All students are required to take 4 credits of English for graduation (Freshman English, Sophomore English, American Literature Course, and an English elective). An English class must be taken each year of high school. Listed below are suggested sequences for students. Students will have the option of changing as their academic plans change.

100-FRESHMAN ENGLISH-HONORS (1 credit)

110-FRESHMAN ENGLISH-Level 1 (1 credit)

120-FRESHMAN ENGLISH (1 credit)

Honors is strongly recommended if considering AP Literature & Composition.

Students develop a working knowledge of the use of language. Students expand their vocabulary and develop their speaking, listening, and writing skills. The students critically read, view, and interpret short stories, novels, plays, and nonfiction selections. Students are expected to develop comprehension skills through independent reading. Outside/summer reading requirements must be met in order for students to complete MLA reading/writing activities within the first weeks of class.

122-INTRODUCTION TO WRITING

(½ credit)

Incoming students develop their essay writing ability by improving their grammar, mechanics, and word choice skills. They extend their writing opportunity by using all steps of the writing process from prewriting to publishing. Students will practice writing skills applicable across the curriculum. Specific skills will include applying MLA formatting, developing thesis statements supported by evidence, introducing and concluding essays, developing unified paragraphs, and expressing an original voice while avoiding plagiarism.

This course is required for all freshmen.

123-ESSAY WRITING

(½ credit)

Students develop their essay writing ability by improving their grammar, mechanics, and word choice skills. They extend their writing opportunities by using the writing process and word processing. Students develop a variety of essays, which may include narration, description, demonstration, cause/effect, persuasion, and a multi-genre research paper. Students can conference on essays from other content areas.

Prerequisite: Freshman English or Introduction to Writing

124-FILM ANALYSIS

(½ credit)

Students will learn about the formal elements of film (narrative, mise-en-scene, cinematography, sound and editing). Students will watch a variety of films, from Classic Hollywood to modern blockbusters, writing analysis essays and examining how the medium of film differs from that of literature. A strong emphasis on writing, reading, and visual analysis will be evaluated.

Prerequisite: Junior or Senior

125-SOPHOMORE ENGLISH-HONORS (1 credit)

130-SOPHOMORE ENGLISH-Level 1 (1 credit)

140-SOPHOMORE ENGLISH (1 credit)

Honors is strongly recommended if considering AP Literature & Composition.

Students study grammar, composition, and literature. They apply grammar usage concepts in written and oral assignments and learn to write a formal essay and a research paper. They read and analyze novels as well as works of nonfiction, poetry, mythology, and drama. They also complete vocabulary units. They learn study skill techniques for reading, note taking, and test taking. Outside/summer reading requirements must be met in order for students to complete MLA reading/writing activities within the first weeks of class.

Prerequisite: Freshman English

For students to select Honors or Level 1, they need to earn a B- or better in the current Honors or L1 English course.

129-HEROES AND VILLAINS Level 1

131-HEROES AND VILLAINS

(½ credit)

Students study the characteristics of heroes and villains from the Classical Age to modern media. They take into consideration what the creator of the character had in mind, what circumstances affected this person’s actions, and what culture or society produced this character. They discuss how their own principles, prejudices, and associations influence people’s perceptions. They read stories that seem to have an obvious hero and an obvious villain and learn how character development, sentiment, and tone can blur the line between hero and villain.

Prerequisite: Junior or Senior; Sophomore English

132-SHORT STORIES (½ credit)

Students will be introduced to a range of short texts written in various styles and forms. The course aims to broaden

students’ understanding and appreciation of the range of writing in short forms, as well as increase students’ skills in

short writing assignments. Best Shorts is particularly appropriate for encouraging comparative analysis in literary cultures,

societal issues, and global media. Students will read, write, think and discuss critically the material covered in class.

Prerequisite: Junior or Senior, Sophomore English

136-ORAL COMMUNICATION (½ credit)

Students prepare to assume an active part in those phases of professional and social life requiring effective oral communication. They improve skills in public speaking, self-confidence, and self-awareness. Students learn to speak clearly and pointedly, and to plan and organize thought before delivery. Along with formal and impromptu speech-making, students critically analyze, research, and argue topics of interest.

147-CREATIVE WRITING

CC (1 credit)

Students develop their skills in writing poetry, prose, fiction, and drama, while working on specific exercises in a supportive critical environment. Because of the strong emphasis on peer editing, students must be mature enough to give and receive constructive criticism regarding sensitive, often personal, work. Some exercises expose students to the protocols, as well as the problems associated with particular genres of writing; others assist the writer in mastering specific writing skills. Students read texts by various published authors for instructional support. Grammar and punctuation skills are reinforced as needed. Summer writing requirements must be met.

Prerequisite: Sophomore, Junior or Senior; Essay Writing

151-COLLEGE COMPOSITION

CC (1 credit)

Students develop a mastery of the writing process, particularly an ability to reconsider and revise their own work. Students

practice writing effectively for college courses across the curriculum areas and for their own personal and professional lives.

Students practice narrative, informational and research writing. They review Standard English grammar and MLA

documentation. The writing assignments include SAT writing samples, college application and scholarship essays, a range of

college writing assignments, and a persuasive research paper.

Prerequisite: Junior or Senior; Essay Writing or SAT EBRW score of at least 550

152-MEDIA LITERACY

(½ credit)

This course will provide a 21^st century look at the media of American culture and the cultures in the rest of the world. It will provide a critical lens through which to view all forms of media, including those in print, on video, and web-based. Through this class, students will learn the skills necessary to evaluate and closely analyze ideas on social media, objectively critique advertisements for possible hidden meaning and propaganda, and learn how to produce valid creations of their own that are both meaningful and timely to members of a democratic nation.

Prerequisite: Junior or Senior; Intro to Writing or Essay Writing

155-AMERICAN LITERATURE CLASSICS

CC (1 credit)

American Literature focuses on the classics and requires students to read notable works throughout American History spanning

from the 1700s to the 1950s in various genres: short story, novel, poetry, drama and essay. Students read both fiction and

nonfiction works written by authors from the United States. Students analyze the importance of the readings and specific issues

and literary trends. They learn by reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing print sources, the arts, and media.

Students expand vocabulary skills. Students also explore the college application process. Outside/summer reading

requirements must be met in order for students to complete MLA reading/writing activities within the first weeks of

class. This course is recommended for any students interested in taking AP Literature and Composition.

Prerequisite: Sophomore English

For students to select CC, they need to earn a B- or better in a current Level 1 English course.

156-AMERICAN LITERATURE CONTEMPORARIES-Level 1 (1 credit)

157-AMERICAN LITERATURE CONTEMPORARIES (1 credit)

American Literature Contemporaries requires students to read notable, contemporary, American works spanning from the

1950s to the present day in various genres: short story, novel, poetry, drama and essay. Students read both fiction and

nonfiction works written by authors from the United States. Students analyze the importance of the readings and specific issues

and literary trends. They learn by reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing print sources, the arts, and media.

Students expand vocabulary skills. Students also explore the college application process. Outside/summer reading

requirements must be met in order for students to complete MLA reading/writing activities within the first weeks of class.

This course is recommended for any students interested in taking AP Literature and Composition.

Prerequisite: Sophomore English

For students to select Level 1, they need to earn a B- or better in a current Honors or Level 1 English course.

166-WORLD LITERATURE CONTEMPORARIES I Level 1 (½ credit)

167-WORLD LITERATURE CONTEMPORARIES I (½ credit)

World Literature Contemporaries emphasizes the themes prevalent in works characteristic of different countries. In fictional and nonfiction works, students learn how authors reflect the times, ideas, and social issues of the period. Students analyze world literature by reading, writing, speaking, listening, and critical viewing. Students expand vocabulary and writing skills.

Prerequisite: Senior

For students to select Level 1, they need to earn a B- or better in the current Level 1 English course.

183-AP ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION

AP (1 credit)

The AP Literature and Composition course engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. The course includes intensive study of representative works from various genres and periods, concentrating on works of recognized literary merit from the sixteenth to the twenty-first century. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style, and themes as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. The writing assignments focus on the critical analysis of literature and include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays (APcentral.collegeboard.com). Students will be able to take the AP Literature and Composition exam as administered by College Board. Test fees are the responsibility of the student. Students must meet all AP reading requirements, including outside reading assignments.

Prerequisite: Junior or Senior; American Literature Classics or American Literature Contemporaries L1 or World Literature Classics or World Literature Contemporaries II L1; may be taken concurrently. For a student to take this course, they need to earn a B- or better in Sophomore English Honors or Level 1.

186-WORLD LITERATURE CLASSICS

Honors (1 credit)

World Literature that focuses on the classics requires students to read notable works throughout the centuries in the various genres: short story, novel, poetry, epic, drama, and essay. Students read both fictional and nonfiction works written by authors from countries other than the United States. Students analyze the importance of the readings and their influence on modern retellings. They connect ancient classic literature to contemporary literature. They learn by reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing print sources, the arts, and media. Outside/summer reading requirements must be met in order for students to complete MLA reading/writing activities within the first weeks of class.

Prerequisite: American Literature Classics, American Literature Contemporaries L1

For students to select the Honors level, they need to earn a B- or better in the current L1, Honors or College Credit English course.

ENGLISH ELECTIVES

(Note: These courses do not meet graduation requirements for English credits.)

148-YEARBOOK

148L1-YEARBOOK L1

148H-YEARBOOK HON

(1 credit)

Students will be challenged with real world projects and assignments, such as newsletters and the Pelham High School yearbook, which is an archival, heirloom product that must meet publication guidelines. Students will gain skills in the following areas: interviewing, pre-writing, copywriting, editing, photography, record keeping, time management, teamwork, page design, publishing techniques, marketing, and leadership skills. High quality work is expected at all times.

Requirements: Two recommendations from teachers before the end of the previous school year. Plus, the ability to

work independently, collaborate with a team, meet after school, attend various school activities, pay attention to detail, and

have a firm grasp of the English language.

Prerequisite: Junior or Senior

159-ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS

Level 1 (½ credit)

In this course, students will embark on a semester long inquiry based research assignment, allowing students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest. Students will design, plan, and implement their investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry they will further develop research skills, utilize the information search process (Carol Kuhlthau), and understand the legal and ethical uses of information including economic and social issues that affect that use. Students will synthesize the information landscape of the 20th and 21st centuries to reflect upon how it impacts their life. Sample of research from another course and interview may be requested. This course does NOT meet the English graduation requirement.

Prerequisite: Freshman English, Sophomore English.