reading comprehension are essential to good performance on the SAT and ACT. This course provides students with a close review of these units. Students enrolled in this course MUST take an A-List practice SAT test given during the semester. This course is highly recommended for any student who plans to take the SAT or ACT college admissions test.

YEARBOOK JOURNALISM AND DESIGN

Full Year | 5 credits | Grade Level: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): Previous Photography or Graphic Design coursework preferred

This course is designed for students with a love of writing and graphic design. Classroom instruction is a study in journalistic writing and objective style, in addition to teaching layout and editing skills. Students are responsible for producing the school yearbook, The Delphian. Once the instructor has reviewed the basics of journalism, the class is run like a real publishing company and is primarily student-directed. In classes offered during the first semester, students will work on creating the current yearbook and the senior class video. During the second semester, students will work on finishing the current yearbook, finalizing the senior class video, and beginning the upcoming yearbook. Students will function as staff members and learn various aspects of the yearbook publication process such as layout and design, copywriting, photography, budget and finance, and promotion and publicity. The book is built online. Students are responsible for producing complete layouts in order to meet publication deadlines.

YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE

Semester | 2.5 credits | Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): None

Students who enjoy reading fiction are encouraged to take this course. Titles studied include: The Perks of Being a Wallflower, My Sister’s Keeper, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, The Hunger Games, and Thirteen Reasons Why. The genre of Young Adult literature will also be explored, particularly the elements and issues that make up a young adult text. Contemporary issues discussed in the class will concern multiculturalism, friendship, gender and orientation, body image, bullying and social standing, justice/injustice, and familial relationships and difficulties. Students will work on critical reading skills, such as in-depth character analysis, theme development, and comprehension in this open-ended and self-directed course. Students will discuss and analyze the culture of teens and analyze how teens are portrayed in the novels, how young adult literature develops a young adult’s worldview, and literary elements of young adult literature.